I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

You know you’re going to get a spectacular color palette in a wedding planned by the fabulous Kaella Lynn Events. Kelsey and Michael’s big day is no exception with its bold, saturated red color scheme—a nod to the couple’s boisterous personalities. Olympia’s Valley Estate set the scene for the lakeside nuptials followed by a barn reception and it’s all filled with spectacular florals by Amanda Vidmar Designs. We absolutely love that the couple had a cake-shaped piñata smashing instead of a traditional cake cutting as a nod to Cinco de Mayo and lucky for us Lynette Boyle Photography was on hand to capture that moment and all the others in these striking film images.

What made the wedding special and unique?

The venue alone was a very special part of our day. Olympia’s Valley felt like a place we could see ourselves in another life – out of the city and surrounded by the beauty of Northern California – with plenty of room for rescue dogs!

The music also made our day very unique – we selected non traditional songs for the ceremony based on our ties to those songs from different points in our lives.

Kelsey’s sister officiating the wedding, along with writing our own vows, made the ceremony feel very unique and especially personal.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it! 

Gown was found at Kinsley James Couture Bridal in Walnut Creek, CA. The design was “Harmony” by Rivini. I had a high-neck halter in mind from the very beginning, so it took a lot of searching to find one.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

The non-traditional ceremony music was selected to represent different parts of our lives, which combined with our own vows made the ceremony extra personal.

Having the bold, saturated color scheme, unusual in the Spring, was also a nod to our boisterous personalities.

Of course, our dog, Annie, walking down the aisle as the flower girl was key.

Gelato was chosen as a dessert not only because it’s Michael’s’ favorite, but traveling to Italy is a fond memory for us.

Being wed on Cinco De Mayo, having a cake-shaped piñata smashing instead of a traditional cake cutting was a fun way to bring our quirky personalities to the reception.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Michael says his most memorable part of the day was hearing Kelsey’s vows. Coincidentally, for Kelsey, it was the moment just after the ceremony when they were walking away from the crowd – Michael looked over at her, kissed her hand, and said “your vows were absolutely incredible”. Through the whirlwind and nerves of the ceremony, it can make it hard to let things sink in, so she is grateful for that moment when she saw how much her words meant to him. And, the photographer caught that exact moment in a photo, so we are lucky it will last forever.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

True to our generation as early millennials, we met on an app. “Cute pup”, Michael said referencing Kelsey’s profile photo. A couple weeks later, Kelsey showed up late to their first date, explaining to Michael that she was tardy due to taking her “pup”, Annie, to see Santa Claus. Annie soon became Michael’s dog too – and he made sure she was a part of their engagement.

He proposed to Kelsey inside her old apartment (where their friends now live), with Annie in tow. This was the place he walked her home that first night, meeting Annie for the first time and starting their journey together.

Event Planning + Design: Kaella Lynn Events // Photographer: Lynette Boyle Photography // Floral Design: Amanda Vidmar Designs // Paper Goods: Jenna Caitlin Designs // Venue: Olympia’s Valley Estate // Bridal gown and veil: Rivini from Kinsley James Couture // Bridal hair and makeup: Skyla Arts Beauty // Bridesmaids hair and makeup: The Powder Room // Bridesmaid dresses: Reformation // Grooms suit: J Hilburn // Groomsmen Suits: Indochino // Caterer: Paula Le Duc // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // Votives: Glassy Baby // Linens: La Tavola Linen // DJ: Truthlive // Videographer: Final Frame Studios