Romantic Boho Chic Forest Wedding
Cathedrals are aw inspiring and a great place to say "I do," but Sequoia Retreat Center's Amphitheater of the Redwoods is down right spectacular! With towering redwoods creating a natural cathedral this romantic boho chic forest wedding and reception you will be rethinking your venue wish list.
Anne-Claire Brun was the talented photographer for Chelsea and Jake's big day and we have even more of this days fabulous photos to share with you. Just click here to see the full gallery!
Perfectly Natural Setting
From the Bride: Finding the venue was the biggest step by far. We are from the opposite sides of the country so the decision on where to have the wedding was a big one. We looked at venues on the East Coast and West Coast, but the moment we stood in the Amphitheater of the Redwoods, we couldn’t imagine doing in anywhere else.
It felt so different than what we had seen. Once we knew we had such amazing natural spaces for the ceremony and reception, the design, and timing for everything fell into place.
Waiting for the Reveal
For both of us, our favorite moment of the day was was seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. It was overwhelming in a way we didn’t understand until it happened.
Walking down the aisle with my parents and seeing all the guests who had come, was so incredible. We saw all these faces from different parts of our lives, together in one place for the first time. It felt like a lucid dream.
DIY-ing Your Decor
For the décor, we are pretty sentimental people in general, so a lot of the people we know were involved in making things for it. Jake (the groom) loves to fold origami so he made gold paper birds for the tables. Jake’s mom made the chuppah canopy, We framed wedding photos of our grandparents and great grandparents. Chelsea’s step dad made the wood signage. It was pretty amazing to know that most of the different elements we’re touched by someone we knew.
Always Plan For Extra Time
In hindsight I do wish we would have come a day earlier to do all the prep work. Since it was a destination wedding (and we did a lot of the details DIY), there was a lot to organize.
My advice would be to make sure to take an extra day prior to the wedding to get set up, and feel as relaxed as possible leading into the wedding day. It will make it easier to soak up every minute! Also, make an deliberate effort to take mental pictures. We can recall certain moments so clearly and vividly because we did this.
Read on to see how much this romantic boho chic forest wedding cost. Please note that costs change as the years go by, and prices are subject to change. This is just one couple’s breakdown to give you a rough estimate on how much a wedding like this may cost you.
venue/catering 60%
alcohol / rentals 20%
Flowers 2%
Photographer 5%
Dj 2%
Coordination 2%
Decor 3%
Transportation 4%
Dress / suit / rings 10%
invitations 2%
- Accommodation: Sequoia Retreat Center
- Accommodation: The Hilton Scotts Valley Santa Cruz
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell
- Bridesmaid Gifts: Slowcast
- Cakes & Catering: Sequoia Retreat Center Catering
- Calligraphy & Menu Design: Christa Seta
- Ceremony Music: Brendan Evans
- Day Of Coordinator: Ashley Port, BK Events
- Envelope Liner: Greyberry Design
- Flowers: Jeanne Eckard
- Groom & His Men: Kiriko made
- Groom & His Men: Ted Baker
- Grooms Shoes: Steve Madden
- Jewelry: Salita Matthews Anklets
- Jewelry: Caitlin Mociun
- Off-Shoulder Dress: Daughters of Simone
- Officiants: Dr. Joeseph Appel, Groom’s Uncle
- Reception DJ: Joshua Chirinos
- Rentals: Alexis Party Rental
- Rentals: Chic Event Rentals
- Stationary Design & Printing: Jennifer Hart
- Wedding Dresses: Amsale
- Wedding Planner: LJ Oneto