When Allison Hoffmann and Alex Huckstepp first reached out to us, they had a simple vision: a wedding that felt effortless, romantic, and most importantly, fun for everyone involved. We orchestrated a day of venue scouting for Allison and Alex, and at the end of the day we had time to spare for one more venue that I had an inkling they would love. From the moment we stepped onto the beautiful grounds of Beltane Ranch in Sonoma, we knew this was the perfect place to bring their dream day to life.

Beltane Ranch offers everything we love in a venue—sweeping vineyard views, an intimate on-site inn, and that laid-back California vibe that feels timeless. From the very beginning, we knew that with a setting this stunning, we could focus on what really matters: personal touches that would make the day feel uniquely theirs.

A Love Story Worth Celebrating

Allison and Alex’s story is the kind you only find in movies: meeting over pizza, beer, and IKEA furniture assembly. (Seriously, it doesn’t get much better!) Fast forward nine years, and they were ready to gather their closest family and friends to celebrate their love.

They told us from the get-go: “We want this day to feel easy and fun.” So that’s exactly what we did! From the welcome cocktails served out of a vintage truck to the oyster bar from Hog Island Oysters during cocktail hour, every little detail was designed to reflect their easy-going personalities and love of good food and good times.

Setting the Scene

For the ceremony, we kept things simple and let Beltane’s natural beauty do most of the talking. A 100-year-old oak tree became the focal point, draped with soft white fabric for a touch of elegance. We lined the aisle with delicate paper flower garlands to add a bit of whimsy—because who doesn’t love a little playfulness?

The ceremony itself was as personal as they come. Allison’s stepfather officiated, sharing heartfelt stories from the couple’s journey together. And let’s just say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the end of it!

Relaxed Fashion, Perfect Summer Vibes

We loved how Allison and Alex’s style perfectly matched the laid-back vibe of the day. Allison’s Alexandra Grecco gown was a total showstopper—100% silk crepe that moved like a dream. She accessorized with diamond cuff earrings, a lace veil, and Valentino heels (because, of course).

And let’s talk about Alex for a second—he decided to join in the all-white fun with a linen jacket from Ralph Lauren, paired with classic khakis. It was the ultimate American summer look. Their wedding party also looked amazing in light fabrics—perfect for the warm Sonoma summer and even better for dancing the night away.

An Evening Full of Love and Flavor

For us, it’s all about creating a seamless flow from ceremony to reception. After their “I dos,” guests were greeted with refreshing cocktails and oysters during cocktail hour—an Allison and Alex favorite. We made sure the space felt like a warm summer gathering, with umbrellas for shade and plenty of space for mingling under the trees.

At dinner, we kept things elegant yet unfussy. Think petite floral arrangements, soft gauzy table runners, and twinkle lights strung from the oak trees. The food? Oh, it was so good. The couple’s menu featured roasted bistro filet, pan-seared salmon, and our personal favorite: truffled white cheddar orecchiette. A perfect summer spread, if we do say so ourselves!

And instead of a traditional wedding cake, we helped Allison and Alex set up a pie and ice cream bar—complete with playful flavors like s’mores and Mississippi mud pie. The guests absolutely loved it! (Who wouldn’t?)

Dancing Under the Stars

No wedding is complete without dancing, and this one was no exception. A live band brought everyone to their feet, playing all the classics that kept the dance floor packed well into the night. One of our favorite moments was a toast led by Allison’s brother—a nod to the couple’s family tradition of doing a “German cheers” before meals. It really brought everyone together and kicked off the celebration in such a meaningful way.

For us, weddings like this are what it’s all about: creating a space where people can connect, celebrate, and make memories they’ll talk about for years to come. At the end of the day, it’s not about the place settings or the perfect linen—it’s about making sure love takes center stage.

Allison and Alex’s wedding was truly a joy to be part of, and has been featured on Brides! From the heartfelt ceremony to the last dance under the stars, every moment felt like magic. It was one of those weddings where you could feel the love in the air—and for us at L’Relyea Events, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

Here’s to Allison and Alex—and to many more summers filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of oysters.

View the Brides feature on this wedding here!