Where boho-style weddings are typically light and airy ethereal scenes, we went for a moodier feel with our venue setting and bridal styling in this Modern Bohemian inspired, stylized wedding shoot where romantic, rustic and whimsical elements come together in a beautiful wooded setting.

An eclectic mix of rich colors in the range of burnt orange, burgundy, golds, and pops of bright red; as well as embroidered textiles and textures of a bohemian flair intertwine with modern touches and silhouettes.

Set in a lush, forest scene, the bride and groom celebrate their nuptials surrounded by nature, cream and white lace dream catchers, some pulling in the warm colors of the table settings; and hanging candle lanterns which were illuminated as the sun started to set. The venue, a tiered, meandering backyard of a 1940's cottage in the Southern Californian beach town of San Clemente, steps from the beach and perched aside a deep seaside canyon was chosen to be the backdrop. Filled with massive Oak and Pine trees, assorted mature succulents, quaint brick walkways, sitting areas and little nooks, this outside oasis was transformed into an intimate hideaway for the bride & groom and their wedding guests.

The boho theme was apparent in the bride's floral crown, invitations & escort cards, handwritten wooden chalkboard signage with a fusion of printed eclectic linens, vintage mismatched goblets and china and heaps of asymmetrical and more organic floral arrangements of large and small proportions throughout the table setting. Dahlias, garden roses, protea, kumquats, seeded eucalyptus and succulents took center stage as floral elements. The color story of our table setting reflects the warm hues of an early Autumn sunset, which instantly brightens up the cooler and rich tones of the backyard foliage.

Sitting areas to mingle or rest in between dancing are dressed up with flickering candlelight, tiny flower bouquets and bright, ethnic throw pillows. We fully took advantage of sprawling and overlapping tree branches by hanging a handful of lace dream catchers and mismatched lanterns throughout the space.

To juxtapose the bohemian style, the bride wore a simple, contemporary wrap-style wedding dress which instantly pops against the wedding reception scene. The groom is handsomely clad in a simple grey blazer, unbuttoned white dress shirt and dark brown slacks. Both wedding looks complemented with color through the boutonniere, bridal bouquet and flower crown. To emphasize a moodier feel, the bride is made up with a smoldering gold smokey eye and finished with a dark lip color; with the hair done in a simple wave and side braid to not take away from the floral crown.

Guests celebrate the newlyweds with a three-tiered naked cake which exposed the red velvet through a light layer of buttercream frosting, embellished with streaks of gold and adorned carefully with flowers and succulents.

We wanted to create the private and intimate feeling of a small backyard wedding, without looking like the event was set in a typical open lawn backyard; showing that with a specific wedding style or theme, it's possible to transform different outdoor landscapes into a perfect celebration with a little forethought, creativity and vision.