Amanda and Gabriel hosted their rehearsal dinner on a rare 60 degree February evening in Oklahoma at Aspen Ranch. The serene 160 acre venue provided the natural elements they were looking for. Instead of an evening sea breeze, however, it was the Oklahoma wind that came sweeping down the plain. Blue Chalk Events planned all of the details, and Flora Pacifica created all of the amazing florals for this special day at Aspen Ranch. Keep scrolling to see all of the beautiful photos by Kelsey LaNae Photography, and don’t forget to check out all of the images in the full gallery here!
Inspired by the couple’s love for the Coast, Blue Chalk Events weaved components of luxe coastal beauty into the entire design, from the use of natural chiavari chairs, jute slate blue napkins, woven rattan napkin holders, to the patterned blue and white linens. Napa chandeliers provided the warm glow and created an inviting atmosphere. Bride-to-be, Amanda, did not want to wear the traditional white for her rehearsal dinner; instead, she wore a linen dress in her favorite color, navy blue. As her something blue for her wedding day, Amanda chose the square toe Mercedes Castillo Napa Knot Mule sandal.
Guests entered the dinner by “taking a walk on the beach.” The stone path walkway was light with beautiful candlelight and romantic blooms. Abbey Road Catering staff greeted guests with a refreshing cucumber and rosemary cocktail. Passed hors d’oeuvres were served as guests mingled and celebrated the happy couple. There was no shortage of coastal-inspired bites, including: tomato bruschetta, sundried tomato and goat cheese tartines, ahi tuna tartar with wasabi mayonnaise, and cucumber bites with hummus, Greek olive & sun-dried tomato relish, and fresh basil. As guests sat down to eat a dinner of poached salmon with champagne lemon sauce, the sunset painted the sky behind them.
The floral color palette was chosen based on those pretty pastel sunset tones. Dried grasses and items you’d often find while walking down the beach were dispersed along the floral runner. Flora Pacifica also brought in real elements of sea shells and driftwood from the Pacific Northwest and coral from Kauai! Chirps & Cheers created an invitation suite on cotton paper with torn edges, incorporating a vellum overlay with a Coastal pattern adorned with cording and a tassel.
To end the evening, guests of honor were presented with a custom painted champagne bottle by The Merriment Mill. It was popped in celebration for the eve of their wedding. A toast by their longtime friends was given, and cheers rang out as the wine glasses topped with personalized acrylic drink tags clinked together.
Words of Wisdom
1. Choose a location that is meaningful for you as a couple. Ex: first date, favorite date night, where you met, etc.
2. Incorporate your personality into your event – from invitations to décor, this event should reflect your style as a couple.
3. Choose to include some of your favorite types of food, whether its small bites or a plated dinner – it’s memorable to have fun with your menu!
