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Country M Ranch Wedding | Tulare, CA

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Vanessa and LJ finally got married at Country M Ranch in Tulare and it could not have been more perfect! The weather cooled and it finally felt like fall, which was really important to Vanessa. She had chosen beautiful autumn colors. The burnt orange bridesmaids dresses were the perfect compliment to their yellow, red, and orange hued bouquets.

The day started with the girls getting ready at THEE cutest 1930’s Air BnB in Tulare. It is called The Copper Patch, named for the large copper patch of flooring in the main living space of the house. Oh, the stories we made up about that patch. Patrick hung out with the guys at LJ and Vanessa’s house. His favorite part was the classic car they rolled up in.

Vanessa was a vision in her princess shoulder, fit and flare lace gown. LJ must have thought so too because when he turned around to see her during their first look, he asked her to “just stay there for a minute”, so he could admire her a little longer. It was the sweetest moment between them.

LJ and Vanessa read private vows to each other after their first look. I have to tell you, I love first looks, but when they exchange private vows too, it just makes it all that much more special. It’s hard to capture pictures because I end up in tears! I won’t tell you what they shared with each other, but let me tell you, my admiration for each of them deepened in that moment. It was all I could do to not run over and give them a hug. Their words were tender, raw, and deeply heartfelt. It was clear that these two were meant to be together.

After the ceremony, we went straight into family and sunset portraits. We had the glowiest light that cast a beautiful halo around Vanessa. Right after sunset photos were finished, I took Vanessa and LJ over to the lounge area she had designed with Stockroom Picks. I wanted to grab a few photos of them together on the couch, that LJ said was “so comfortable”. When I was done I told them to just sit there for 5-10 minutes and soak in the moment. Their guests could wait. Vanessa told me LJ said it was the best part of the wedding day! The wedding day goes so quickly, moving from one thing to the next. By the time the day is over, you wonder how it went so fast. I always carve out a little time for my couples to take a breath and just have a quiet moment together before joining their guests at the reception.

For the reception, Vanessa chose a combination of round tables mixed with farmhouse tables. Each was adorned with burnt orange runners, brass candlesticks, greenery, and a variety of mixed and matched orange goblets. It felt so cozy and inviting. Guests enjoyed a BBQ dinner and a full bar while Toast and Bells provided live music.

Once all of the festivities of the night were over, it was time to party! Their friends and family did not disappoint when it came to dancing. The dance floor was packed the entire night and they brought it all on the floor! Since everyone burned off their dinner calories, Vanessa and LJ treated their guests to late night tacos. What a great idea!!

Vanessa and LJ, I am so glad we met and connected that day. It was an honor to not only be with you on your wedding day, but to also capture all these beautiful memories for you, so you can relive it again and again. Patrick and I wish you many blessed years together!

Invitations – Zazzle

Air BnB – The Copper Patch

Wedding Venue and Catering – Country M Ranch, Tulare, CA

Lounge Area – Stockroom Picks

Rentals – Rustic Affair

Coordinator – The Humble Hostess

Videographer – Jared Belt Media

Bridal Hair – Randi June Hair

Bridal Makeup – Cass Makeup

Bridal Attire – Annabelle’s Bridal Boutique, Visalia, CA

Bridesmaids Attire – David’s Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen Attire – Tux N Tails

Florist – Sequoia Plaza Flowers

Cake – Flour Petal Cakes

Tacos – Tacos San Marcos