The Knot publication: An Elegant, Tuscan-Inspired Backyard Wedding in Portola Valley, California

FROM AN ELEGANT, TUSCAN-INSPIRED BACKYARD WEDDING IN PORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/classic-couple-wearing-elegant-wedding-dress-and-dark-green-jacket-photo

Lauren Wiefels and Dane Rymer wanted their wedding to feel “unique, authentically Tuscan, relaxed and romantic.” The day started with a ceremony in the Presbyterian church from Lauren’s childhood. “The backside of the church is completely glass, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over a beautiful redwood grove,” Lauren says. “The pastors who married us have been family friends for decades, and they are also married to each other.” The couple used vow books from a collection of old Italian plays produced in the 18th century. After the ceremony, everyone attended an elegant reception in the bride’s parent’s garden. “We built off of the garden vibe by including warm tones of apricot and ivory, and adding fruit, plants and flowers that are native to Tuscany,” Lauren says. Guests sat at elegant wood tables with simple decorative touches. The centerpieces comprised of roses, ranunculus, peonies and olive branches—and sprigs of lavender showed up throughout the day, including in the whimsical bridesmaids bouquets. The night ended with an after-party that included a “silent DJ”—plus “Dane did a stage dive, and my dad crowd-surfed,” Lauren says. She sported a classic dress with floral embroidery on the full skirt, and it came with a bolero that she wore for the ceremony. Dane went with a classic tuxedo for the ceremony, before changing into a dark green dinner jacket for the reception.

Our favorite #MakeTradition moment: “While we did have a traditional wedding ceremony, Dane and I both wrote relatively extensive vows, which were some of the most meaningful words I have ever said and received in my life,” Lauren says