Devon and Nick had a truly magical forest wedding at Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center. This gorgeous venue nestled in the Redwood forest of the Santa Cruz mountains is one of my favorite local venues! I had to take the opportunity to use the fantastic foil balloons, spelling B.R.I.D.E, which her maid of honor had brought for some photos. Devon looked like a real-life forest fairy princess! Think Thumbelina when she marries the fairy prince. 

Elegant blush pink bridal sandals with crystal embellishments displayed on a rustic tree stump.
A delicate lace wedding dress hanging from a wooden hanger against lush green foliage.
Wedding ring photographed with vibrant orange and pink dahlias in soft focus.
Wedding party in burnt orange bridesmaid dresses posing in a sunlit forest setting.
Bridal party in matching rust-colored dresses standing together in a wooded setting.
Wedding party poses with silver BRIDE balloon letters against a forest backdrop.
A bride in a flowing lace gown holds a colorful bouquet in a sun-dappled forest setting.
A bride wearing a floral crown holds a vibrant autumn bouquet in a forest setting.

The ceremony location is quite literally an amphitheater in the redwoods hence the name. It's one of my favorite venues in Santa Cruz. Wild Iris did a fantastic job with the flowers, as always! The pop of color makes the arch stand out amongst the trees.

Devon's brother did a fantastic job as their officiant. He started the ceremony by quoting the princess bride, funny voice and all. 😂 But Devon stole the show when she came walking down the aisle.

An artistic close-up of a hanging floral arrangement with orange and yellow blooms in natural light.
Sunlit wooden deck walkway surrounded by towering redwood trees in a forest setting.
Vibrant floral arrangement with yellow, pink and orange blooms against a sunlit forest backdrop.
Wedding ceremony setup with wooden benches surrounded by majestic redwood trees.
Outdoor wedding venue with white chairs arranged on a deck platform amidst tall redwood trees.
Rustic wooden deck railing with colorful floral arrangements against redwood forest background.
Autumnal floral arrangement with roses and sunflowers mounted on wooden post in forest setting.
Stone steps pathway through forest with wedding party members walking.
Wedding attendants in mint green dresses descending stone forest steps.
Wedding ceremony on forest deck with bridal party in orange and black formal attire.
Stone steps leading up through redwood forest during wedding ceremony.
A wedding scene on forested steps as sunlight filters through tall redwood trees in a dreamy natural setting.
A woodland wedding ceremony takes place among majestic redwood trees with guests seated on white chairs.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with floral decorations set against towering redwood trees.
A wedding ceremony under a rustic wooden arch adorned with autumn-colored floral arrangements in a redwood forest.
A wedding exchange of rings under a wooden arch decorated with orange and pink flowers in a forest setting.
A close-up of wedding ring exchange during forest ceremony under floral-decorated wooden arch.
Wedding ceremony participants gather under wooden arch with autumn floral decor during handfasting ritual.
Forest wedding ceremony with bridesmaids in orange dresses and groomsmen in black suits.
Wedding exit celebration in redwood forest with orange-clad bridesmaids and guests on white chairs.
Newlyweds walk between towering redwood trees after forest wedding ceremony.

I'm so grateful when couples make the time for sunset photos! That Golden hour light is unlike anything else and adds the wow factor to photos. Thanks for trusting me, guys. It was so worth it!

Outdoor wedding party poses in formation on grass with bridesmaids in rust-colored dresses and groomsmen in black suits.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment in golden sunlight outdoors.
A wedding couple poses together outdoors with a vibrant fall-colored bouquet.
A wedding couple embraces during golden hour on a grassy lawn with sunlit trees in background.
Serene pond reflects evergreen trees and autumn foliage under blue sky.

How dreamy was this outdoor reception setup with all those lights? Absolutely magical!

Elegant outdoor wedding reception tables set with white linens under trees.
Wedding place setting with red menu card and greenery on rustic wooden table.
Garden wedding reception setup with round tables and wooden chairs under tall trees.
Wedding reception dance floor under string lights with guests seated at outdoor tables.
Dancing couple on a wooden dance floor at an outdoor wedding reception illuminated by string lights.
Couple shares romantic moment under glowing string lights at outdoor wedding reception.
A romantic outdoor wedding reception with string lights hanging from trees and guests seated at wooden tables.
Wedding party dining at a rustic outdoor table decorated with floral arrangements and candles.
Black and white photo of wedding guests dancing under string lights at an outdoor reception.
Wedding guests enjoying dinner at decorated tables with candlelight and floral centerpieces.
Vintage VW bus with illuminated 'Photo' sign serving as photo booth at nighttime wedding.
Dancing guest enjoying themselves on wooden dance floor under string lights at outdoor reception.
Enthusiastic guest wearing sheriff badge dancing at nighttime wedding reception.
Wedding guests in orange dresses dancing energetically on wooden dance floor under string lights.
Wedding guests in orange dresses dancing together on wooden dance floor at evening reception.
A heartwarming dance moment at an outdoor wedding reception under string lights.
A black and white photo of reception items laid out on a table at night with string lights overhead.

Thank you to all the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Venue: Amphitheatre of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling

Planner: Events By Cheryl Wedding Coordinating

Flowers: Wild Iris Floral and Botanical

Hair & Makeup: Kala Ketchum

Rentals: TimberSong Rentals

Photobooth: The Booth Bus

DJ: Sound in Motion

Cake: The Buttery

Stationary: Minted

Second Shooter: Adele Claasen