A Chic Newport Barn Wedding That’s Anything But Rustic

Bride in lace dress and groom in red suit pose indoors

Taylor & River went from college sweethearts to saying "I do" in this sprawling rustic barn wedding in Newport Beach. Originally from Washington, they wanted to give their out-of-state family and friends the Newport Beach treatment (without the price tag) with a gorgeous rural SoCal setting as opposed to traditional beach portraits. Giracci Vineyards, nestled in Silverado Canyon, provided the perfect place for them; the romantic outdoor landscaping provided a gorgeous backdrop and a modern white-walled barn created a chic, rather than rustic impression. While Newport Coast weddings are known for their high-ticket price tag, this wedding totaled $75,000 for their budget!

Keep reading to see how to elevate and modernize a rural wedding with some Southern California glamour! All photography by the talented Brogen Jessup Photography

Wedding invitation suite with flowers and ring box

Bride and bridesmaids celebrate in a bathtub with champagne

A Taste of Home For Their Wedding Day

Because their work takes them all over the country, as River is a professional football player (at the time of the wedding, playing for the 49ers), they chose to tie the knot at their home base in beautiful Southern California. What made the day even more special was their choice to get ready at a family friend's house in Newport Beach! This luxurious estate was perfect against the girls' neutral tones and the groom's pop of color.

Bride in lace gown holding bouquet wedding day portrait

Bride in lace gown on stairs with bouquet in sunlight

Taylor's gown from Love and Lace Bridal Salon was a standout compliment to this backdrop. Instead of a traditional veil, she opted for clip on bows on each shoulder, which added a modern and dramatic flair to her ensemble. What a fun and creative alternative!

Bride with elegant braided updo and lace wedding dress

Man in stylish red suit with white sneakers indoors

River opted for a bold and non-traditional groom style with this custom burgundy suit from The Grotto Menswear. Paired with clean, white sneakers this outfit created a perfect pop of color against the wedding's gold and cream palette.

Bride and bridesmaids joyfully celebrate with bouquets

Groom and groomsmen in suits pose for wedding day photo

Bride tapping grooms shoulder for first look wedding day

Bride and groom share emotional first look on wedding day

SoCal Ceremony Amongst The Oaks

The ceremony was an intimate setup underneath majestic oak trees with stunning florals by Fleur.ish. With rolling hills and iconic California sunshine, this ceremony space evoked a warm and romantic atmosphere for portraits afterward.

Taylor and River wedding sign with floral barrel decor

Rustic wedding arch decorated with peach and white flowers

Bride and groom pose outdoors on their wedding day

Barn Reception, But Make It Refined

The reception later moved into Giracci's Cabernet Barn, adorned with a twinkle light canopy strung over the dining tables to provide a romantic & intimate setting. The gorgeous event design was created by Fawn Events, who had this to say about the style:

"Rich colorful accents contrasted against the neutral wood and cream backdrop painted by the farm tables and textured linens, and the floral drove home the look overall. While we wanted modern, we didn’t want to veer too far away from what the venue inspired... capturing that without crossing the line into too rustic! Incorporating the traditional muted eucalyptus greenery, we opted away from garlands and chose lush, breakaway centerpieces with accents of toffee roses, creamy tones, and hints of quicksand to add dimension to their tables."

Elegant wedding reception with lights and floral decor

Elegant wedding reception table with floral centerpieces

Elegant wedding table setting with gold cutlery and amber glassware

These unique domed menus were and other paper goods were created by the talented Scarlet Gilia Creative. This modern accent ties together the gorgeous gold and rust rentals from Signature Party Rentals, Sundrop Vintage and Hostess Haven.

Rustic wedding reception tablescape with string lights

Newlyweds The Cracrafts kiss at their wedding reception

Taylor & River wanted a fun dance party, as this was an opportunity to reunite with their college crowd. The DJ setlist included nostalgic songs from their alma mater, and they passed out glow sticks & light up glasses to create a fun, funky rave-like dance party! Taylor’s reception dress was a sexy, layered corset-style dress which was a perfect transition from the ambient, candle-lit dinner to the fun, late night party.

Happy bride and groom dancing at wedding reception

From the designer: "We successfully brought together the best of two worlds: Newport Beach ritz and classic country rustic - It was the perfect modern design with the perfect injection of fun to bring it home!"

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