A Bohemian and Vibrant Wedding in the Magnificent Landscapes of California

Featured Members:

Location: Tomales, California, USA
Setting: Organic farm and restored barn
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 80
How long did the couple plan the event: 8 months
Wedding theme/style: Bohemian, vibrant, fresh, natural, welcoming.

In the heart of Napa, California, two Midwesterners, Claire, and Joel, found each other through the magical algorithm of Hinge. Their journey began with a shared passion for the wine industry, but their quirks made their connection truly special. United by their love for music, spontaneously dancing at live concerts, competitive events, and Midwestern beer, Claire and Joel celebrate both their similarities and differences. Joel lovingly refers to Claire as his captain, finding strength in her, while Claire leans on Joel’s coaching prowess during challenging times.

The couple chose The Haven at Tomales, an organic farm and restored barn nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, for their spring wedding. With meticulous planning over eight months, the couple hosted 80 guests in a bohemian, vibrant, and natural setting.

Claire spent her morning among her friends, who were there to share the joy of the upcoming celebration. They assisted her in donning her wedding dress, creating a cherished atmosphere of camaraderie and support.

Claire’s dress from Willowby by Watters was adorned with intricate floral motifs, meticulously crafted and telling stories of love and nature. Dual waistbands gracefully accentuated the bride’s figure, adding a subtle touch of glamour. She looked elegant and incredibly feminine in this beautiful gown.

Joel spent his morning surrounded by close friends. As he donned his wedding suit, his father offered assistance and shared in the special moments.

Joel prepared memorable gifts for all his friends – personalized leather keychains. These tokens of appreciation added an extra layer of sentiment to the celebration. It was an incredibly touching moment, as Joel’s friends were deeply moved by his displays of love and attention.

Joel’s wedding attire exuded incredible elegance. He opted for a gray three-piece suit, accentuated with a striking turquoise tie and a boutonniere adorned his lapel, echoing the bridal bouquet. His attention to detail was evident in the floral accent, harmonizing with the bride’s chosen blooms.

The groomsmen, mirroring Joel’s sophistication, also wore gray suits adorned with turquoise bow ties. The cohesive color scheme created a visually pleasing and harmonious bridal party.

Adding a personal touch, Joel hand-built the arbor under which the couple exchanged vows. Adorned with seasonal flowers against the backdrop of the rolling hills, it became a breathtaking symbol of their love.

Joel walked down the aisle with his mother when the wedding ceremony commenced. He joined groomsmen’s, eagerly awaiting his bride. As a sweet melody filled the air, the beautiful Claire appeared arm in arm with her father. It was an incredibly touching moment, for it was then that Joel saw Claire in her wedding dress for the first time. Captured in photographs by the remarkably talented photographer Diane Bagaoisan, his expressions of delight and love were vividly evident.

In a surprising and humorous twist, Claire and Joel’s vows centered around two distinct themes – the importance of teamwork and the acceptance of flatulence. The unconventional use of the words “team” and “fart” added a whimsical touch to their overflowing statements of love.

Diane Bagaoisan beautifully captured every moment of this wedding, leaving no detail or emotion unnoticed. She crafted exquisite portraits for Claire and Joel, preserving these moments of happiness for them. Her lens not only showcased the feelings but also highlighted the beauty of the wedding venue. Diane created stunning portraits during the sunset, skillfully blending the couple’s joy with the natural allure of the surroundings.

Inspired by Wes Anderson’s cinematic style, Claire and Joel envisioned a wedding with a rich, dynamic, and textural color palette that remained fresh and modern. The result was a bohemian-themed celebration that felt both welcoming and unique.

Also, not to be overlooked, Claire and Joel made their grand entrance on Joel’s longboard. From the couple’s perspective, this could end in bodies crashing to the ground, but Claire jumped into Joel’s arms, and he caught her while kicking through the crowd on his longboard. A total success.

One of the most touching moments was when friends and family delivered heartfelt speeches of congratulations. It was an emotional time for both the bride and groom as they listened to the sincere and warm words shared by their loved ones.

A memorable moment unfolded during Claire and Joel’s first dance, not as bride and groom but as husband and wife. This dance marked the beginning of their journey together, and their love and connection radiated throughout the room.

The dances of Joel and his mother and Claire and her father were incredibly heartfelt. These dances reflected the profound and tender connections shared between a son and his mother and a daughter and her father, adding a touch of warmth and emotion to the celebration.

The couple curated a meticulously tailored playlist for the entire day, reflecting their diverse taste in music. The night concluded with a lively rendition of LCD Soundsystem’s “All of My Friends,” setting the tone for a joyous celebration.

Advice from the couple:

• Remember that you two are a team and to lean on each other when things get stressful. It’s just one day. The most important thing to focus on is the excitement for all the other days together afterward. Let the rest slide off your back, and enjoy yourself!