Nature was calling, and these two answered! When a couple gets engaged in Yosemite National Park, you can pretty much guarantee that they love the Great Outdoors. Right away, Jen + Dan knew they wanted to tie the knot in a way that honored all of the adventures they’ve shared together. (#Janventures they call them!) Together with JL Events, they planned a woodland wedding filled with touches of nature, marble details, and pampas grass on every table! J shares more about how they found the perfect venues:
Naturally, our love for nature became a theme for our wedding. We knew we wanted to get married outside of San Diego and within the redwoods. We also wanted to make sure the destination we chose was accessible for our friends and family. After touring Berkeley, CA, we knew this was the place. The Redwood Grove within the UC Botanical Garden was the perfect place venue for our ceremony. And after touring the beautiful 1920s architecture of the Berkeley City Club (Julia Morgan fangirl), we knew this was the perfect choice to dance the night away.
Ready to take a peek through the lens of Brogen Jessup? Let’s go!
All About the Wedding Dress
When you’re shopping for your wedding dress, it’s totally normal to walk in thinking you know what you want, and then walk out with something totally different! That’s exactly what happened to J, but she ended up with the most beautiful Willowby by Watters ‘Hearst’ gown from BHLDN. It goes perfectly with her boho waves by beautybychaunguyen. She shares:
My mom flew in from Korea a few weeks before the appointment, so she was able to come with me to BHLDN. My maid of honor joined as well. Until that day, I’ve never tried on dresses on before and didn’t really know what I wanted. I thought I wanted something super simple, no-frills, sheath-style dress, but after trying 2 simple dresses on, I knew I needed something different from my normal style. Then I tried on the A-line Hearst gown in silver and fell in love! It was unique, showed off my back (I’m a rock climber and I’m proud of my weird back muscles!), and had floral appliques that reminded me of the Korean hanbok. I loved it and both my mom and MOH loved it so the deed was done.
D could easily have stolen the show in his dapper Indochino attire and Allen Edmonds shoes.
Woodland Wedding Florals
We looooove the rich and romantic reds that Conscioustyle used in J’s bridal bouquet! Dramatic dahlias, protea and ranunculus paired perfectly with dried hydrangea and foliages.
The Wedding Party Style
You can never go wrong with jewel tones! J’s girls looked perfect in their teal and burgundy Lulus dresses.
Woodland Wedding Ceremony in the Redwoods
Jen: So many memorable moments! Top 3 moments were:
-When a bee got caught in the tulle of my dress during our first look. Our photographer caught a photo of the moment. We were able to rescue the little guy and he buzzed away 🙂
-When the pine needles started floating around us as we said our vows. That was pretty dramatic and just a cool moment for our guests to witness in the forest.
-When my mom started unintentionally roasting me during her speech. It was hilarious and I was in tears from laughing. It was especially heartfelt (and added to the comedic delivery) since she spoke in Korean and my cousin translated it into English. It was perfect and I’ll remember that feeling forever.
Dan: Definitely Jen’s mom roasting her during the reception. It was so unexpected but reminded me of how much we love our friends and family and we were so glad they were all there to celebrate us.
J + D let the beauty of nature guide them in their decor choices. Can you imagine how awe-inspiring it would be to get married in a grove of redwood trees?! Their wedding ceremony rentals came from Bings Design and Quantum Party Productions.
Processional: Groom: Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second by STRFKR, Wedding Party: Break Apart by Bonobo, Rhye, Bride: Holocene by Bon Iver
Recessional: In My Feelings by Brasstracks
First Dance: Best Part by Daniel Caeser, H.E.R.
Newlywed Photos
THE. BACK. OF. THIS. DRESS!!!
The Beauty of Nature Meets the Beauty of Architecture
Everything is optional. All that matters is you and your partner. Someone gave me that advice when I was stressing out and it immediately calmed me down. It was my mantra the entire time until the day of the wedding.
Pampas Grass Wedding Reception
Pampas grass arrangements on every table?? Yes, yes, yes!!
To balance the natural elements of their ceremony venue and floral decor, J + D brought in marble details to give a nod to their reception venue. They used Minted papergoods and Kimposed calligraphy.
Congratulations Jen + Dan! Your woodland wedding day shows how you can beautifully blend together two wedding looks into one spectacular event! The GWS team is wishing you both the best, and many more #janventures to come!
Are you loving the woodland wedding vibes? Check out this round-up of 14 Forest Weddings for more inspiration!
photography: Brogen Jessup // venue name: UC Botanical Garden + Berkeley City Club, Berkeley, California, USA // planning: JL Events // florals: Conscioustyle // wedding dress: Willowby by Watters ‘Hearst’ // wedding dress boutique: BHLDN // hairpiece: Conscioustyle // bride’s shoes: Steve Madden // bride’s ring: Balian & Sons // bridesmaid dresses: Lulus // hair stylist: beautybychaunguyen // makeup artist: beautybychaunguyen // groom attire: Indochino // groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds // groom’s ring: Balian & Sons // paper goods: Minted // calligraphy: Kimposed // catering: Berkeley City Club // cake: Cupcakin Bake Shop // specialty rentals: Bings Design (arch) // music: Elite Entertainment – DJ Kevin // officiant: Gary Chyan // lighting: Quantum Party Productions (a/v ceremony rental) // transportation: Black Tie Transportation