This elegant tented wedding in Central California paired an open-air celebration with East Coast–inspired blue and white details for a refined look.
A Central California Tented Wedding
Set against the open landscape in Central California, this elegant tented wedding balanced a refined design with the natural beauty of an outdoor celebration. Classic East Coast blue and white details were incorporated into the day, which gave it an effortlessly timeless feel. Even with a large guest count, this wedding still felt incredibly intentional and seamlessly orchestrated. An understated location like this one was transformed beautifully, creating the ideal setting for a large-scale celebration.
A Nod to East Coast Hues
As someone who has always been drawn to the East Coast, I loved seeing that classic blue and white influence woven so thoughtfully throughout the day. From the bridesmaids’ dresses to the stationery, the palette felt timeless and refined. Patterned tablecloths added a layer of texture to the reception decor, while lush hydrangeas tied everything together, giving it a romantic, coastal vibe. Ribbon & Leaf was intentional with every detail, bringing life to this simplistic location.
An Experienced Approach to Large-Scale Weddings
Weddings with large guest counts can require a level of awareness and preparation that comes from experience, and it’s something I’ve come to specialize in and truly enjoy over the years. Managing the flow of a full timeline, anticipating movement between locations, and ensuring every part of the day is thoughtfully documented is definitely a skill built through repetition. I approach larger celebrations with a calm, structured presence, so that your day can still unfold smoothly and stress-free. There’s so much to love about large-scale weddings, with more candid moments, friends and family reuniting, and even the bit of chaos. It’s an environment I’m especially comfortable in, where I can capture moments that feel both organic and artful.
A Thoughtfully Designed Tented Wedding
Tented weddings have evolved into something far more intentional than they once were. No longer viewed as a budget-friendly alternative, a tented celebration is now a fully curated experience, one that allows couples to design a wedding that reflects their vision from the ground up. With the opportunity to seamlessly blend indoor comfort with outdoor scenery and create a custom layout, a tent offers a level of creative freedom that traditional venues simply can’t match. If you’re drawn to the idea of hosting your wedding exactly where you want to be, without rigid rules or preset structures, a tented wedding opens the door to endless possibilities.
One of the most important things to understand when planning a tented wedding is that the venue truly comes to life over several days. Unlike permanent venues, tents require advance installation, often one to two days before the wedding, with additional time needed for teardown afterward. This process is labor-intensive and best handled by experienced rental companies and planners who know how to execute it well. The payoff is worth it: a tented setup allows for extended cocktail hours, late-night dancing, and celebrations that aren’t rushed by venue cut-off times. It creates a natural flow to the day so it feels relaxed and intentional.
Location also plays a critical role in the success of a tented wedding. Even spaces that appear flat at first glance can present challenges, which is why site surveys with your planner and rental company are essential. These walkthroughs help determine the best placement, account for terrain, and ensure the tent is both beautiful and functional. From there, choosing the right tent becomes part design decision, part logistical planning. Sailcloth tents offer a soft, airy feel with their peaked silhouettes, while A-frame tents provide a more classic structure.
Size and shape matter just as much as style. Tents come in a range of dimensions and layouts, and your guest count, table sizes, and overall flow will influence what works best. Rectangular, square, or oval shapes each create a different atmosphere and affect how guests move through the space. And for added comfort, as well as an elevated look, adding a floor is definitely something to consider. It helps with uneven ground, weather concerns, and overall is a beautiful addition. Ultimately, a tented wedding offers something rare: the ability to create a venue anywhere, shaped entirely by intention and design.
Central California Wedding Vendor Team
Full Planning, Design & Coordination: Ribbon and Leaf
Photographer: Lauren Westra
Videographer: Everything Visual
Venue – Schnoor Private Park
Wedding Caterer: Pardini’s Catering
Florist: Sweet Memories Flowers
Rentals: Standard Event Rentals, Expo Rentals, CT Event Rental, The Event Collection
Cake: Frosted Cakery
Lighting & Specialty tables: Stockroom Picks
Draping & Chairs: The Linen Shoppe
Invitation Suite: White Linen Design
Day of Signage: White Linen Design Ivory Rose Creative
Bartending: Bar Masters LLC
Makeup & Hair: Beauty by Emily Barton
Specialty linens: Nuage Designs
Content creation: Blonde & Branded
Central California Wedding Photographer
I’m Lauren Westra, a film and digital photographer who loves to shoot couples in love – in that contagious, joy-bubbling-over, forever kind of love. Tented weddings are something I’m drawn to more than anything else, as the aesthetic they create is unmatched. And I love capturing all of the genuine, joy-filled moments that come along with a celebration just like this one. Inquire to learn more about our services + process.
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