DIY Childhood Home Backyard Wedding » Petaluma, California

Anela and David met while working as park rangers at Point Reyes National Seashore. Their relationship grew from running buddies to friends to partners who have travelled the world on amazing adventures. They’ve hike Patagonia and spent two years working in one of the most remote national parks in Alaska, Katmai. In fact, David proposed to Anela while on a hike to pick wild blueberries in Alaska. For their wedding, they decided to keep it more local and threw a garden party in the backyard of David’s childhood home in Petaluma. Being surrounded by the rolling hills and gorgeous oak groves, it was clear why David’s upbringing brought him to seek a job that kept him in the beautiful great outdoors. On the day of the wedding, the sky was a grey haze due to California wildfires. Despite the unusual conditions, everyone was in great spirits and the haze added a surreal warm glow to the landscape. Anela got ready in the guest room before having a first look with her father and brother before seeing David in the front yard. For the ceremony, everyone headed down to the large field below the home overlooking Petaluma. David’s father officiated, sharing funny stories about the two of them and gifting them some fishing lures (Anela and David are avid fisherman!) Afterwards, everyone was invited for a delicious catered meal around the pool which included a whole roast pork and salmon Anela and David caught in Alaska. After dessert of cake and donuts, the dance party began and everyone danced on into the evening. I am so grateful to have been a part of their wedding day!

Venue: Private Residence // Wedding Planner: Parker Nichols Events // Florist: April’s Flowers // Caterer: Ring of Fire // Cake: DIY by a family friend // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // Hair & Make-Up: Shayna Azevedo // Anela’s Wedding Dress: Starlet Bridal // DJ: Premier Productions // Wedding Rings: Brilliant Earth