Martha Stewart Weddings

A Rustic, Modern Brown-and-White Wedding on a Ranch in California

December 22, 2011

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Jose and Joel

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

How do a wedding filmmaker and photographer explain what makes them click? With camera metaphors, of course. “He is a Holga,” says Joel Serrato (the filmmaker) of his longtime love, Jose Villa (the photographer), referring to the cultish toy camera that produces artsy, imperfect images. “He’s taught me how to create beauty with simple, inexpensive things.” And Joel? “A Hasselblad,” says Jose, with a laugh, invoking a pricey professional model. “High-maintenance and a bit complicated -- but we balance each other out.”

Clad in custom Hugo Boss suits, Jose Villa (far left) and Joel Serrato say “squeeze!” in California on their wedding day.

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The Venue

Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography

The showpiece at the 150-acre Figueroa Mountain is a 200-year-old farmhouse.

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The Invitation Suite

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Letterpress invitations were bundled in onionskin paper and twine, then slipped into hand-stitched leather envelopes for mailing -- calligraphy and stamps went right onto the material. Coasters branded with the couple’s initials carry the look through to the reception.

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Meaningful Display

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

On the big day, Jose kept his late grandfather close, displaying his antique camera in the couple’s dressing room.

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Thoughtful Gift

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Before the ceremony, Joel gave Jose this lamp made from antique camera parts.

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The Ceremony

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Together, the couple walked down an aisle flanked by wooden benches and succulents, including prickly pear cactus. “We wanted to let the setting speak for itself,” says event planner Lisa Vorce of Oh, How Charming! about the less-is-more decorating approach. “Jose reminded me to take it all in -- to look at the mountains and watch the wind passing through the grass,” says Joel.

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Programs

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

The couple’s Polaroid collection, which launched the design scheme, shows up on ceremony programs.

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The Happy Couple

The couple shared a private moment after the ceremony.

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Bouquets

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Female relatives carried bouquets of ranunculus, ‘Claire de Lune’ roses, dusty miller, and succulents wrapped in linen.

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The Boutonnieres

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

The grooms chose from three sets of succulent boutonnieres; their pick is embellished with vintage “J” buttons, while the other options feature copper leaves or tangerine echeveria blossoms.

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Fresh Fruit

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Bags of clementines were on hand for color -- and snacking.

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Friendly Guests

Backed by their venue, the Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, Joel and Jose were congratulated by good friend Lacie (who’s also the studio manager for Jose Villa Photography) and her boyfriend, Tyler.

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The Place Setting

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Leather napkin wraps, finished with wax seals, distinguish each place setting.

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Sweet Sacks

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Monogrammed muslin bags hold sweets from the Mexican-themed dessert bar.

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Classic Confection

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

The cake features sugar succulents on a snowy fondant canvas.

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Centerpieces

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Window-box-like centerpieces brim with prickly pear cactus, echeveria, Aeoniums, garden roses, and Spanish moss.

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All Together Now

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

A hay-bale wall, knocked over by heavy gusts, becomes the perfect platform for a group shot.

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Dinner

Credit: Elizabeth Messina

Nothing’s more romantic than dozens of flickering candles on a windswept night. Their wrought-iron perches, along with frayed-edge linen tablecloths, galvanized-copper floral containers, and all that worn wood, create an at-ease, elbows-on-the-table effect.

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Sources

Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography

Location: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse

Event Design & Production: Oh, How Charming!

Event Design & Flowers: Mindy Rice Floral and Event Design

Catering: New West Special Occasion Catering

Stationery: Papel Paper & Press

Calligraphy: Anne Jones

Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop

Lighting: Bella Vista Designs

Wedding Photography: Elizabeth Messina

Wedding Filmmaker: Joe Simon Wedding Films

Grooms’ Attire: Hugo Boss (suits and shirts; hugoboss.com); Ben Sherman (Jose’s tie; bensherman.com); Forage (Joel’s bow tie; forage.bigcartel.com); Santoni (shoes; usa.santonishoes.com)

Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Bolero Soul

Reception Music: Michael Antonia of The Flashdance

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Specialty Décor: Barker Décor Service

Wedding Bands: Waxing Poetic

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