Rebecca + Justin | Alvina Valenta Wedding from Ahlin Photography

Rebecca + Justin | August 25, 2012 | Los Altos Hills, California

A gorgeous California locale and a bold and colorful decor set the scene at today’s Real Wedding. Whimsical yet elegant, Rebecca’s amazing sense of style included nontraditional bridesmaid’s dresses (love them!) and colors that pop at every turn (check out the FABULOUS statement necklace she wore). DIY touches and a BBQ food truck (yes, food truck!) kept it fun at the reception. If you are dreaming of a wedding that’s romantic, playful, and chic, you’ve found your inspiration. Enjoy!

The ceremony

Our ceremony took place at Hidden Villa, a nonprofit organic farm in Los Altos Hills. Since the scenery of Hidden Villa is just stunning, we choose to get married outdoors under a tree. Our ceremony was simple and sweet, not a dry eye in the place. We wrote our own vows, which was very special to us and our family and friends.

The reception

The main goal for our reception was for our guests to have fun. I wanted something colorful and light hearted. I fell in love with a fun colorful polka dot fabric and the design took off from there. I used the fabric to make our table runners and I made mismatched color napkins to tie back to the polka dot runner colors. We strung 90 colorful paper lanterns over the dinner area to tie it all together. Having beautiful green open space was the perfect canvas for color.

Our big surprise for our guests was a BBQ food truck for dinner. Just as guests were seated, the food truck pulled up. Everyone loved the food. It’s nice to have something unexpected and different at a wedding.

 

Rebecca’s dress search

I knew that I wanted something simple, but a little different. I envisioned lace, but I didn’t end up liking the lace on me once I tried it on. This dress was simple and elegant, but had a little something different to it. The bottom of the dress is amazing; the texture is so fun!

The way Rebecca felt in her wedding dress

Stunning, elegant, fun

Why Rebecca decided to sell her wedding dress

I love this dress so much, but I would hate for it to get boxed up and stuck under a bed somewhere. I want another bride to be just as happy on her wedding day as I was in this dress.

Rebecca’s wedding dress: Alvina Valenta, 9105 / Photography: Ahlin Photography  / Ceremony Venue:  Hidden Villa / Reception Venue: Hidden Villa / Floral Design: Fremont Flowers / Cake: Susie Cakes