Hannah Marie and Darren’s wedding was anything but ordinary. Tucked beneath the towering redwoods of The Waterfall Lodge & Retreat, their day was a kaleidoscope of color and character. From a ceremony bursting with vivid florals to a disco ball-lit dance floor and cherry-topped cake, every detail was delightfully them—creative, playful, and lighthearted. In short, this was a wedding where tradition met quirk, mood met magic, and personality took center stage.
The Waterfall Lodge & Retreat, nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains just minutes from the coast, provided the perfect setting—secluded, peaceful, and naturally stunning. Its rustic charm set a grounded tone, while the couple’s vibrant aesthetic brought an energetic contrast that made the entire day feel alive. Capturing it all was Teri B Photography, a Junebug preferred vendor whose signature blend of photojournalism and fine art brought emotional depth to every frame. With both analog and digital formats, Teri’s lens revealed not only how the day looked, but how it felt—romantic, real, and luminous with meaning.
What We Love About This Whimsical Redwood Forest Wedding:
- The unique color palette of red, pink, and lilac
- A peaceful, secluded venue tucked into the enchanting Santa Cruz redwoods
- Teri B’s dreamy, emotion-rich photography captured on both film and digital
- A fun and personality-packed cocktail hour
- Al fresco sunset dinner that turned magical with candlelight
The morning began slowly and sweetly among the trees. Hannah Marie wore a sculptural off-the-shoulder satin gown by Watters, complete with a cathedral-length veil for the ceremony and a white orchid tucked into her half-up hairstyle. Her bouquet mirrored the moment: an elegant cluster of white orchids with subtle flashes of gloriosa lilies and cascading green amaranth. Her bridesmaids wore varying lilac dresses, adding just the right touch to the colorful day.
Guests were welcomed to the ceremony with folding wood chairs and an aisle lined with lush florals—poppies, roses, peace lilies, pink baby’s breath, amaranth, and muhly grass spilled onto the path and circled the altar in a vibrant embrace. The couple stood surrounded by color in a semi-circle of blooms, grounded by the forest and each other. The vows were emotional and intentional, bringing laughter and misty eyes in equal measure.
Afterward, cocktail hour brought the whimsy. A red ping-pong table and vintage van photo booth kept spirits high, while a guest book in the form of a recipe journal added a meaningful, interactive touch. Guests sipped and mingled among towering trees, stopping to answer a large-format, couple-themed crossword puzzle.
Next, dinner was served al fresco on long wooden tables, layered with delicate details. Each place setting featured scalloped white plates, bright pink linen napkins, fan-shaped menus, and a single orchid. Lavender tea lights floated beside red pillar candles, and ceramic vases nestled between fresh pomegranates added texture and contrast. The result was striking-meets-romantic, with just the right amount of drama.
As night fell, a suspended floral and disco ball installation signaled the start of the celebration’s next chapter. The couple’s first dance glowed beneath its sparkle, and the energy never dipped. Guests grazed the dessert table, toasted marshmallows at the s’mores station, and were surprised with late-night pizza after slicing into a pink mini layer cake with vintage white icing and cherries on top.
Ultimately, Hannah Marie and Darren’s redwood forest wedding was a technicolor tapestry of personal expression and artistic vision. It was proof that when you trust your instincts, lean into joy, and surround yourself with people (and florals) you love, the result is nothing short of unforgettable.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Teri B Photography
Planning – Lia Adam Events
Floral Design – H and J Flowers
Venue – Waterfall Lodge & Retreat
Videography – Ebullient Memories
Catering – Five Star Catering
Makeup + Hair Styling – Design Her Image
Officiant – Elopements with Dean Liapis
DJ – Santa Cruz DJ Company
Cake – The Hot Pink Box
Phootbooth – The Booth Bus
Wedding Dress – Watters
Transportation – The Santa Cruz Experience