Spring Wedding Celebrations at Rustic Alisal Ranch in Solvang California

close up of couple looking at each other under veil

Their love began with the great outdoors. That’s how these two easily found themselves planning an outdoor wedding under the oak trees and under the stars at this farm wedding venue. From their engagement session to the wedding day itself, the theme was centered around rustic vibes. See every outdoorsy bit of their spring wedding day at Alisal Ranch.

couple pose together while sitting in field surrounded by horses

couple holding hands walking through grassy field

Spending a Rustic Wedding Day at Alisal Ranch in California

Connor and Jesse chose their venue for a spring wedding within the Santa Ynez Valley, a site that also works beautifully in the summer. The property explodes with green from the grassy landscape to the low-hanging trees, doubling also as a spring lake wedding venue.

couple kiss in front of lake at Alisal Ranch spring wedding

couple pose in front of lake at Alisal Ranch spring wedding

couple walk holding hands in front of lake at Alisal Ranch spring wedding

There are both indoor and outdoor locations to cover the day spanning from lakeside views to hardwood floors and stone hearths:

reception at Alisal ranch spring wedding

table decor for reception at Alisal Ranch spring wedding

Cottonwood Room (reception): 1200-square-foot room filled with natural light and adorned by hardwood floors and living-room style seating or tables and chairs when requested.
Sycamore Room (reception): 200-seated room with high-beamed ceilings, stone hearth, and large windows letting in natural light.
Alisal River Terrace (ceremony): provides panoramic sites of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

couple dancing during reception surrounded by friends and family

couple dancing at reception under the lights

Positioned at the center of Santa Barbara Wine Country, Alisal Ranch also offers the best wine selection and regional food offerings. Connor and Jesse describe the venue as truly special and could not wait to have their photos taken in such a beautiful place.

bride smiling before first look with groom

They were initially drawn to me as their micro wedding photographer because they knew that I appreciate capturing candid moments as much as they do! We focused on these moments so they could look back and remember the feeling of their celebration.

Outdoor Spring Wedding Celebrations from Coast to Coast

While I primarily serve as your local Washington, DC wedding photographer, this wedding event brought me to Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California. Originally from California, but currently living in the DC Metro Area, Connor and Jesse wanted a west coast wedding after their east coast engagement photos.

couple walk together in a field of horses at sunset

couple do a piggyback pose in grassy field

The couple’s rustic wedding themes started first with their engagement session. As an avid horse rider, Connor brought her two loves together for an engagement photoshoot at her favorite horse ranch. The couple also couldn’t resist bringing their pup along for the adventure! Following our time with the horses, we took Roma to the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia.

couple pose in a field of horses at sunset

couple kiss during sunset engagement photos

At their ranch wedding venue, the two just loved the entire feel of the property: the wandering animals, rolling green hills, and sycamore trees. It felt like we were in an oasis with so many different backdrop options, open skies, and magical greenery!

couple walking holding hands in grassy field

Spring Wedding Style With Personalized Touches

These two are literally the sweetest humans! Their day was relaxed but very intentional and a true celebration with family and friends that are typically found on other sides of the country. The smaller, 100-person guest count is perfect to make the event a party while still allowing you to actually visit with everyone!

group photo of all guests at Alisal Ranch spring wedding

bride and bridesmaids pose in front of fence and horse

wedding flat lay with handwritten note, spring florals, and ring

There were so many personalized touches they added to make the day and the spring wedding venue their own:

I just loved the groom and groomsmen coordinating wearing traditional Western style bolo ties.
A friend of the bride did an amazing job doing Connor’s hair and makeup.
The father of the bride made all of the seating chart signs while a family friend did the lettering for the rustic wedding signs.
The couple designed their own guest book creating a photo album using their engagement photos.

groom and groomsmen posing in front of rustic barn

To ensure their candid moments, we planned for little “step aways” throughout the day to provide the newlyweds with some privacy. The best tip I can provide my couples at a location like this one is allowing adequate time in your wedding timeline. This permits you to take advantage of all the various areas and views throughout your day!