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  7. The Contemporary Décor at This California Wedding Contrasted Beautifully with the Natural Setting
Martha Stewart Weddings

The Contemporary Décor at This California Wedding Contrasted Beautifully with the Natural Setting

By Marilyn Oliveira March 26, 2020
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Caitlin and Fletcher wedding couple posing
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

San Luis Obispo played host to this beautiful event on a former horse ranch.

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Caitlin and Fletcher wedding couple posing
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

The vision Caitlin Rowland and Fletcher Boyle had for their wedding was one where the focus was on fun. "We just wanted to have a big party with all of our favorite people, amazing food, drinks, and music," Cait says. "All, of course, in a beautiful setting."

That setting was chosen shortly after their engagement ("Fletch surprised me with a trip to New Orleans and he proposed at The Columns Hotel," recalls Cait), during a birthday trip to San Francisco—that was rerouted, last minute, to San Luis Obispo. "Unfortunately, the wildfires were so bad that everyone in San Francisco was wearing medical masks and every drug store was sold out of them," explains Cait. "So, we canceled all the plans I had made, rented a car, and drove to San Luis Obispo. I went to Cal Poly for undergrad and grad school, and I'm pretty much in love with SLO, and have been talking about how amazing it is since the day I met Fletch." While the pair was driving down, Fletch did a Google search for "most spectacular wedding venues," and among the long list properties available was Greengate Ranch & Vineyard. "Fletch called on a whim, and scheduled a time to see it," says Cait. "We fell in love with it at first sight and never looked at any other venues."

The couple joined forces with Vanessa Noel of Vanessa Noel Events to design a wedding that was relaxed, but chic. "Cait mentioned early on that she isn't really a 'girly girl,' so we kept things on the more neutral and textural side," says Vanessa, who brought in modern pieces to help the event stay contemporary in its design. The verdant grounds of the property served as the beautiful backdrop for the ceremony, while a rustic-chic wooden barn hosted the reception.

"We both love it when our friends and family are having a blast, and so our focus was really just on throwing a fun party," says Cait. "That's probably the best way the wedding reflected who we are as a couple. Also, we wanted the ceremony to be intimate and authentic, and we think that was a pretty solid reflection of us as well."

When it comes to advice they have for other couples, the pair says to keep it simple. "Pick a beautiful venue that speaks to you," Cait advises. "It sets the scene for your memories of the day and creates a vibe for your guests to soak in."

Watch Cait and Fletch's wedding video by Vision on Fire.

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Contemporary Suite

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding invites stationery
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

The couple kept their invitation design clean, simple, and contemporary, a look that spoke to the overall aesthetic of their big day. "Invites were black-and-white with modern typography," says planner Vanessa Noel of Vanessa Noel Events. Envelopes in a deep forest green added a touch of subtle color, while a leather tie held all notes together; the ties reappeared on the reception's napkin treatments.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Fonts

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Owe You One

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding dress bride and mother
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Cait wasn't initially a fan of her Rue de Seine wedding dress. "My friend pulled it out and I told her how ugly it was, but said I would try it on so she would owe me one," recalls the bride. "I put it on and immediately, we all loved it. I guess I owe her one!"

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Anemones

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding bouquet bride
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

The bride's bouquet featured anemones accented with white peonies and blush roses.

  • 25 Anemone Wedding Bouquets for Every Type of Bride

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Something Blue Groom

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding groom
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Fletch donned a bespoke, three-piece blue suit from Burdi Clothing for the big day. 

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Ladies' Choice

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding bridesmaids and bride
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Cait asked her bridesmaids to wear the long white dresses of their choosing, resulting in a beautiful mix of cohesive styles.

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Navy Gents

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding groomsmen and groom
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Fletch's group of groomsmen presented a unified front; they wore their own navy suits, sans ties.

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An Emotional First Look

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding couple first look
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Cait was nervous about sharing a first look with Fletch ahead of the ceremony. "It's weird having an intimate experience while people are watching, filming, and taking pictures," she admits. "But after I saw and hugged him, I felt calmer and way less awkward."

Fletch was extremely moved by the moment. "I was trying to prepare myself not to cry when I saw her, but no luck there," he says.

  • Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic

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Serene Décor

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding ceremony space
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

The ceremony décor was designed to be gentle on the senses. "We wanted a sort of overgrown, organic, garden-party feeling for the ceremony set at the pond," says Vanessa.

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Garden Arch

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding ceremony arch
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

"Carla with Idlewild Floral created an arch structure made fully of floral and foliage. Nothing was too bold or saturated; all the elements in the arch were textural, soft, and airy," adds Vanessa.

  • 59 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony

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A Tisket, a Tasket

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding ceremony flowers
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Smokebush-filled baskets marked the foot of the aisle, and played nicely with rows of wooden garden chairs.

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A Lighthearted Ceremony

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding ceremony couple
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

The couple had two friends officiate the ceremony, which was filled with laughter. "It was absolutely perfect," says Cait. "The weather was amazing, the music was exactly as we envisioned, and we enjoyed being in a little bubble together with all our friends and loved ones there to celebrate with us."

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Sealed with a Kiss

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding ceremony kiss couple
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

After being pronounced husband and wife, Cait and Fletch recessed back up the aisle, sharing a kiss as they reached the top.

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Mobile Bar

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding cocktail hour mini bus
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Guests ordered beverages, listed on a custom sign, from an aqua-blue mobile bar that was set up just outside the reception area.

  • Mobile Bars and Food Trucks That Can Roll Right Up to Your Reception

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Contemporary Lounge Seating

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding outdoor lounge
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Lounge areas were placed outdoors; the modern indoor furniture offered a chic contrast to the natural surroundings.

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Playing Games

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding lawn games guests
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Lawn games, like cornhole, were splayed out on the lawn, much to the delight of the attendees.

  • Fun Wedding Games That Will Keep Guests Laughing

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Find Your Seat

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding seating chart
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Modern signage, attached to a chic black stand flanked by baskets of grassy foliage, showcased guests' seating assignments.

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Into the Barn

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding barn
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Greengate Ranch & Vineyard's soaring wooden barn served as the main reception space.

  • 10 Things to Consider Before Planning a Barn Wedding

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A Striking Focal Point

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding reception space
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

The party's most defining feature? The lighting and draping placed over the dance floor. "To break up the darkness in the barn, we planned a criss-cross pattern of draping," explains Vanessa. "But in an effort to not have anything feel too glam, we opted for a natural muslin that didn't offer too stark a contrast. We layered various whitewashed and gray beaded chandeliers overhead for even more impact."

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Elegant Reception Tables

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding reception tables
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Long tables on criss-cross stands were arranged together and surrounded by chic black bistro chairs.

  • Search Results Web results Popular Wedding Rental Chair Types

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A Touch of Color

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding reception table centerpieces and place settings
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

One of the couple's favorite elements was the dark green stoneware that rested at each place setting. Paired with vintage rocks glasses and accented with leather-tied striped napkins, the plates were nestled with die-cut menus.

  • The Prettiest Place Settings from Real Celebrations

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Sweet Treats

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding ice cream truck
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

In lieu of a wedding cake, Cait and Fletch had an ice cream truck on hand to serve guests; a sundae bar was also set up, so guests could fashion their own desserts.

  • Mouthwatering Ways to Serve Ice Cream at Your Wedding

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A Joy-Filled First Dance

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding couple first dance
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Cait and Fletch took their first dance to "Coming Home" by Leon Bridges. "Fletch loves Leon Bridges and we felt that it was a beautiful and fitting song for us," says Cait.

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Light the Night

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding barn lights
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

String lights lit up the night and the barn's exterior, where the celebrants retreated to take a break from the merriment just inside.

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Sources

Caitlin and Fletcher wedding couple kissing by tree
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Photography, Ashley Ludaescher Photography
Venue, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard
Event Design and Planning, Vanessa Noel Events
Videography, Vision on Fire
Flowers, Idlewild Floral
Invitations and Stationery, Fete & Quill
Officiants, Sarah Spooner and Cory Bangert
Bride's Gown, Rue De Seine
Jewelry, Dana Rebecca
Shoes, Alexandre Birman
Hair, Blushing Beauty
Makeup, Amanda Olson Beauty
Groom's Attire, Burdi Clothing
Engagement Ring, Tapper's
Wedding Bands, Brilliant Earth; Tapper's
Music, Lucky Devils Band
Catering, Field to Table Catering & Events
Ice Cream Truck, Negranti Creamery
Rentals, All About Events; Avenue Twelve; Embellish Vintage Rentals; SCOUT Rental Co.
Transportation, SLO Safe Ride
Lighting, Bella Vista Designs
Bartending, Copper & Crystal

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    1 of 25
    2 of 25 Contemporary Suite
    3 of 25 Owe You One
    4 of 25 Anemones
    5 of 25 Something Blue Groom
    6 of 25 Ladies' Choice
    7 of 25 Navy Gents
    8 of 25 An Emotional First Look
    9 of 25 Serene Décor
    10 of 25 Garden Arch
    11 of 25 A Tisket, a Tasket
    12 of 25 A Lighthearted Ceremony
    13 of 25 Sealed with a Kiss
    14 of 25 Mobile Bar
    15 of 25 Contemporary Lounge Seating
    16 of 25 Playing Games
    17 of 25 Find Your Seat
    18 of 25 Into the Barn
    19 of 25 A Striking Focal Point
    20 of 25 Elegant Reception Tables
    21 of 25 A Touch of Color
    22 of 25 Sweet Treats
    23 of 25 A Joy-Filled First Dance
    24 of 25 Light the Night
    25 of 25 Sources

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    The Contemporary Décor at This California Wedding Contrasted Beautifully with the Natural Setting
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