I am in awe of Deena & Joe. It's not just that they planned a beautiful CA wedding from the UK (with unique details like birdhouse centerpieces, backyard pine cones in mason jars, lucky pennies from the US & UK & vintage drawers from flea markets)-- it's their awestruck connection, incredible way with family & friends, brilliant vision & creativity, heartfelt expressions & gestures. I could go on and on. It was one of those days when all that could be heard from behind my camera was "are you kidding me??" over and over again. They are gorgeous.

Nicole Lisanne | Jen's Cakes | Thomas John Events | Plan Decor | Nestldown |


Thanks to Project Wedding for featuring this wedding!

Beltane Ranch weddings are magical, but Jodie & James really brought it to life. Even in its quietest moments, there is a palpable pulse of deep beauty here--you feel it. But when this amazing place is coupled with passion, pure & deep love, amazement in the eyes of two people in love committing to each other and everyone celebrating these qualities: Beltane soars.

Beltane Ranch | Lavender Floral | Alex's Catering |    This was another Bee Green Wedding!

The concept: have a wedding unlike anyone's...but really... unlike anyone's. A wedding where people let loose, relax, and feel the freedom to be silly: the anti-stuffy.  A wedding where they could incorporate personal passions and ideas that ring true; all ideas were welcome at the table: unconventional was good. Take all of that goodness and add it to the things they've learned about themselves along the way and Angie & Corey ended up with a wondrous, original and striking wedding. The location was a hip nightclub outside of St. Louis: Ameristar & Home Nightclub (they've only held one other wedding here. Book them.) Guests sat in plush sofas during the ceremony. The dance floor was open as soon as Angie & Corey were introduced. The programs made by Angela at Swatchbook Weddings had a crossword puzzle on the back--something Angie would have loved to have had at other weddings she's been to. :) Corey loves home improvement so they had a Lowe's groom's cake. Angie loves sweets so... four incredible layers of delectable cake that everyone enjoyed. And the dancing? Serious. Food? Unlike any wedding cuisine I've seen. It turned out just as they had hoped: 100% them. And finally: this was one of my Bee Green Weddings which means Angie & Corey had at least five eco-elements at their wedding. Wow, how did they do it all? Major high five.

Growing up in NY, I would occasionally visit Washington, DC for class trips & extended family vacations--it was a good time but didn't leave much of an impression. Thank goodness for maturity because as an adult, I'm bonkers for the place. It is striking, magical and awe-inspiring. (Not to mention a great nod to urban planning.) Maureen & Danny were the perfect personification of what I felt about my experience here: striking, magical, awe-inspiring but also adorable, funny and so very real. It was such a gift to be at their wedding and meet them & their incredible families. What a great weekend. (Note their coolness factor below when they stopped to chat and sip with strangers on a boat before heading into their reception at the Torpedo Factory, a kick-ass art center. Awesome. Oh, and there was fondue.)