Northern California Wedding Planner | Wolfe Heights Wedding Highlights

What wedding planner doesn’t love a beautiful space to hold a wedding? We get to work in a lot of beautiful spaces throughout our season, but every time we see Wolfe Heights listed as the venue on our inquiry we do a little happy dance! Today we are highlighting some of our favorite aspects of the venue.

Wolfe Heights is located in Sacramento and features stunning grounds with an onsite winery, olive orchard, gorgeous estate house + bridal suite for the bridal party, pond & willow tree with paths surrounding the ceremony and reception spaces. Every angle is picture perfect!

Image Melanie & Andrew Photography

Image Melanie & Andrew Photography

You can take the most luxurious shuttle over to the olive orchard grove for your couple’s portraits and then come back over to join your cocktail hour with your guests while the sun goes down and the glow of the market lights gives the romantic vibe you dreamed of.

Photos // Anna Perevertaylo Photography

Another element that we love about Wolfe Heights is that any color palette works beautifully in the space, as anything can pair well with the classic greenery surrounding the property that offers the perfect focal points. Every gallery we look through has us falling in love even more!

Images Passion Studios

Images Passion Studios

Not only is the space beautiful, but the layout of the space and the amenities included all contribute to a seamless day executed by the your vendor team from the preferred vendor list. Working with vendors who all know the space and understand the best practices to help you make the most of your wedding day will give you the best experience and ability to enjoy with your guests.

Want to see more of Wolfe Heights? If you missed us at the recent open house event, you can hop over to the take the virtual tour at Wolfe Heights and see the grounds or book your tour today!

Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Elegant Backyard Wedding ~ Kelly & Jordan

Over the years we have planned weddings in many settings like ballrooms, barns, country clubs, ranches, industrial warehouse space, parks, lakeside to name a few. There is something special about a backyard wedding because it offers the charm and intimacy of a space that is near to the couple’s heart. We’re sharing some of our favorite images from Kelly & Jordan’s beautiful backyard celebration!

Image | Dani Padgett Weddings

The reception design was elegant yet minimalistic and featured bistro chairs, matte gold flatware, mercer dinner plate with a neutral table linen. We loved the balance of the whimsical florals that softened the overall aesthetic of the space!

Vendor Credits:

Ceremony & Reception Venues: Private Residence
Photography: @danipadgettweddings
DJ: @outpatientrecords
Catering: @baciochico
Florals: @north_bloom
Rentals: @memorableeventsrentals
Transportation: API Global
Production and Coordination: @530bride

Northern California Wedding Planner | Lake Almanor Celebration ~ Kelly & Robert

It only took us a few images in Kelly & Robert’s wedding gallery to feel like we were right back amongst the trees in the crisp spring air watching these two amazing people exchange their vows. Kelly & Robert’s intimate wedding served the full Lake Almanor experience for their guests!

Image | Blessings Photos

The vision was always clear for Kelly & Robert, so where did we come into the picture? Logistics is pretty much our middle name, wait..do businesses have a middle name? Anyways - the point is we were focused on creating a timeline that encompassed all of the wedding events at both Lake Almanor Country Club and Plumas Pines as well as the shuttle details across the lake (by boat) leading to the sparkler entrance and much more.

Bringing vendors in from Chico, Redding and the surrounding areas to deliver an exceptional service for our clients involves factoring in travel, load-in logistics, layout details, sound checks, and the overall flow of all formalities. This is what we live for!

Incredibly thankful to have been a part of such an epic celebration, and grateful to work alongside all of the professional wedding vendors who contributed to the event:

Photo: @blessings.photos
Venue: Lake Almanor Country Club & @plumaspinesresort
Wedding Management: @530bride @the530bride.emily @the530bride.britni
Floral: @milwoodflorist
Catering: @odellcraftbbq
Bartending: @cheersretroevents
Entertainment: @decadesofficial
Cake: @littlepinkboxbakery
Beauty: @inkbabemua & @margarita_bridalhair
Transportation: @jodifrenna

Northern California Wedding Planner | Little Bear Creek Ranch ~ Jyla & Andrew

When we first met with Jyla and Andrew (AJ) to start on the details for their spring wedding, we loved that the focus was on bringing their family together and enjoying the celebration. Every planning session it was clear they were a united front who communicated well and cared deeply about the other’s opinion. We’d joke about AJ getting extra brownie points because he came prepared with questions, ideas and listened actively about the details. When their day finally arrived there were smiles, happy tears, laughter and of course a lot of dancing! {Photos by Ashley Carlascio Photography}

Photography: @ashleycarlascio
Venue: Litter Bear Creek Ranch
Planner: @530bride
Florals: @littleredhenchico
Hair: @hideaway.hairlounge
Makeup: @beautybyanniemink
Wedding Boutique: @aebridal
Cake: @illybeancakehouse
DJ: @netsoundpro
BBQ: @odellcraftbb

Northern California Wedding Planner | Altar Love

Your ceremony space is the backdrop of where you will share your beautiful commitment and vows with your partner in front of your closest loved ones and friends. What will the space look like, what are the elements that set the tone for this exchange - Let’s jump in!

The Courtyard at Irongate Garden Inn is such a special place to say I Do, and the venue provides several altar options to choose from. This beauty below was hand built by one of the couples who shared their vows here, and they opted to adorn the arbor with greenery to match their aesthetic.

Photo by Valory Evalyn Photography, Irongate Garden Inn

We still think back to this beautiful setting at the Redwood Grove of the UC Botanical Gardens in Berkeley for Jessica and Patrick’s wedding. The majestic trees were truly stunning! The couple incorporated an arbor with ornate origami cranes with the perfect pop of color.

Photo by Pretty Geeky, Redwood Grove - UC Botanical Gardens

Shelby and Travis truly weathered obstacles along the way before they got to say I Do, between fire season and COVID hurdles - nothing could stand in the way of their commitment to starting their next chapter together!

Photo by Valory Evalyn Photography, Private Residence McArthur, CA

Oh Miners Foundry, you have captured our hearts from the very first time we toured the space. Each couple has been able to add their personal touch to the space while embracing the undeniable understated elegance of the Stone Hall. Ashley & Brendan brought in draping and lighting elements to perfectly highlight their vision!

Photo by Kindred Weddings, Miners Foundry Nevada City

The Unity Circle at Wolfe Heights feels effortless, the garden style seating gives your guests the perfect view for your ceremony. You can add to the space, or enjoy just as it comes with the beautiful wood altar and surrounding greenery.

Photo by Eucario Visuals at Wolfe Heights, Sacramento

Does the Willow Tree ceremony location give you romantic vibes that it gives us? White Ranch is breathtaking and has so much character. A lot of love has been poured into the entire venue and it shows in every inch of the space. Clara and Aaron’s altar was a special sight with all of those beautiful blooms!

Photo by TreCreative at White Ranch, Chico

If sharing your ceremony amongst friends, family and beautiful roses sounds like a dream to you - Creekside Rose Garden may be just the place for you. The pergola set alongside the creek is pretty grand!

Photo by Sarah Tamagni Creekside Rose Garden, Chico

Modern brides behold - BLOC has the perfect space for your I Do’s. You can add greens, an arbor or even candlelight to set the tone for your ceremony!

Photo by Leah Galloway Photography, BLOC

Floral arrangements on shephard hooks, gracing your aisle leading up to a wine barrel altar with blooms can give any rustic bride inspiration for her wedding. The aisle flowers can be repurposed to your guest tables and your barrel arrangements can be a great accent to your sweetheart table. Christina & Bricen’s wedding was a rustic dream!

Photo by Worldlove Weddings, Private Residence

If Macrame is your love language, consider dressing up your altar with a piece that ties in your design and gives a nice contrast to your surroundings. Jyla had a perfect balance of boho and rustic charm!

Photo by Ashley Carlascio Photography, Little Bear Creek Ranch

A barrel room ceremony setting gives couples endless options as you can choose to bring in modern elements and lighting and use the barrels of the winery to balance out the space.

Shannon Rosan Weddings, Almendra Winery Durham

We couldn’t talk about ceremonies without a throw back to all of the magical days spent at the Honey Run Covered Bridge. We will hold this space in our hearts and jump for joy when it is rebuilt by the community. Even though we lost this space in the Camp Fire, it just goes to show you that you can transform any space and make amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo by Mathew Lim Photography, Honey Run Covered Bridge

When you hear a homily shared amongst the congregation and you feel the tradition in every spoken word by the father - you know that you are witnessing a very special exchange of vows. The beautiful altar of St. Johns Baptist Church was adorned with florals to accent the couple’s fall wedding color palette.

Photo by Ernest & Aurelia, St. Johns Baptist Church, Chico

Every ceremony that we witness is an absolute honor and we are incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us to be a part of this memory while helping them execute the details!

Happy Planning! - XOXO The 530 Bride Team

Northern California Wedding Planner | Elegance in Hues of Dusty Blue ~ Clara & Aaron

In our eyes a perfect wedding venue can host events of all sizes and shapes, and truly be personalized to each couple’s vision. White Ranch is right up there with our list of favorite venues in Northern California, because we couldn’t have asked for a dreamier location for Clara & Aaron’s long awaited wedding.

With 2022 right around the corner, our hearts are still full from all of the love that we witnessed through patience and perseverance of our couples along every obstacle that Covid through their way. Clara and Aaron planned their Chico wedding all the way from New York and it was a true pleasure to get to be along their side through all of the planning phases leading up to the big day. TreCreative captured the smiles, the happy tears and so many incredible moments of joy.

This rockstar team was a blast to work for, and we are beyond thankful to have pro’s like these to help our couples celebrate!

Vendors:

Photographer - TréCreative @chels_diaz @steezdiaz

Venue - White Ranch Events @WhiteRanchEvents

Coordinator - The 530 Bride @The530Bride

Catering - Italian Guy Catering @italianguycatering

Makeup - Glow Beauty @glowbeautychico

Hair - The Hair Works

Flowers - Little Red Hen @littleredhenchico

Rentals - We Do Designs @wedodesigns

Cupcakes - Lovely Layers Cakery Chico, CA @lovelylayerscakery

Dessert - Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy @shuberts_icecream_candy

DJ - Elite Sound @elitesounddj

Northern California Wedding Planner | Navigating Wedding Jitters and The Holidays

Christmas shoppers bustling around town in a frenzy have something in common with a bride planning her wedding.. trying to do all the things..all at once. Sometimes you are in the store and you aren’t even sure who you are shopping for anymore! Those jitters can feel pretty similar to what couples experience when they start feeling the wedding pressures coming from every direction. Here are some of our tips to help navigate during this busy time:

Treat yourself to a break! That’s right - it may seem counterintuitive for a wedding planner to tell couples to hit pause - but we feel that the holidays are the perfect time to refill your cup and enjoy your friends and family. If you feel like you are getting grilled with wedding questions over the holidays - treat it just like an out of office message and tell folks that you are in holiday mode and just enjoying until after the new year.

If you find that you are getting some reoccurring questions - keep a running list that you can send to your wedding planner (or to other vendors) all at once to work on after the holiday. This will drastically speed up our response times when we all return from the holiday break and help you get a jump start on planning tasks for the new year.

It’s perfectly ok for some topics to be off-limits, give yourself permission to communicate that. Maybe Aunt Karen doesn’t need to know how much your catering budget is - or cousin Gary needs to chill on who he is sitting next to at this point. Be kind in your delivery and let your loved ones know your capacity for wedding talk.

Most importantly, enjoy some downtime with your partner, family and friends!

If you find that you are needing additional support and guidance through your planning process, we would love to chat with you about how a wedding planner can help! You don’t have to stress, or navigate the process all on your own - that is why we’re here.

Happy Holidays from The 530 Bride Team!

Photo by Social LIfestyle Photography

Northern California Wedding Planner | Backyard Spring Wedding ~ The Keelings

Growing up with your best friend involves late night chats, passing notes in class and of course dreaming about the happily ever afters! Being a part of this wedding was a dream come true in the making, ever since I met Christina in Jr. high school. It also meant taking off the wedding planner hat and stepping into the wedding party role!

These two worked together on the details for their wedding, closely in tune and in sync on what projects to take on next. Wedding planning and craft nights, on top of their busy schedules with shift work - pretty impressive!

The smiles and care-free dancing in the rain was what made this night unforgettable, congrats to The Keelings!

Wedding Vendors:

Photography: World Love Film + Photo
Florist: Cambray Rose
Dress: AE Bridal
Caterer: Chico Catering Co.
DJ: NetSound Pro
Rentals: A&J Party Rentals

Northern California Wedding Planner | Wolfe Heights Wedding - Adreanna & Brandon

Wolfe Heights is one of those venues that captures your heart from the moment you arrive, it is well thought out which helps the whole day feel like it is flowing effortlessly from ceremony to reception. Our couples love the scenery and the endless photo spots and we love getting to create in this space. Shout out to Ashley Teasley Photography who captured Adreanna & Brandon’s vibrant spring wedding!

Kudos to our wedding friends who we get to work alongside of at amazing weddings like this!

Photos @ashley_teasley_photography
Beauty @Cailtin_dorrough
Catering @Hannibals_catering_events
Gown @miosabride
Florals @modafloralevents
Venue @Wolfeheights
Music @sjdiscjockey

Northern California Wedding Planner | Old World Romance: Real Weddings Magazine Styled Shoot

As Seen In Real Weddings Magazine: Styled Shoot at Colonia Building

To say that we get a little excited about stretching our creative wings is an understatement - so it was a real treat to see so many amazing wedding pro’s come together to produce this stunning styled shoot for Real Weddings Magazine!

You can catch even more of the details over at Real Weddings Magazine on their blog or in the latest magazine!

The Details:

Venue: @thecoloniabuilding

Photographer: @fitsandstopsphotography

Videographer: @natachajolene

Design + Coordinator: @530bride

Floral Designer: @amourfloristandbridal

Wholesale Flowers: @fiftyflowers

Cake: @aboveandbeyondcakeseg

Macarons: @rooftopmacarons

Charcuterie + Styled Cuisine: @thehiddentable

Bar, Spike Trike + Cocktails: @tipsy_horse

Hair: @halosalondayspa

Makeup: @happilybeautiful

Gowns: @aebridal @secondsummerbridesac

Flat Lay Shoes: @dsw

Suits + Shoes: @tuxedodenca

Jewelry + Ties: @macys

Accessories: @arieltaub_accessories @luxuriousbridal @mytrendytrailer @sorrellisparkle

Rentals: @celebrationseventrentals @blossomfarmvintagerentals

Linens: @latavolalinen

Paperie: @spilledinkcalligraphy

Custom Signage: @lxvewild

Real Couple Models: Meaghan Jiles + Logan Dysert @magoomj @logandysert

Publication: @realweddingsmag

Northern California Wedding Planner | Backyard Wedding Grace & Ben

When most couples have to change their venue unexpectedly it understandably comes with some compromise or some areas that weren’t quite what the couple had planned originally. When we stepped foot onto this property we were thinking Grace & Ben definitely came out on top! Grace’s mom opened up her home and property to host the wedding and there couldn’t have been a better space for the event.

This backyard wedding didn’t feel like a backyard, it had the charm and intimacy of the familiarity that comes with celebrating in a space that you are connected with. We think Grace brought her vision together in such a beautiful way! Thank you to Ashley Carlascio Photography for capturing the magic throughout wedding.

Vendor Team who brought all of their talents together to create a wonderful wedding for Grace & Ben:

Photography: @ashleycarlascio
Planning & Coordination: @the530bridebritini, @the530bride
Hair Styling: J @styledbyjulialynn
Florist: @larkspur.andlove
Makeup Artist: @glowbeautychico
Groom's Suit: @formaleducation
Bridal Boutique: @aebridal
Bridal Dress: @willowbywatters Aundin gown
Brides Shoes: @BHLDN Mybella Heels
Bridesmaids dress: @birdygrey
Officiant: Lisa Holeman
Rings: @kirksjewelry
DJ: @chicoweddingdj
Catering: Garibaldi's Catering
Dessert: @shuberts_icecream_candy
Rentals & Antiques: @allisonsantiquerentals
Cocktails: @marlowbar

Northern California Wedding Planner | Patrick Ranch Wedding - Jen and Blake

When we think back to Jennifer & Blake’s wedding planning process we are reminded how in tune these two were with making sure their day felt fun & relaxed. They chose a perfect setting for their event, as Patrick Ranch is a space that lends itself to a effortless transition from ceremony into cocktail hour & reception. As much as we love our fall weddings - we could jump right back to spring with this beautiful day captured by Dani Padgette Weddings!

Another beautiful spring wedding in the books and a great vendor team to make it happen!

Venue: Patrick Ranch Museum
Photographer: Dani Padgette Weddings
Beauty: Makayla Noelle & Leanne Stewart
Grooms Getting Ready Location: Hotel Diamond
Florals: Little Red Hen Floral & More
Rentals: Chico Party Rentals
Caterer: Roots Catering
Music/Entertainment: Decades Band
Ice Cream: Shuberts
Late Night Eats: Chicobi’s
Wedding Management & Bartending: The 530 Bride

Northern California Wedding Planner | Sweet Spring Wedding at Irongate Garden Inn

Spring colors brought the vibrance we needed, Hannah had the vision of mustard yellow and we think she nailed the perfect blend! Thanks to Pixel Pluie for the beautiful images from Hannah & Nathaniel’s big day.

As always we are over the moon thankful for the amazing wedding friends we get to work with as we couldn’t do this without all of their talents & hard work.

Venue: Irongate Garden Inn
Photographer: Pixel Pluie
Caterer: Chicobi’s
Dessert: Upper Crust
Florals: Flowers by Rachelle
Bar Service: Tipsy Horse
Music: The Wedding DJ
Rentals: Chico Party Rentals
Wedding Management Services: The 530 Bride led by Megan

Northern California Wedding Planner | Butte Star Ranch - Ally and Dalton

Wedding planning for Ally & Dalton was a path with several obstacles but whenever they faced a challenge - they took it head on as a couple! The strength and patience that our couples have shown when making the decision to postpone or pivot their wedding plans, it is pretty incredible!

Let’s get to the fun part; where they finally got to share their I Do’s with all of their friends and family:

Photos by Peachy Lemons Photography

Every celebration that we are a part of fills our hearts completely, it was truly a magical day and we are excited to see what the next chapter holds for The Stephens!

Vendor Team:
Photography: Peach Lemons Photography
Venue: Butte Star Ranch
DJ: The Wedding DJ
Wedding Management: The 530 Bride
Rentals: Chico Party Rentals
Caterer: Special Times Catering

Northern California Wedding Planner | Spring Wedding at Almendra Winery & Distillery

We are so thrilled to be back into the swing of event season and we had to share one of our first weddings back on the scene for 2021. Stephanie & Ari’s wedding at Almendra Winery & Distillery in Durham was the perfect start to our season! Photos by Ashley Carlascio Photography

As always a huge thank you to all of the vendor pro friends who make events like this possible! It takes a solid team to be able to execute the room “flip” needed in order for us to transition from ceremony to reception in the barrel room at Almendra. This means that during cocktail hour we shifted the draping to create a cocktail area while our team along with the rental company removed ceremony chairs and brought in all of the reception tables, centerpieces and moved the arch to frame the sweetheart table. It makes our hearts so happy when our couples get to see their vision come to life!

Venue: Almendra Winery & Distillery, Durham CA // Photography Ashley Carlascio Photography // Music The Wedding DJ // Catering Roots Catering // Rentals WeDo Designs // Dessert Lovely Layers

Northern California Wedding Planner | Micro Wedding at Irongate Garden Inn - Taylar & Daniel

Weekends have looked different for many of us in the wedding industry but we wanted to pop in to say that love prevails through it all! Our couples have found creative ways to proceed with their wedding plans even if that meant downsizing their guest count or sharing their day virtually with guests.

Micro-weddings have been a popular trend, and we have to say that getting to see the intimate moments couples can share with their guests is pretty incredible. Speaking of beautiful Micro-Weddings, today we are sharing highlights from Taylar & Daniel’s ceremony at Irongate Garden Inn in Chico. {Photos by Joel Jauregui Photography}

Taylar’s ability to roll with the obstacles and changes throughout her planning was pretty amazing, her focus was on her ceremony and to only put energy into what was within her control. This is so challenging, we know that no couple wants to be impacted by something like Covid-19 but our hearts are so full when we see love win like this! Joel captured their day so beautifully!

Details
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOEL JAUREGUI PHOTOGRAPHY // VENUE: IRONGATE GARDEN INN // DRESS: AE BRIDAL CHICO // FLORALS: LITTLE RED HEN FLORAL & MORE // PLANNING & STYLING THE 530 BRIDE, LED BY MEGAN

Northern California Wedding Planner | Planning ahead

Just the other day, a good vendor friend of ours mentioned that she had no idea that planners handled so many of the details - to which we thought maybe we should share a bit more about the behind the scenes work that goes into a wedding. If we only share what fits into a small Instagram caption, how can clients and vendors alike learn about what planners do? So here is trip down the planning lane.

Photo by TreCreative

First, we will preface by saying that every wedding is very very different from the next and no two events are the same because of the variables from location, season, budget, vendor team, style, guest count etc. Second, no matter which “package” a couple books - our role is to help you plan ahead for each phase of planning and to help present solutions along the way.

Photo by Gretchen Granka

From a full planning & design stand point we jump into planning details with a master planning session where we will get into many details from style inspirations, likes/dislikes, must-haves, preferences on food & beverage to the textures and palette that you envision and go into vendor recommendations so that we can curate a vendor team who will work seamlessly together on your event. Throughout the project we are going to walk you through the various phases and transitions of your event so everything from rehearsal, getting ready, set-up, decor, food & beverage service elements, reception formalities, open dancing, send off down to the strike (breakdown) of the event. The draft master timeline is our living document of your wedding so it will start with the foundation of sunset and hours of photography coverage then we work our way backwards to determine when you and your wedding party will need to be camera ready.

Photo by Sarah Tamagni Photography

Planning comes in waves, so while some of our check-in calls may be spent on decor or invitations we may have a whole meeting on site logistics like restrooms rentals, power, heating/cooling, parking, lighting, garbage, neighborhood sound ordinances etc. Those logistics are so important when hosting events in a private space that doesn’t already have the built-in infrastructure that a typical venue would include. As we near your event, you will have less on your planning plate so you can instead focus on how you will spend time with your friends and family while they are here for your big day! We use a checklist so that our couples can see where they are in their planning process at any time.

Aside from your timeline, we put a lot of focus into your layout because this will be where all of the vendors working on your event will be able to ensure they have what they need factored into your space. If we know that for your live band they need 4 dedicated outlets or a minimum of 15 ft clearance for their stage set-up we can build around those details.

Your day is about the personal details, so our team will work with you on your ceremony processional order, song selections, vows, reception formalities, dances, toasts and more so that your whole day flows in fluidly and organically. The timeline should be created with not only your preferences but timing that works for your whole team so that everyone is set up for success and they can do their absolute best for you. Meaning we get feedback on the timeline as we build it but we are also able to improvise on the day-of as needed. If you are still bustling your dress - we have an announcement ready for the DJ to remind guests to refill their drink at the bar before they take their seat and we give the caterer a heads up not to pull lids yet; it’s all about communication!

Photo by Matthew Lim Photography

Well friends that was a snapshot of the behind the scenes world of wedding planning but we could go on forever about all of our favorite planning milestones. In 2020 much of our work was focused on finding alternative dates or locations for couples, researching best practices for modifications and adjusting plans to the micro-wedding scale and we were glad that we were able to ease some of the stress for our couples. With 2021 being right around the corner we have a lot of excitement to bring in the new year and to get back to planning pretty gatherings again!

~ Happy Planning~
The 530 Bride

Northern California Wedding Planner | 2020 Wedding Highlights

Cozying up with a blanket really is the best feeling ever especially after what seemed like the longest summer ever am I right? We’ve all been doing our best to keep our chin up when it feels like there is always a Covid-19 curve ball around the corner this year so to break up the Rona’ blues we’ve got some highlight images from events this year so far. Thinking back to every single couple we have worked with this year brings a smile to our face and puts the twinkle in our eye so we hope you’ll enjoy a little preview!

Hang tight for our next round of highlights because we have so much to share! We’re so thankful for all of the great photographers that we are so lucky to work with. Diane Nicole Photography | Amber Enos Photography | Valory Evalyn Photography | Ernest & Aurelia Photography