Photo: JL Photografia
It started with a pair of lovebirds. Not the metaphorical kind that are k-i-s-s-i-n-g in a tree, but the kind of birds with beaks and feathers. The kind that artist Ann Wood crafts from wool and fine vintage fabrics. The birds' names were Mae and Franklin—distinguished winged creatures who donned delicate ivory lace and a gold top hat. They beckoned to Britany Adams and Brandon Duyanovich, whose grandparents shared the birds' first names. Said the bride, "It was meant to be." And with their first wedding purchase, the couple's wedding theme was born: Birds, with a touch a vintage whimsy and coordinating blue, peach and gold hues.
Photo: JL Photografia
Britany and Brandon chose Healdsburg Country Gardens, a 25 acre estate of vineyards and gardens in the center of Sonoma County, to host their rustic outdoor wedding. "We knew that guests would enjoy spending the weekend there," the bride said. The couple wanted more than a wedding—they wanted a weekend experience for their 96 guests.
Photo: JL Photografia
The couple were married by the bride's brother beneath a giant oak tree. Blue ribbon and streams of lace were tied to the back of wooden chairs and danced in the gentle breeze. The area was otherwise left bare: "The natural beauty of the site was more than enough," the bride explained.
Photo: JL Photografia
The bride nearly banned boutonnieres from their wedding—the tiny floral arrangements remind her of prom, she explained. The groom instead wore greens wrapped in gold ribbon on his gray lapels. Britany accented her outfit with a feathered hair-fascinator by Lo Boheme and diamond stud earrings Brandon bought her for their first dating anniversary.
Photo: JL Photografia
The reception was held in and outside the garden's rustic barn. Guests found their seat assignments on pictures of themselves strung with twine across two faded doors. "To say the least, it took a while for my mother and me to gather pictures of all our guests," the bride said.
Photo: JL Photografia
Centerpieces were made from clusters of dainty arrangements in vintages vases and tin cans, and were set atop used books that were "not only pretty, but had titles about wildlife, birds or love," Britany said. Nestled between the flowers were ceramic birds and metal bird cages.
Photo: JL Photografia
Britany's dress—an all-lace Enzoani gown that a seamstress tailored to include a sweeping sweetheart neckline—was the first dress the bride felt natural in. To her all-white bouquet, Britany tied a snippet of ribbon from her grandmother's wedding flowers. The piece was "considered my something old," Britany said.
Photo: JL Photografia
The bride's four bridesmaids wore muted gold dresses once sold at Anthropologie. "I spent many hours scouring eBay for them," says Britany. "I bought every one that I could find—even if they were not the right size."
Britany's friend swept her hair into a high half-updo. She also styled each bridesmaid's hair. "It really meat a lot having her there helping us all get ready," Britany said.
Photo: JL Photografia
The bride ordered two extra Anthropologie dresses that her aunt cut apart and sewed back together, creating a one-of-a-kind dress for Britany's niece and flower girl.
Photo: JL Photografia
Bridesmaids carried round, white bouquets that burst with punches of peach French tulips and lush green ferns. The flower girl carried a petite version of the bridesmaids' bouquets.
Photo: JL Photografia
The couple hung mason jars from the barn's rafters, adding eclectic ambiance to their vintage affair.
Photo: JL Photografia
Guests were treated to a seating area complete with a vintage couch, chairs and table. "I think we really wanted the feel to be comfortable," Britany says, "like a dressed up version of any one of our family gatherings."
Photo: JL Photografia
Guests were served a three-course meal that included fresh greens dressed in a pomegranate-jalapeno vinaigrette; Alaskan halibut drizzled with an apple-Chardonnay glaze; olive oil and herb-marinated skirt steak; and chicken breasts stuffed with smoked mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms and pine nuts. Chocolate whoopi pies were brought in from a local bakery for dessert. But "the real treat," the bride said, "was homemade apple pie made by my father and Brandon's grandmother."
Photo: JL Photografia
Photographer: JL Photografia || Venue: Healdsburg Country Gardens || Save the dates: Minted || Stationery: Sweet Peony Press || Flowers: Maria Philbin Floral Design || Rentals: Wine Country Party & Events || Caterer: Park Avenue Catering || Ceremony Band: The Nibblers || Makeup: JS Makeup Artistry || Vintage rentals: Milk Glass Vintage Rentals || Groom's suit: Men's Wearhouse || Hair Accessory: Lo Boheme || Bride's dress: Enzoani || Cake toppers: Ann Wood
—Jillian Kramer
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