It was a fairytale dream come true! This Ojai Valley Inn wedding was complete with a floral garland wrapping around a thousand year old oak tree, chandeliers hung throughout the reception space, and a stunning bride and groom. Sonia from XOXO bride brought together this couples vision, curating a space where their guests could relax, and enjoy the celebration. Take a peek at the day captured by Cameron Ingalls.
Girl meets boy!
We first met in summer of 2011 when Nikki visited their mutual friend, Alex Bozich (Boz), in Chicago, Illinois. Although we can't, in good faith, claim it was love at first sight because Kevin was in a relationship at the time, let's just say it was not NOT love at first sight. There was an instant connection and sense of comfort between us. We both tried to deny these feelings, however when Nikki visited Chicago again in winter of 2012 it was just unavoidable! About a month later Kevin booked a weekend trip to Las Vegas to visit Nikki and it was at that point that we both realized we were hooked! With still only having hung out a total of about 4 days, Nikki packed up her life and moved to Chicago. When Nikki decided to move to San Diego to attend graduate school at USD in 2014, although it was not easy, Kevin did not hesitate to join her on this journey. Since living in San Diego, it has been a tradition for us to celebrate our anniversary by enjoying a weekend staycation at L'Auberge Hotel in Del Mar, California. It is always one of our favorite weekends of the year! It was during this staycation this year, on February 18th, 2017 that Kevin popped the question during a walk along the beach and, without a doubt in Nikki's mind, she responded with a "DUH"! The night was one we will never forget and one filled with lots of love, tears, family, friends, and of course drinks!
Wedding Planning Inspiration
Honestly, the resort that we got married at is what inspired us - Ojai Valley Inn! We went into wedding planning having no previous ideas or thoughts about what we wanted. When we visited Ojai Valley Inn we fell in LOVE with it and the overwhelming positive feelings that it made us instantly feel. We knew that was what we wanted for our wedding ; for our guests to feel content and comfortable - so that is where it all began!
Color Palette
Colors: Blush + Ivory/Cream + Rose Gold + Smoke Textures: Wood + Lace + Sparkle + Crystal + Fur
The Details
Two details that I (Nikki) was most excited about, in terms of decor, because marrying Kevin & being with my favorite people was obviously number 1 and 2, would have to be: The open outdoor tent with CHANDELIERS hanging inside all over! I just love the combination of keeping that outdoor/nature vibe mixed in with the glamour of the chandeliers! And also the ceremony site - the thousands year old oak tree with the flowers hanging from it. I just couldn't wait to see what it would turn out to look like and it was perfect!
Memorable Moments
Honestly, the ceremony (about 20-25 minutes long) was probably what sticks out to me as the most memorable 20 minutes of my life. Walking down the aisle I was so nervous for this part and was just looking forward to the reception. However, the ceremony turned out to be some of the most fun I had ever had and I enjoyed every single second of it. I never felt happier as I did, standing there with all of my best friends beside me, my family and friends with me, and Kevin across from me as we said our vows to each other and chose each other forever.
Advice for Newbie Brides
The best thing I did for myself was have a welcome party. We had a Welcome Party for all guests Friday evening. At the welcome party I went around and said ALL of my hello's and thank you's so on the day of the wedding I did not feel the need to say hi to a single person! Instead, I enjoyed every single minute of my wedding. I spent almost the entire reception on the dance floor and it was the most fun I have ever had! I did not feel the need to say hi to everyone and walk the tables because I already did that on Friday!
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