Aleksandra and Sean have one heck of an epic love story. Not in the traditional sense of heroic grand gestures, but epic in the length of their courtship. They dated for eight years before finally tying the knot. They met in high school and dated throughout college. Although at times separated by oceans and continents, and overcoming challenges, they managed to strengthen their relationship just like how the redwood threes grow together. Leaning into each other for support, hence their red wood inspired invite above.
Since they basically grew up together, they wanted to show their journey and hopes for their future in their wedding by bringing their two families together to help them create their perfect wedding. Designed entirely by Aleksandra Nicole Bruce, you can read on to see how they did this and of course see Aleksandra and Sean’s entire wedding in the full gallery here. All beautifully captured by Sequins & Candy.
To Achieve Their DIY Vision
We relied heavily on our family and friends to help us incorporate special DIY details such as the Leaf your Thumb Print guest book which was drawn by my grandfather, the party favors which were loving made by the women of my mother-in-law’s gourmet group, the table runners which were hand-stitched by my grandmother, the delicious wedding cake that Sean’s aunt made, the pies that our guests so generously offered to bring and the ring bearer pillow which was made by a friend and stuffed with our fur-child’s hair (our Goldendoodle, Stella). Sean’s uncle was the videographer and we had musical performances by my dad, Sean’s brother and our dear friend Jenn Grinels, who so graciously played our first dance song, “The Nearness of You”.
On Their DIY Projects:
Ever the crafty couple, we decided it would be fun and cheap to make the wedding invitations and the decorations ourselves. We started early and accomplished a DIY project per weekend. We crafted the Chuppah from yucca poles and a vintage table cloth, we made all of the bunted and standing signs, the paper cones for the petal toss and the fabric puff ball and coffee filter garlands. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging at times, but it was fun and we were super pleased with how it all turned out.
On their Venue:
Like many young couples, we had a pretty tight budget, especially after our first wedding venue fell through a mere six months before our wedding and we were out our initial deposit. After I got over the shock, and although I hate to admit it, a mild bout of Bridezilla, Sean and I found the Los Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House, a historic landmark from the 1800s.
The price was right ($600 for the day) and the rangers were extremely helpful and wonderful to work with, giving us full access to the property the day before the wedding for set-up in addition to our wedding day. What we loved about the Ranch House, was that the money went back to preserving the property and various initiatives like their community garden. We were thrilled to celebrate our marriage and give back to the community at the same time. After all, what better way to celebrate your love than sharing it with the rest of the world?
What’s wonderful about the DIY elements, is that it’s a way to intimately involve family and friends in the planning. It also creates memories beyond the actual wedding day, so that when we look back on this momentous time, we aren’t just remember the day, but rather all of the planning and little details that helped to create it. Overall, Sean and I were so touched by how our family and friends rallied to help us achieve our vision for our wedding day, and with their help, we will always remember it fondly.
Photographer: Sequins & Candy
Event Designer: Aleksandra Nicole Bruce
Venue: Los Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House
Makeup: Keely Ulrich
Caterer: Grand Ole’ BBQ
Dress Designer: Allure Bridal
Hair Accessories: WishPiece
Flowers: Franco’s Flowers
DJ: Box Canyon Band
Groom’s Bow Tie: Margarita G
Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic
Shoe Designer: Beholden
Stationary: Set Apart Designs & Nostalgic Imprints
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Verity Jane Vintage
Cake: Homemade by Aunt | Jewelry: Brides Grandmothers, Vintage | Hair: Savannah Machain | Officiant: Groom’s Father
The stunning photography really tells a story.
Just adorable! Enjoyed reading this
I am featured on @weddingchicks today!!! such an honor! San Diego Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House Wedding http://t.co/jqRbNxodiF via @po_st
What do you think of this rustic ranch #realwedding? http://t.co/P8N8t3lGu1 #rusticwedding
I am beyond honored to have photographed this amazing day for Aleka and Sean! They are a wonderful couple and I am so thrilled to have these photos featured here on Wedding Chicks! :)
Oh so sweet Ranch House Wedding @sequinsandcandy @AllureBridals @MargaritaG @BananaRepublic @BHLDN @SetApartDesigns http://t.co/J0p36D58wS
RT @weddingchicks: Oh so sweet Ranch House Wedding @sequinsandcandy @AllureBridals @MargaritaG @BananaRepublic @BHLDN @SetApartDesigns http://t.co/J0p36D58wS
RT @weddingchicks: Oh so sweet Ranch House Wedding @sequinsandcandy @AllureBridals @MargaritaG @BananaRepublic @BHLDN @SetApartDesigns http://t.co/J0p36D58wS
Spotted our Hydrangea Dress on beautiful bridesmaids in this ranch house wedding via @weddingchicks @sequinsandcandy http://t.co/g8ZcJI7mp9
RT @ShopRuche: Spotted our Hydrangea Dress on beautiful bridesmaids in this ranch house wedding via @weddingchicks @sequinsandcandy http://t.co/g8ZcJI7mp9
RT @ShopRuche: Spotted our Hydrangea Dress on beautiful bridesmaids in this ranch house wedding via @weddingchicks @sequinsandcandy http://t.co/g8ZcJI7mp9
RT @ShopRuche: Spotted our Hydrangea Dress on beautiful bridesmaids in this ranch house wedding via @weddingchicks @sequinsandcandy http://t.co/g8ZcJI7mp9
So beautiful and elegant. The photography is stunning! I will definitely be contacting this photographer in the future. Simply fabulous!
What a beautiful wedding and the pictures are amazing! Sequins and Candy did an beautiful job capturing every amazing detail. The memories have been captured so perfectly to be remembered for a lifetime.
What do you think of this rustic ranch #realwedding? http://t.co/RXUoxUpxJD #rusticwedding
Beautiful wedding. Love the vintage look in the images.
OMG! I was looking for a website like this, and I found this wedding and… I fell in love! Nice bride and nice decoration!
:-)
RT @weddingchicks: Oh so sweet Ranch House Wedding @sequinsandcandy @AllureBridals @MargaritaG @BananaRepublic @BHLDN @SetApartDesigns http://t.co/J0p36D58wS
RT @weddingchicks: Oh so sweet Ranch House Wedding @sequinsandcandy @AllureBridals @MargaritaG @BananaRepublic @BHLDN @SetApartDesigns http://t.co/J0p36D58wS
Sooo gorgeous!!
Los Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House Wedding http://t.co/BIENBsDktS h/t @Weddingchicks
At the risk of sounding creepy, I wish I could have been there to see it! Your wedding looks incredible and I have certainly taken away ideas from your photos. Wonderful capturing of your special day.
It just made me happy : )
OMG! I almost cried looking at the pictures and reading about this wedding, it’s how I have envisioned my wedding to be. I loooove the vintage look. Definitely checking out this venue for my wedding next year! Beautiful wedding, Aleka and Sean. Thanks for the share.
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