From an unorthodox approach to autumn colors and the silent disco, sparklers and DJ-ready music The party was big in style.
On the 4th of September 2021, Kristen Marie O’Donnell and Jake Matthew Jolly were married on September 4, 2021 “I do,” in front of 90 of their family members and most dearest friends and dearest in San Luis Obispo, Calif. It was a wedding day that had been in the making for more than a decade, and very literally being planned for more than two years.
The couple first came into contact in Australia. Kristen and Jake did not have a chance to meet on the campus of Cornell University, when the couple walked along Battery Park en route to breakfast, Jake popped the question. In a classic New York setting, with the Statue of Liberty behind them, Kristen said yes. Celebrations of surprise with family and friends followed through the entire day as well as into the evening and set the scene for a festive season, surrounded by loved ones who are ready to toast an energetic couple and joy.
The couple originally planned their wedding date for September 26 on, 2020 at Greengate Ranch and Vineyard. They picked San Luis Obispo because of its close proximity towards the sea, its charming downtown, and the sprawling vineyards. All of which gave their guests–most of whom flew in–a glimpse at their Golden State lifestyle. With Greengate’s gorgeous gardens, luxurious rentals, and a variety of areas for gathering it was clear that this place was the perfect one for them.
After delays caused by pandemics The stars aligned one year later. They gathered with the same vendors in the same location for a weekend which was worth the long wait.
A Wedding Editor’s Victorian Picnic Celebration by the Sea in Cape May, N.J.
Bridging Modern and Timeless
The invitations by Carta Plena Design were inspired by the hues of the natural landscape, featuring dusty purples, dusty pinks and a pop of chartreuse. Kristen and Jake wanted their wedding to incorporate a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics romantic and contemporary. Certain elements, like the vine-inspired vintage motif and serif font were timeless, whereas the vibrant colors and clear letters were definitely fresh.
Excited to Finally Be Together
The theme of the wedding was being together, and spending time with loved ones and family. After two-and-a-half years of planning, the uncertainty of rescheduling, and the excitement of introducing friends to California, the couple was overflowing with joy throughout the entire celebration–something that started on the morning of the wedding, as Kristen sipped on Champagne and danced around the property with her bridesmaids.
Lightweight and Romantic
Kristen selected a wedding gown that was made by Lihi Hod (the “Sunny” gown) A romantic gown composed of a lightweight chantilly lace and layers of tulle and Lace with appliques.
All in the Details
The corset’s sheerness and the billowing sleeves that had voluminous bows lent Kristen’s gown a chic appearance; the sleeves slipped off to dance. The dress was paired with ivory shoes from Loeffler Randall, pearl and diamond drop earrings and Maria Tash stud earrings. A “Willie” headband by Jennifer Behr completed her style.
A Warm Palette
Kristen spoke of the outfits of the bridesmaids as eclectic, unique and individual. She put together an ensemble that matched the dusty pink rose and warm mauve flowers, and matched the color to the individuality that each of the bridesmaids. The ladies carried brushed silk, hand-tied bouquets made of pink garden flowers, mauve anemones and white ranunculus. The bouquet was created with Idlewild Floral Co.
