WEDDING BLOG

Kelsey and Christa exchanged vows at Martin Griffin Preserve at Audubon Canyon Ranch in Stinson Beach, California! The natural beauty and thriving, wild plants created an incredible backdrop for this romantic outdoor wedding! Neutral florals, natural light, and handmade touches added to the overall bright day. And, to make things even sweeter, the guests roasted marshmallows and took home homemade honey! Gifting themselves, the couple enlisted the help of the incredible Rachelle Derouin Photography to capture the big day!

The Couple:

Kelsey and Christa

The Wedding:

Martin Griffin Preserve at Audubon Canyon Ranch, Stinson Beach, California

The Inspiration:

Natural. We were very minimal with decorations because the ceremony and reception were at the most beautiful venue, the Martin Griffin Preserve—it totally spoke for itself and reflected who we are and what is most important to us. The theme was meant to be approachable, laid back and again, natural looking, using neutral tones and utilizing lots of flowers to add more detail and color. The best decorations were the amazing people in our lives who came together in such a beautiful place and laughed and cried and celebrated with us.

The Moments:

Christa: Walking toward Kelsey as he waited at the end of the aisle. Other great memories were practicing our first dance at our rental house in the days leading up; spending the morning of our wedding on the beach together; cramming into a mini-SUV with all of my bridesmaids to drive ourselves to the venue; receiving amazing toasts from family and friends; watching my grandma get down on the dance floor; and feeling the exhilaration of finally walking down the aisle as husband and wife.

Kelsey: Exchanging our vows. I was really nervous; public speaking isn’t my thing, but I was so excited to make those promises to Christa in front of our closest family and friends. I had waited years to marry her and was so happy it was finally happening. My other favorite memories were our first dance to “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding, a song we’d been planning as our first dance since our first year together. The whole set up process of the wedding felt really special because we were with our favorite people getting the place ready. It made the lead-up to the day really fun and memorable.

The Couple Recommends:

Rachelle Derouin was incredible. She captured our day with such a unique lens and general compassion for us as people. She exuded professionalism, but also love for the day, for Kelsey and me, and for her work. You can tell that when she’s with you, there’s no place she would rather be and that is reflected in her superlative work. I couldn’t recommend her more highly. She’s a gem and someone who is special to us forever because of the memories she captured for us.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Rachelle Derouin Photography
Venue – Martin Griffin Preserve
Floral Design – Louesa Roebuck
Catering – Roli Roti
DJ – DJ Umami
Invitations – Katharine Watson
Makeup Artist – Belle by Marine
Hair Styling – Salon Miel
Wedding Dress – Ivy and Aster
Bridal Accessories – Sundance
Groom’s Apparel – J. Crew
Groomsmen’s Apparel – J. Crew
Rings – Melissa Joy Manning
Rentals – Bright Event Rentals

A huge thank you to Rachelle Derouin Photography for sharing Christa and Kelsey’s sweet, forest wedding with us! Love natural weddings? You have to check out this classically natural wedding in Whistler, BC!