A Venue with Deep Personal Meaning: Guerneville in Sonoma Valley
When Casey and Gavin came to us to plan their wedding after attending a friend's wedding we planned the year prior (the best compliment, if you ask us!). After our initial conversation, we instantly knew it was going to be special. They wanted a venue with deep personal meaning, and we were torn between a Napa Valley Estate or this unique retreat in the Russian River Valley. After hearing their story, it felt fated that their hearts were pulling towards Guerneville in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Gavin's family has owned a home in the area for over 80 years, and he spent his summers growing up along the Russian River. Casey and Gavin spent time together visiting the area and fell in love among the redwoods, making Dawn Ranch the perfect spot to celebrate their wedding. With 50 cabins on-site, it provided the ideal "adult summer camp" vibe, blending nostalgia with new beginnings.
Meticulous Planning and Design by L'Relyea Events and Destination Wine Country
Partnering with our parent company Destination Wine Country, we took great pride in planning and designing Casey and Gavin's modern yet ethereal wedding. We were over the moon to see it featured on Style Me Pretty and Magnolia Rouge. Our goal was to make sure every detail reflects their love story and deep connection to the area.
Creating an Enchanting Ceremony Among the Apple Trees
First things first, we had to ensure Dawn Ranch perfectly embodied Casey and Gavin's vision. We know how crucial the right setting is, so we chose the ceremony site in the orchard, tucked among apple trees for that intimate, hidden-away, feel. There's something so magical about exchanging vows surrounded by nature. We lined the aisle with pews and modern meadow floral arrangements to enhance a meadow-like atmosphere. Valley Flora created a serene and elegant pathway for Casey and her dad to process down during the ceremony.
The soft rustling of leaves, the gentle fragrance of flowers, and the natural beauty of the orchard all combined to create a setting that felt both timeless and personal. We always aim to blend the natural surroundings with our design and sensory elements to craft a ceremony space that feels uniquely yours.
Casey’s Radiant Bridal Look: Contemporary Elegance
Casey looked stunning in her Lucia dress by Chosen By Khya—a contemporary yet classic look that was perfect for the day. With her hair in loose, beachy waves, she radiated elegance. Meanwhile, Gavin got ready with his groomsmen and was surprised with a new watch from Casey, adding to the joy and anticipation of the day.
A Heartwarming First Look in the Garden
We orchestrated their first look in the cutting garden at Dawn Ranch, one of our favorite spots on the property. This lush, natural setting was the perfect backdrop for their intimate moment. It's always a joy to witness these first looks because they offer a private space for couples to connect before the whirlwind of the ceremony. Seeing each other before the ceremony helped ease their nerves and allowed them to share a private, special moment. This is one of the perks of a first look; it's a quiet pause in a busy day where everything else fades away, and it's just the two of them, soaking in the love and excitement before sharing it with everyone else.
Sophisticated Al Fresco Dinner Under the Stars
For the reception, we guided guests across the creek to the meadows, where they were greeted with sparkling rosé accented with edible garden blooms. We love incorporating these little surprises that make guests feel truly special.
We planned a sophisticated yet charming al fresco dinner with a soft color palette that complemented the ethereal meadow vibe. Watching the guests mingle under the open sky, with soft lighting casting a warm glow perfectly illustrated why we adore outdoor receptions.
Culinary Delights Featuring Local Farmers and Ranchers
The culinary experience was definitely a highlight. At L'Relyea Events, we love crafting celebrations with lots of sensory experiences, and Casey and Gavin's wedding was no exception. We featured a garden-to-table family-style meal that showcased local farmers and ranchers—it was a hit! The bar offered local wines, craft beers, and a signature margarita (because you can never go wrong with a good marg!). As the night went on, guests enjoyed late-night goodies to keep the spirit alive with espresso martinis and a display of mini desserts. The wedding cake by our girl Ora Beth at Flour & Bloom was a showstopper with three delicious flavors: chocolate with raspberry filling, vanilla with raspberry filling, and almond cake with apricot filling, all beautifully decorated with flowers.
We believe that what you taste should be just as curated and thought out as the feel of the space, the fabrics, and the flow of mingling. The Bella Rosa String Quartet set the perfect mood, playing an instrumental mix of old classics and modern hits that had everyone swaying to the music. It was all about creating an atmosphere where every detail, the food, drinks, ambiance, and music, worked together to create a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Celebrating Love and Connection in the Heart of Wine Country
Casey and Gavin’s wedding at Dawn Ranch truly captured the spirit of Wine Country. From the sentimental venue choice to the thoughtfully designed ceremony and reception, every detail spoke to their love story and deep connection to Sonoma Valley. We could feel the love and history in every moment, from Gavin's family roots in the area to the intimate ceremony under the apple trees.
We thrive on blending our expertise with the couple’s vision, ensuring that every wedding feels personal and distinctive. The joy on Casey and Gavin’s faces, the laughter of their guests, and the seamless flow of the day reminded us why we do what we do—crafting beautiful, memorable events that leave a lasting impression.
Credits
Venue: Dawn Ranch | Planning & Design: L'Relyea Events, Destination Wine Country | Photography: The Ganeys | Videography: Hit Maker Films | Floral Design: Valley Flora | Cake: Flour & Bloom | Makeup: Stefanie Fritz Makeup Artistry | Hair: Jacquelyn Larkin | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony Music: Bellarosa String Quartet | Transportation: Pure Luxury Transportation | | DJ & Photobooth: Boutique DJs | Rentals & Lighting: Bright Event Rentals | Dress Designer: Chosen by kyha | Planning & Design: Destination Wine Country | Rentals: Encore Event Rentals | Styling Mat: Locust Collection | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Restrooms: The Posh Privy | Bridal Boutique: Unveiled Bridal | Invitations & Paper Goods: Marley Lettering