Brittney and Kyle’s California Private Estate Wedding

Brittney and Kyle wanted a cohesive and seamless feel to their day, and the private estate they chose allowed them to set up several different areas in the property to achieve a flow from pre-ceremony to dancing and everything in between. Brittney picked out two dresses and couldn’t let either one go – one of them was a bold choice of a colored gown but she nailed it with this gorgeous Lanvin design in blue. With white hydrangeas in abundance (a nod to Kyle’s first flowers to Brittney), Willow Floral Design added classic chic to this elegant wedding. You’re going to want to spend some time admiring these photos effortlessly captured by Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay.

From the Bride:

What made the wedding special and unique? 

Using a private property rather than an established venue required a ton of extra planning but also allowed us to create our ideal, unique event. It was crucial to us that everything felt cohesive and without any down time so we created several different spaces around the property for the event to flow through, from pre-ceremony cocktails to dancing. I think that seamlessness is sometimes uncommon with weddings so we were excited to have that opportunity.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I first fell in love with my white gown on Pinterest so of course figured I would never be lucky enough to actually track it down. Also, I don’t enjoy having all eyes on me so I felt that everyone’s shock over a colored dress would be a nice diversion. I kept scouring bridal fashion show images for colored gowns while my mom worked her way up the Lanvin phone chain until we eventually stumbled across both gowns and I had trouble letting either one go!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We threw in a bunch of very particular elements to make the day feel like us. The first flowers Kyle ever gave me were hydrangeas so we included them everywhere: the flower wall, the bouquets, even my dress color was called “Hydrangea.” We were also very deliberate with our music, such as our recessional song “Here Come the Hodads” by the Marketts. We first heard it during the credits for the movie Inherent Vice and danced around the (empty) theater. It is one of our funnest memories so we had to include it in the day. That kind of silly thing made everything feel right.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

“Sunday Kind of Love” was the last song of the night and a couple of the last guests had started to say their goodbyes while we were dancing. Kyle’s best man wouldn’t let them and started singing together, shoulder to shoulder. Somehow it become this massive group hug of everyone who was left (which were all our closest friends), swaying and singing around the two of us dancing. I still get chills when I remember it because it was such a warm, inimitable moment.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Kyle’s band used to play shows with my friends’ band so eventually we saw each other around. He actually added me on MySpace before we ever spoke and then I broke the tension by saying hello the next time we saw each other. He was still in high school so we didn’t end up dating until about a year later. He said “I love you” 10 days in, so we knew it was serious pretty quickly and had planned to get married for years. Because of all that, it was really important to me that the actual moment was a surprise. To throw me off the trail, and because caffeine is my other true love, he got my local Starbucks to let him play barista. When I drove up to get my coffee he was in the window with flowers and the ring.

Photographer: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay // Coordinator/Planner: Catrina-Marie // Flowers/Florist: Willow Floral Design // Invitations: Tokay Press // Ceremony and Reception Venue: Private Estate, Acampo CA // Officiant: Judge Bernard Garber, family friend // Bridal Gowns: The Bridal Galleria San Francisco, Lanvin Chicago // Veil: The Bridal Galleria San Francisco // Seamstress: Couture Designs, Fair Oaks, CA // Jewelry: Inherited from family // Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, Sak’s Fifth Avenue // Hair: Holland Filippini, Vanity Salon, Stockton, CA // Makeup: Jolene Schulz, Armani at Nordstrom Arden Fair // Bridesmaids’ dresses: Revolve, ASOS, Fame and Partners, Joanna August, Reformation // Mother of the bride dress: Halston Heritage, Neiman Marcus // Groom’s attire: Burberry San Francisco, Neiman Marcus SF, Dior SF, Alden // Groomsmen’s attire: H&M // Flower girl attire: David’s Bridal // Engagement Ring: Judi Wyant Antiques // Wedding Bands: Kevin Schimke // Music (ceremony and reception): Guilio Cetto, Beat Fleet DJs // Catering: Angelina’s // Cake: Something Sweet Bakery // Rentals: Celebrations // Favors: Best Wishes // Transportation: Aurora Limo // Accommodations: Hampton Inn // Videographer: Jeremy Morgan // Lighting: LB Production Center // Photobooth: Rocket Booths // Cookies: Tower Cafe