Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Summer Weddings A Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at the Bride's Family Ranch in Santa Ysabel, California By Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland is a contributing writer with more than a decade of experience as a freelance lifestyle writer. Editorial Guidelines Published on September 22, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Sophie Epton After Garrett Bankhead proposed to his girlfriend of four years, Molly Agee, during a sunset walk on vacation in Oahu, Hawaii, the couple quickly settled on a wedding location they loved: Molly's family's ranch in Santa Ysabel, California. "We wanted something that felt like the both of us and wanted to make sure we were surrounded by our closest friends and family," says Molly. "Being outdoors on the family ranch and incorporating our love for horses was important. We grew up riding horses, so having it at the ranch was super special!" With help from Amorology, the couple chose a theme based on Molly's favorite song, "From the Ground Up," and added subtle nods to the couple's equestrian hobby. An earthy color palette included shades of pink, red, and yellow—mauve, mustard, rose, rust, terra cotta, blush—and light wood accents. On July 10, 2021, 150 guests joined the couple as they exchanged their vows by the edge of a shimmering pond, surrounded by endless views of the landscape's rolling hills. Cocktails, dinner, and dancing followed, all on the family's property. At the party, personal, on-theme details abounded, from the pressed floral escort card display and the tiny hay bale table numbers to the tack and feed-inspired dessert station. "Being able to get ready at home, and have the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception there, was such a dream. We wanted things to feel effortless, easy, and fun and that is just how the night went," says Molly. "Enjoy every moment, because when the day comes, it goes by so, so fast!" 01 of 19 Portrait Mode Sophie Epton A highlight of the couple's suite from Four Things Paper was a custom painting of the ranch and its horses, which appeared on the envelope liner and other detail cards. "Mixed with a light terra-cotta envelope and vintage stamps, it was the perfect pairing and entry into our wedding-day design," says Molly. 02 of 19 Trusting Her Instincts Sophie Epton Molly had a general idea of what she wanted in a wedding dress—until she started shopping. "I came in thinking I would find something with a unique material that wasn't so form-fitting," she says, "but when I tried a handful of gowns, I just didn't feel what I thought I was supposed to feel when I find 'the one.'" But when she put on an Alexandra Grecco silk slip gown, with its plunging neckline and open back, "I instantly knew," she says. "I just went with my gut feeling on which dress I felt was right." Your Ultimate Wedding Dress Checklist 03 of 19 Beautiful Blooms Sophie Epton Her bouquet was an "effortless, playful mix of lush florals, seasonal blooms, and textures with delicate wispy greenery," she says. 04 of 19 Peachy Keen Sophie Epton Molly's bridesmaids wore the same gown in coordinating tones of pink, peach, and red. "The dresses' materials all fit very well with my gown and the style was super flattering yet classy!" says the bride. Instead of carrying bouquets that matched Molly's, the women wore flower crowns, cuffs, or hair accents with fresh and dried florals. 38 Looks That Prove Bridesmaids' Dresses Can Be Chic 05 of 19 A (Not So) Private Moment Sophie Epton A grape arbor along the side of the family home provided a secluded spot for the couple's first look. "We were both super nervous, but seeing each other only made us more excited for everything to come!" says Molly. But the moment wasn't as private as they had anticipated: "Our first look was supposed to be just us, but all of the moms and bridesmaids came running down and hid in the bushes—we just turned around to see them and started laughing," says Molly. "They were trying to be sneaky, but definitely didn't do a good job. It lightened the mood, though!" 06 of 19 Tan Session Sophie Epton Garrett and his groomsmen wore tan three-piece suits from Friar Tux, incorporating the neutral tones of the color palette to set off the brighter gowns the women chose. The groom's floral tie and more striking boutonnière helped him stand out. 07 of 19 Garden-Inspired Sophie Epton At the ceremony, white wooden crossback chairs were placed in rows facing the altar area. Growing floral arrangements from The Dainty Lion lined the aisle with asymmetrical, textural collections of pink, peach, and ivory blooms. 35 Altar and Aisle Decorations We Love 08 of 19 Wood Work Sophie Epton A wooden structure from Back Up Backdrops included wooden troughs overflowing with naturally-arranged blooms in muted shades of peach, rust, and yellow. Tall native grasses surrounded the altar and the nearby water. 09 of 19 Arriving in Style Sophie Epton Molly and her father took his restored, cherry-colored Chevrolet truck to the ceremony site. "I thought that was a super personal touch, and driving down with my dad was definitely one of my favorite memories," she says. 10 of 19 Saying "I Do" Sophie Epton The couple's pastor, John Hoffman from Grove Church, officiated the religious ceremony, leading Molly, Garrett, and their guests in prayer before and after the vows. 11 of 19 Growing Together Sophie Epton An escort display combined the couple's favorite song lyric, "From the Ground Up," with wildflower artwork, lush blooms, and natural materials. The lyric referenced both Garrett's construction career and the couple "building love from the ground up." Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays 12 of 19 Pressed and Pretty Sophie Epton Calligraphed names and table numbers on escort cards in mauve, rust, ivory, and peach shades were accented by individual pressed wildflowers and displayed on a variety of wooden trays; MaeLily Design Studio put these lovely pieces together. 13 of 19 Long Views Sophie Epton During the reception, the steep rolling hills provided a beautiful backdrop for tables in several palettes: round tables were covered with brown linens and set with white chairs, while long white farm tables contrasted with brown crossback chairs. 14 of 19 Plush and Pink Sophie Epton At the head table, a selection of seats in different colors were arranged in an ombre layout. Taper candles in glass hurricanes and low votives surrounded overflowing arrangements of loose flowers in gold or wood vessels. 28 Ideas for Sitting Pretty at Your Head Table 15 of 19 Natural Elements Sophie Epton Linen runners, small bowls of granola, and wooden chargers set off white plates, wood-handled flatware, and colored glassware at each place setting. 16 of 19 Hay, There Sophie Epton Table numbers and place cards were displayed on tiny hay bales as a subtle nod to the ranch atmosphere. 17 of 19 Sweet Talk Sophie Epton A two-tier confection from Hey There, Cupcake anchored the couple's dessert table, which included individual truffles, oatmeal cookies, and other treats; a "tack and feed" sign spoke to the equestrian theme. 39 Amazing Dessert Tables from Real Weddings 18 of 19 So in Love Sophie Epton For their first dance, the groom picked "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley. "It was super-special that Garrett chose it," says Molly, "and I think that it's super symbolic of the type of relationship we have and how we enjoy every little detail about the other." 19 of 19 Sources Sophie Epton Photography, Sophie EptonWedding Planning and Event Design, AmorologyCatering, Miho Catering Co.Flowers, The Dainty LionOfficiant, John Hoffman, Grove ChurchStationery, Four Things PaperCake, Hey There, Cupcake! Music, Vox DJs Rentals, Catalog Atelier; Folklore; Hostess Haven; Raphael's Party RentalsBride's Gown, Alexandra GreccoBride's Accessories, Badgley Mischa shoes; Lana JewelryHair and Makeup, KC Witkamp Groom's attire, Friar TuxFavors, MaeLily Design StudioRings, Michael MLighting, Brilliant Lighting Co Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit