
Marlana and Nicholas actually met at Nicholas’ going away party. He was heading back to Colorado, and they went on a date before he left that did not go so well. They knew the situation – he was leaving California and going back to Colorado. The date didn’t go well but it didn’t end there, she sent him a text, which turned into phone conversations, which turned to handwritten letters, skype dates and finally a job opportunity for Marlana to move to Colorado.
Planning their semi destination wedding: They weren’t sure where to get married. The majority of their friends and her family lived in California, his family lived in Colorado so they decided on an Aspen wedding. They decided a couple weeks after their Aspen wedding that they would have a small barbecue reception in California. Suddenly it turned into a bigger party …. and this is it, Marlana and Nicholas’ fruit stand backyard wedding reception. Delightfully captured by Joe+Kathrina Photography. As per all of our fabulous features, you can see all the details up close in the full gallery here.





Look closely at the entrance table, you can see that shutters were placed on the right and left of the entrance table. Each shutter had the table assignments hanging on them. The table also had a box to place wedding cards. Great idea … right? We must also mention that each table was named after a fruit and a huge bowl of fruit was placed on each table in lieu of transitional table numbers. Another great idea.




Another table had a place for guests to write their well wishes on Jenga pieces. Each time Marlana and Nicholas played the fun game they can read their well well wishes. So fun!









Best Idea Ever:
Nick doesn’t consider himself vegan but his diet is very strict, they joke that a week visiting him you digestive system will thank you! Taking that in, they decided to have a theme of fruits for their reception. Their invitation gave a prelude to that with a pear design…their table seating were all named after fruits (ie: Apple, Berries, Grapes, Oranges, Plums) and at each table were a bowl of fruits to signify the names. The best part were their favors! They created a “produce stand” with fruits and gave away reusable bags that said “I (heart) your Heart”. Guests felt like they were at a farmer’s market and loved it!





Photographer: Joe+Kathrina Photography
Makeup: Laura Schaner
Hair: Laura Schaner
Caterer: Wahoo’s
Cinematography: Bride’s Brother, Chris Haag
DJ: SOS Entertainment
Dress Designer: Allure Exclusive from Tom’s Bridal
Veil or Hair Accessories: Kate Pewthers
Venue: Celeste Gallagher‘s Home + Design & Decoration





















































































Thank you so much for the beautiful feature! Nick+Lana did such a great job planning out every detail we are so happy to share this with you guys!
Beautiful wedding and beautiful photography by Joe and Kathrina! They seriously rock :)
Casual Backyard Wedding Reception @joekathrina @merrilljoe @ChataFrata @wahoosfishtaco @TomsBridal http://t.co/VYGnBmmc
check out this fun wedding! jenga blocks, produce stand, and s’mores http://t.co/TeKo2Oiu @weddingchicks
RT @weddingchicks: Casual Backyard Wedding Reception @joekathrina @merrilljoe @ChataFrata @wahoosfishtaco @TomsBridal http://t.co/VYGnBmmc
WOW that first photo is exceptionally stunning!
RT @weddingchicks: Casual Backyard Wedding Reception @joekathrina @merrilljoe @ChataFrata @wahoosfishtaco @TomsBridal http://t.co/VYGnBmmc
Really excited for this featured! Thank u so much! RT @weddingchicks: Casual Backyard Wedding Reception @wahoosfishtaco http://t.co/9sWlGSPm
Excited for a new feature w/ @weddingchicks + Nick+Lana. Really honored. Make sure to check out the gallery & pin away http://t.co/RavIt4i1
Loveee the fruit stand idea! So cool!
BEAUTIFUL Wedding! Amazing photographers!
So beautiful but also so fun! This looks like it was an absolute blast!
Glorious images!
Thank you everyone for the awesome comments, we appreciate each one. It was such a fun cross state celebration. Nick + Lana are amazing people. Make sure to check out their Aspen wedding also.
- jk
What do you think of this simple rustic #backyardwedding? http://t.co/4c0N1pkM #realwedding #rusticwedding
Love this Wedding!!!
The Fruitstand Backyard Wedding is elegant, unique and refreshing! I love the fresh produce idea as a modern twist on gift bags. Very inspiring!
So cute! Fruit Stand Backyard Wedding http://t.co/ZgyGrdub from @Weddingchicks
Nick and Lana’s wedding was so beautiful! SOS Entertainment was so pleased to provide all the music and lighting for their awesome reception. And having grown up with Lana, it was even more special! Thanks again for the gorgeous pictures Joe + Kathrina!