Dawn Ranch Lodge Wedding Photos – Erin and Kris

The Dawn Ranch Lodge is truly one of our favorite outdoor venues in Northern California’s wine country. It’s located in the town of Guerneville, right on the Russian River, and the scenery all around this area is just breathtaking. Upon hearing from Erin and Kris, we were thrilled to invite them over to our home studio to learn all about their wedding day.

Right away we knew that this will be a laid back, relaxed, wedding focused on simply enjoying the day and the relationships between the people. We also learned that Erin will be wearing a GREEN wedding dress (which was a surprise for Kris) and we thought it was quite an original idea. How often do you see a bride in a dress as unique as this? Erin and Kris were also working on many DIY projects and we love it when we see couples infuse weddings with their personality. With a relative carefully selected to conduct their ceremony, they were all set for a wedding done just their way.

One of the things we love about Dawn Ranch weddings is that events here really become all-weekend celebrations. Erin and Kris hosted a casual BBQ at the same venue on the day prior to the nuptials and it seems that giving people a chance to spend time together is such a great way to get the party started. Guests were able to meet and mingle with everyone staying at the cute cottages on the property.

The actual wedding day was also beautiful throughout. Here are some faves from the day:

Loved the rustic flowers and details which fit the venue so well:

Preparations took place at the Olive Cottage:

Erin chose to wear a floral wreath on her head and it looked so different and fresh!

Part of the Dawn Ranch Lodge is an orchard and people often have their receptions and even ceremonies among the apple and plum trees:

Erin’s floral reef looked good on Kris too! Love her reaction :)

This dress was just perfect for a Dawn Ranch wedding – Erin looked like a fairy in the woods:

Their ceremony was on the giant lawn in the center of the property. Old redwoods provided a stunning backdrop as well as great shade from the sun:

Cocktail hour was perfectly back-lit by the afternoon sun:

OK I have to confess – this was my favorite part of the day :) I absolutely loved this cake display – different color and size cake stands made for a stunning table. And the various flavored cakes from Miette were to die for!

We are excited to come back to Dawn Ranch for another wedding this winter which also promises to be unique and has us filled with anticipation! It’s truly an amazing place to share the day with people who mean the most to you.

All the wonderful vendors of the day:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Dawn Ranch Lodge
Hair & Makeup: Ali @ Studio 12
DJ/Band: Sean Patterson @ DJ St. Patrick
Florals: Studio Choo
Catering: Dawn Ranch Lodge
Wedding Cakes: Miette

To see more gorgeous Dawn Ranch Lodge weddings photographed by Choco Studio visit Dawn Ranch Lodge Wedding Guerneville