Northern California Wedding Planner | Altar Love

Your ceremony space is the backdrop of where you will share your beautiful commitment and vows with your partner in front of your closest loved ones and friends. What will the space look like, what are the elements that set the tone for this exchange - Let’s jump in!

The Courtyard at Irongate Garden Inn is such a special place to say I Do, and the venue provides several altar options to choose from. This beauty below was hand built by one of the couples who shared their vows here, and they opted to adorn the arbor with greenery to match their aesthetic.

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Photo by Valory Evalyn Photography, Irongate Garden Inn

We still think back to this beautiful setting at the Redwood Grove of the UC Botanical Gardens in Berkeley for Jessica and Patrick’s wedding. The majestic trees were truly stunning! The couple incorporated an arbor with ornate origami cranes with the perfect pop of color.

Photo by Pretty Geeky, Redwood Grove - UC Botanical Gardens

Shelby and Travis truly weathered obstacles along the way before they got to say I Do, between fire season and COVID hurdles - nothing could stand in the way of their commitment to starting their next chapter together!

Photo by Valory Evalyn Photography, Private Residence McArthur, CA

Oh Miners Foundry, you have captured our hearts from the very first time we toured the space. Each couple has been able to add their personal touch to the space while embracing the undeniable understated elegance of the Stone Hall. Ashley & Brendan brought in draping and lighting elements to perfectly highlight their vision!

Photo by Kindred Weddings, Miners Foundry Nevada City

The Unity Circle at Wolfe Heights feels effortless, the garden style seating gives your guests the perfect view for your ceremony. You can add to the space, or enjoy just as it comes with the beautiful wood altar and surrounding greenery.

Photo by Eucario Visuals at Wolfe Heights, Sacramento

Does the Willow Tree ceremony location give you romantic vibes that it gives us? White Ranch is breathtaking and has so much character. A lot of love has been poured into the entire venue and it shows in every inch of the space. Clara and Aaron’s altar was a special sight with all of those beautiful blooms!

Photo by TreCreative at White Ranch, Chico

If sharing your ceremony amongst friends, family and beautiful roses sounds like a dream to you - Creekside Rose Garden may be just the place for you. The pergola set alongside the creek is pretty grand!

Photo by Sarah Tamagni Creekside Rose Garden, Chico

Modern brides behold - BLOC has the perfect space for your I Do’s. You can add greens, an arbor or even candlelight to set the tone for your ceremony!

Floral arrangements on shephard hooks, gracing your aisle leading up to a wine barrel altar with blooms can give any rustic bride inspiration for her wedding. The aisle flowers can be repurposed to your guest tables and your barrel arrangements can be a great accent to your sweetheart table. Christina & Bricen’s wedding was a rustic dream!

Photo by Worldlove Weddings, Private Residence

If Macrame is your love language, consider dressing up your altar with a piece that ties in your design and gives a nice contrast to your surroundings. Jyla had a perfect balance of boho and rustic charm!

Photo by Ashley Carlascio Photography, Little Bear Creek Ranch

A barrel room ceremony setting gives couples endless options as you can choose to bring in modern elements and lighting and use the barrels of the winery to balance out the space.

Shannon Rosan Weddings, Almendra Winery Durham

We couldn’t talk about ceremonies without a throw back to all of the magical days spent at the Honey Run Covered Bridge. We will hold this space in our hearts and jump for joy when it is rebuilt by the community. Even though we lost this space in the Camp Fire, it just goes to show you that you can transform any space and make amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo by Mathew Lim Photography, Honey Run Covered Bridge

When you hear a homily shared amongst the congregation and you feel the tradition in every spoken word by the father - you know that you are witnessing a very special exchange of vows. The beautiful altar of St. Johns Baptist Church was adorned with florals to accent the couple’s fall wedding color palette.

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Photo by Ernest & Aurelia, St. Johns Baptist Church, Chico

Every ceremony that we witness is an absolute honor and we are incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us to be a part of this memory while helping them execute the details!

Happy Planning! - XOXO The 530 Bride Team

Northern California Wedding Planner | Ceremony Planning Tips

To have and to hold..

Photo by Daffodilhill Photography 

Photo by Daffodilhill Photography 

So much planning goes into this day, from the people you invite to the details on the tables.  It is one day where you get to celebrate this amazing commitment you are about to make to the love of your life!

We know that the ceremony doesn't get as much glamour as the reception details but we've gotta say the weddings that emphasized the ceremony details are the ones who have really stuck out in our minds over the years.  Personalized vows and words from the heart gives your guests a glimpse into all the ways the universe brought you two together.  

Cambria and Tyler had their ceremony at Bidwell Presbyterian church and their pastors shared testimony of how amazing these two people are, and what amazing things they will do together in life.  There were beautiful hymns and prayers, and sitting in the pews surrounded by their loved ones was pretty powerful. 

Photo by Morgan Chantelle Photography

Photo by Morgan Chantelle Photography

Rose and Harry had seven friends each read a blessing or special words for the couple and it showed how they valued their core group who have cheered them on over the years while their relationship grew.  Their ceremony was officiated by a close friend who gave an emotional testimony about how this couple had already been demonstrating the commitment and unconditional love that marriage requires.  {Photo by Essence Photography via Instagram}

This past weekend at Highland Ranch Resort, Kristin and Greg had us in tears as they read aloud their vows.  It was as if they had invited us all into their thoughts and into their hearts to share all of the moments they felt throughout their relationship that "this was the one."  Greg shared notes that he had kept in a journal ever since he met Kristin, words that he had never told Kristin like how he felt after their first date and when he knew he was going to ask her to marry him.  It was special and so meaningful to see how much thought they had put into the ceremony. {Photo by Daffodilhill Photography via Instagram}

56 Likes, 11 Comments - Danielle Larsson (@daffodilhillphotography) on Instagram: "Words Cannot describe how beautiful this wedding and couple are. Congrats to Mr. And Mrs...."

If you're working on your ceremony details and feel like there is no way you could share personalized vows while balling like a baby at the altar, consider writing some short notes that the officiant could read aloud.   Or consider reading your vows/letters to each other during your first look or newlywed photos with just your photographer/videographer..talk about keepsake moments!

Stuck on how to plan your ceremony processional or what to say? Download our ceremony processional planner for more resources or shoot us a message to schedule a complimentary consultation! 
~ Happy Planning! ~

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