Rustic details and a bit of chic and glamorous style were the perfect combination for Ciera and A.J.’s California ranch wedding. Wanting their wedding to reflect the sentiment of love and family, the couple kept things personal and simple. Olive branches used throughout the decor were reminiscent of the bride’s Italian heritage, while a beer truck from a favorite local brewery served up Ciera and A.J.’s favorites to guests. These personal details- plus a few more- are what made this day captured by Lindsey Gomes Photography absolutely spectacular, and Ciera is here today to share more about her personal and fabulous wedding!

What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?

Our family and friends were so loving and supportive through the entire process, none of it would be possible without them, especially my parents! Besides our amazing support system, what helped us the most in planning was staying organized while still being flexible in our plans. We booked the biggest things first and worked our way through the details more slowly, keeping in mind that some things might require a new a change of plans. Staying organized took the stress out of planning for us, and allowed us to enjoy all of the little things.

What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?

The most important thing to us when choosing vendors was meeting with them and trusting that they took the time to get to know us and understand our vision. We built relationships with each of our amazing vendors, and they completely understood our big picture – when the day finally came, I was in complete awe of the life they gave to our dreams.

What was your inspiration for your wedding details and/or design?

The inspiration for our wedding was all about the sentiment of love and family, and we wanted to keep it personal. Growing up on a ranch, I dreamed of getting married in the hillsides and dancing in a barn, so the theme ‘Rustic Ranch Glamour’ was perfect – we wanted to capture the natural ruggedness of the land delicately balanced with romance and glam. More than just a theme, we wanted the day to exude a feeling of love, romance, and happiness nestled into a central idea of family comfort. Our details came from a place of sentiment, and we tried to work with our own family heritage to ensure the day was completely meaningful in every aspect. For example, my great-great grandparents emigrated here from Italy and planted an olive orchard on the family ranch. Because the trees are significant to my family and the history of the land, we asked our floral designer to incorporate olive branches into the wedding which ended up both beautiful and sentimental – I loved these types of details! Some of our other favorite details included the beer truck from our very favorite brewery, Central Coast Brewing, our wedding cake which was made by our best man’s Grandma as a gift, AJ’s uncle as our officiant, and our chance to escape to the hills for sunset photos which allowed us to reflect on the entire day and really take it all in. When it came down to it, all of these details made our day completely personal and meaningful to us, which was all we ever wanted.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

*Such a hard question!!* I absolutely loved every moment of our wedding day, it was so dreamy from beginning to end. Being surrounded by everyone we love while we committed our lives to each other was the greatest feeling – the world stopped during our vows and I loved being wrapped up in that. The toasts were hilarious and tear jerking, the food amazing, the dance party was so fun and the over all vibe was awesome, but I’d have to say my favorite part was breaking away for sunset pictures with our photographer. We drove up the hills overlooking the ranch, and looking down it hit us that all of the people we loved were down there celebrating. It was a touching moment for my husband and I, and we got to take some time to soak in the entire day, just the two of us – it was perfect.

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

If I could offer any advice, it would be to focus on what’s most important to you (as a couple!) and choose vendors who take the time to get to know you. Lean on your family and friends for support when you need it, but don’t be consumed by trying to please them. And of course, don’t lose sight of what you are celebrating – a marriage, a commitment, love to last through all of the ages! Have fun and enjoy the entire process!

Wow, that is some AMAZING advice! I love everything about this wedding, especially how Ciera and A.J. focused on their family and their love. I’m not going to lie- reading Ciera’s description of what inspired them for their wedding design and details made me tear up!

So what are your thoughts on using your family heritage as a bit of inspiration for your wedding? Would you do it? If so, what would you do?

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer:  lindsey gomes PHOTOGRAPHY//Caterer: Central Coast Brewing//Event Planner: Danae Grace Events//Equipment Rentals: Embellish Vintage Rentals//Floral Designer: Festive Designs//DJ: Kramer Events//Event Venue:La Cuesta Ranch//Linens and Coverings: La Tavola Fine Linen//Cake Designer:Madonna Inn//Caterer:Old San Luis BBQ Co.//Hair Stylist:Strawberry Blonde//Equipment Rentals: Unlimited Events Inc.