Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch | Petaluma, Ca

I met Briana just over a year ago and we instantly bonded! So I was over the moon when she contacted me for her wedding at Garden Valley Ranch!

First of all, she is a wedding planner, so she knows and works with a lot of photographers. It was a huge honor that she asked me! And after photographing her and Nick's engagement session last year, I knew their day was going to be a blast!

This was my first time shooting at Garden Valley Ranch, and I fell in love immediately!

The gorgeous trees that surrounded the bridal suite, the miles of roses and the greenery- if you are looking to get married in Sonoma County, want an outdoor vibe, but prefer more garden and less vineyard- this venue is for you!

I love that Briana chose a non-traditional wedding dress.

She had told me she wasn't a big poofy dress kinda girl, and she really found the perfect one for her! And her flowers!!! She loves being crafty and made her own!! I was blown away, she did an incredible job!

She did a first look with both her Dad and Nick. It was so sweet- just thinking about her first look with her Dad brought tears to her eyes. I love the special bond they have! We joked that by the time she got to Nick, she was all cried out ;)

Their vows to each other were so sweet! I love when they are a mix of sentimental and funny. You learn a lot about what they put up with in their relationship in those moments!

I loved their outdoor reception! The bride and groom are huge fans of local breweries, and had Henhouse and Russian River on each table! I'm thinking my husband had wished he was on the guest list ;)

And then sunset...well, it's no secret that sunset is most photographers' favorite part of the day.

Everything was so gorgeous! And I enjoyed being able to give Briana and Nick a moment alone to soak in the day, be silly, and enjoy a kiss...heck, even the dogs joined in!

Oh, and that photo with "Fart Machine"? Don't ask- just know that this bride and groom have quite the tribe! We laughed a LOT!!!

And the dancing...the DANCING!! The DJ played some great stuff! I decided recently that I needed to save some of these amazing moments, so go follow me on IG @stephaniehopkinsphotography and look at my dancing highlights! I promise, its so worth it to see in the moment!

I can't wait to photograph another wedding at Garden Valley Ranch!

Planner- Jen Priest

Venue- Garden Valley Ranch

Catering- Lombardi's

DJ- California Nonstop

Desserts- Harvey's Doughnuts

Makeup- Studio A Beauty

Hair- Prodigy Hairdressing

Rentals- Encore Event Rentals

Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch wedding dress hanging from tree outside
Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch bridal bouquet sitting on chair in front of bridal suite
Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch details and rings
Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch guys house and grooms shoes
Guys getting ready
Guys standing on porch drinking
Bride first look with Dad at Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Bride first look with groom in the secret garden
Ceremony details at Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Rose Garden at Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Bride and Dad walking down the aisle Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Bride and Dad walking down the aisle
Ceremony Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Bride and Groom laughing during ceremony
Dog watching as parents get married
Bride laughing during ceremony
First kiss as husband and wife
Bride and groom walking away from ceremony
Bride with her bridesmaids
Close up of florals
Bride and Bridesmaids walking
Groom and Groomsmen
Bridal party being silly
Outdoor reception details at Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Hen house and Russian River Brewing as decorations on tables
Full outdoor reception site
Introducing the bride and groom
Buffet set up for dinner
Bride and groom greeting each guest during the buffet
Signing board at reception
Outdoor reception details
Father of the bride gives speech
Mother of the bride gives speech
Maid of honor speech
Best man gives speech
First dance
Bride first dance with Dad
Groom first dance with Mom
Sunset photos in the rose garden
Bride and groom snuggling in the rose garden
Bride and groom dancing in the rose garden at Wedding at Garden Valley Ranch
Bride and groom in secret garden
Bride showing off her boots
Bride and groom posing with their dogs
Group shot with friends
Eating donuts
Dancing
More dancing
Getting down on the dance floor
Wedding party singing
Bride and friend having a blast