• Real Weddings

Photography by: Tanja Lippert

Ask the expert

There is nothing more fun than a fresh country themed wedding, and today's brides have the ability to create a simple old-fashioned country affair or a fun yet very sophisticated über-chic soirée. With so many unique country elements to draw from, there are limitless possibilities!
A bicycle built for two, most likely with the bride seated on the handlebars, is the central theme for this modern country celebration. The trendy country affair featured here comes to us compliments of the very talented Tanja Lippert, showing a wedding that makes a great blend of traditional elements paired with modern graphic design. The orange bicycle is a splendidly unique feature to build a design theme on, and it works particularly well when used as a common thread woven throughout the entire celebration. Perfect as a graphic for paper collateral like ceremony programs and table numbers to a central prop for photography, the simple yet highly creative design element makes a fun, bold statement that everyone will remember.
The elongated farm-style dining table is the star attraction here and provides the base for a key design element. The family-style seating is a great way to give the whole celebration a more casual feel, while the decor pulls the whole thing together and keeps it feeling special. A neutral ivory table linen starts you off with a fresh clean look, but if you want to add a bit more pizazz, try using a fabric like linen, raw silk, or burlap. The neutral tones of these linens will create contrast, while their textures will give the space a bit more dimension. Tall wrought-iron pedestals with cascading bursts of bright summer color work well to create a dimension of height and incorporate the great wood-beamed ceiling into the party. Low elements of colored pillar candles and loose arrangements of flowers corralled in wooden boxes blend the charm of the barn into the design, at the same time lending themselves to creating a bit of sophistication. If you want to bring the party up a notch, I Do Venues recommends using maple chiavari chairs and pairing them with pumpkin colored cushions. This addition will add just a hint of southern elegance without going over the top.

Color Palette and Venue Recommendations

Cantaloupe is a great color in an outdoor setting. The perfect blend of peach and orange in this inviting hue can be paired with warm sunflower yellow and deep Bordeaux tones. Little ones in the bridal party carry unique Maypoles adorned with flowers instead of the traditional basket of petals, which is fun for everyone involved. Because of its use of minimal flowers and lots of ribbon, it is a unique ceremony accessory that is still easy to accomplish on a do-it-yourself basis. The bridesmaids' flowers are very petite, trending toward simple, loose posies of flowers that seem as if they might be freshly plucked straight from the field - a great way to say country! The orange, yellow, and green flowers make a great addition to the bridesmaids' cantaloupe-colored dresses while complementing the bold, fun color without taking away from it.
Framed by a vintage iron gate, the ceremony backdrop is adorned with a simple vine treatment created from lemon leaves and simple flowers. The heart in the center is such a fun, over-the-top detail; however, if your budget doesn't allow for such extras, opt for a uniquely elaborate swag to top the arbor. Many florists have elements for rent that are similar to the gated arbor, so be sure to ask your florist what they can do.
This palette is designed with soft muted color combinations - these same colors in bold brights are also fantastic. Wine Country settings welcome these colors, as well as most garden settings. When adding color to an outdoor setting, be cautious to take into consideration the blooms that are abundant in the natural surroundings - complementing them and not competing with them is key. Calistoga Ranch, Cornerstone Gardens, and Murrieta's Well in Livermore would all look stunning in this color and theme combination.

I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride's dream a reality: Photographer - Tanja Lippert; Venue - Healdsburg Country Gardens; Floral - Dragonfly Floral; Cake - Auntie B’s Bakery; Catering - Preferred Sonoma Caterers; Entertainment - Blue Moon; Paper Goods - Emma Rose Papery.