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Lauryn & Andrew: Graf Barn Wedding

In honor of #ManCrushMonday, we'll be starting the next few weeks with a tribute to our favorite grooms - the ones who aren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves! When I see a groom tear up upon seeing the love of his life, or hear his voice shake during his vows, my heart just about bursts.

Not only is Andrew the most stylish groom I have ever seen, he just could not hold back his feelings for Lauryn. When he read his note to his bride on the morning of their wedding, it was all over. Sorry Andrew, I know you were trying so hard to stay stoic, but I think it says so much about your strong heart and your incredible love for your "favorite person!"

FAIR WARNING: This film contains one swear word, and one playful rude gesture. In case you're watching with the kiddos or you're bothered by that sort of thing.

Add one gorgeous - and also tearful! - bride with pink highlights, and our favorite California wedding venue, Graf Barn, and this day could not have been better. From the rich rustic florals everywhere, to the smartly dressed wedding party, to Graf Barn's unique details (and food), this wedding has plenty of eye candy, as well as tons of heart. I have never seen a more enthusiastic celebration, or a more perfect couple!

Lauryn and Andrew, there is no question that you truly are bashert - meant to be together. While you are both clearly strong and talented in your own right, you complete each other in a way that is totally new and totally amazing. You will surely go on to do amazing things and enjoy incredible adventures together! I hope every day of your lives is as much of a celebration as your wedding day!

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Kelsey Stewart, Ken Kienow Photography
Venue: Graf Barn, Oxnard, California
Florals: A Beautiful Day Productions
Cake and Catering: Laina Graf, Graf Barn
DJ: Steve Stock

Candice & Jay: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse Wedding

Today is a very special anniversary post celebrating one of our favorite destination weddings ever: the wedding of our great friends Candice and Jay! Yep, that is Candice of Candice Benjamin Photography - you've probably seen her photos from the many weddings we've documented together, and featured in our fusion films!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!

Candice and I met at a networking event, and became pretty much instant friends when someone brought up the TV series Firefly. Jay worked with Josh and was part of our theater "techie" family. They both became regulars at our weekly "Taco Night" (where we invented the quesa-taco and watched nerdy TV shows) and before we knew it, they were dating. No seriously, they literally hid the fact that they were dating just to see how long it would take us to ask. Punks.

At least they included us when marriage came up! Josh and I were on hand to secretly film Jay's proposal to Candice, and we got to be a part of the crew for their amazing destination wedding at the 200-year-old Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, north of Santa Barbara. It was a full week of incredible scenery, great friends, crafty scheming, and one of the most memorable weddings we have ever been a part of. 

The ceremony was particularly personal, as it was officiated by our mutual friend and fellow Taco Night regular, "Reverend" Brett. (Don't you think he should do this for a living?)

The Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse is way off the beaten path, but worth the drive for its cozy accommodations and breathtaking views. It was an incredible setting for a wedding filled with creative handmade touches. I love how the wild and whimsical florals by Studio Ooh La La complemented the rustic charm of the farmhouse. Candice's experience as a wedding photographer definitely contributed to the gorgeous styling of this event!

I love the mix of rustic, wild, romantic, and geeky influences that were present throughout this day! Truly fitting for this awesome couple.

Candice and Jay, we love you... and we miss you since you decided to move to beautiful Colorado! I feel really, truly privileged to have seen your friendship blossom into romance as everyone realized just how perfect you are for each other. Thanks for sharing so many adventures with us - especially this one!

Soundtrack Licensed via The Music Bed
"The Rest of My Life" by Holley Maher
"Two" by Analog Heart

Coordinator: Jen Bergmark, First Pick Planning
Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Natalie Williams
Florist: Studio Ooh La La
Bar: Night Owl Productions
Cake & Dessert Bar: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Dress: Hope Stanley, Marry Me Bridal
Bride's Sash: Tessa Kim
Hair & Makeup: Evelyn Lui, Serene Bridal Beauty
Catering: DIY/the groom's family!

Buffy & Josh: Graf Barn California Wedding

When Buffy called me for the very first time and we chatted for over an hour, I knew that we were in for something special. She was so excited to tell me all about the friendship bracelets and sparkling heart garland that she was making, and about Josh, who was on the road - as usual - but who felt very near when she talked about how crazy they are about each other.

Buffy and Josh both work in the music industry in L.A. They work with literal rockstars everyday, but I can assure you that the stardust that these two exude comes from inside. They are so genuine about their passions, especially for each other. Buffy's tears and Josh's huge grin during their vows attest to that!

From the surprising gifts that the bride and groom exchanged, to the handmade details and bluegrass band, to the private "last dance" and sparkler exit, this wedding was one for the books. The warm welcome extended by the staff/family at Graf Barn made this one of our favorite venues ever. They put so much love into the decor, the food, everything. Buffy planned every detail and it all came together into a one-of-a-kind rocking rustic celebration. (Even though she decided against the shark blimp as ringbearer.)

Buffy and Josh, we are so lucky to know you! The song of your love is just beginning and I am excited for the adventures you have in store together.

Soundtrack:
"Passage" by Lowercase Noises
"Love Be Your Mantra" by Future of Forestry

Venue: Graf Barn, Oxnard, CA
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Tyler Branch
Floral Design: Floret Cadet
Caterer: Naturally Good Catering
Officiant: Reverend Dr. M Rene Minshew
DJ: Bryan Thrane,

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

What was your favorite detail of this beautifully personalized wedding? Leave a comment for the couple!

Lindsay & Anders: Saddlerock Ranch Malibu Destination Wedding

I can think of no more perfect story to kick off this new Journal for The Adventures Of. When Alex at Sterling Engagements first contacted me about this wedding, she said the bride and groom were "super fun, kinda quirky" and had a fantastic story. That was a huge understatement.

Lindsay is from California. Anders is from Denmark. Each would describe the other as a "wild child" with extreme wanderlust and an adventurous spirit. They met at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, and have gone on to explore the world together. The incredible serendipity of their story led many guests to comment that day that we were witnessing the happy ending of a real life fairy tale. I think this is only the beginning of the downright magical adventures that these two are sure to have.

The sweeping views of the Malibu hills from Chateau le Dome at Saddlerock Ranch provided a breathtaking backdrop for a sweetly personalized ceremony. The groom's brother officiated over the union, which included some beautiful symbols of Lindsay's Jewish heritage (although when it came time to break the glass, somehow it was nowhere to be found!).

Tissue warning: These are some of the most moving vows I've ever heard! Are all Danish men this poetic, or is it just this lovely family?

 

 

The special traditions that surround weddings are always such a delight - between the hora, the Danish wedding waltz, and cutting the groom's socks and tie, this wedding was full of traditions that were celebrated with joy! Josh and I are so grateful to have been a part of such a joyous and personal celebration for such generous people. Lindsay and Anders, we wish you many many years of love and adventure to come!

What's your favorite moment from this fun and moving wedding film? Leave a comment!

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

 

P.S. I have to give a special mention of the soundtrack in this film. When I asked Lindsay about the type of music they listen to, she sent me a link to this awesome music video by Radical Face. I was so in love that I wrote to the artist and he was kind enough to let me license the song. Then Chris Bartels of Anthem Falls Music composed the perfect ambient track to tie it all together.

 

 

Soundtrack:
"We're On Our Way" by Radical Face
"These Moments Live" by Chris Bartels

Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Event Coordinator: Alexandra at Sterling Engagements
Venue: Chateau le Dome at Saddlerock Ranch
Photographer: You and Eye Photography
Floral Design: The Little Branch
Cake and Sweets: Fantasy Frostings
Hair and Makeup: Stephanie Navarro
Officiant: Kristian Mouritzen, Groom's Brother
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Vintage Table
DJ: Chris at Hey Mister DJ
Catering: Contemporary Catering
Hotel and Shuttle: Sheraton Agoura Hills sheratonagourahills.com