Black and white wedding photo captured by Eden Xuân Photo with couple embracing outdoors, featuring Carats + Cake text overlay.

An elevated summer camp, reimagined through color, memory, and place.


Freddy & Bianca’s July wedding unfolded deep in Mendocino County, surrounded by towering redwoods, filtered light, and the kind of quiet grandeur that only Northern California offers. Returning home to marry felt intentional — rooted in who they are and where they come from. Beneath the Redwoods Cathedral at The Madrones & Brambles, they exchanged vows wrapped in sculptural greens and soft whites, florals guiding guests naturally into the forest.


Cocktail hour shifted the mood into playful nostalgia — a retro, 1960s poolside energy layered with bold graphic menus, sunflowers woven throughout as a personal sentimental touch, and rich, expressive color: rust, burnt orange, mustard, chartreuse, and deep maroon.


Dinner unfolded under the Pavilion in an unexpected monochromatic yellow palette — ikebana-inspired centerpieces paired with lemons, golden grapes, and warm beeswax candlelight atop natural wood tables. Food was central to the experience. A farm-to-table, family-style menu celebrated the region’s bounty while honoring Bianca’s Spanish heritage — empanadas and croquettes at cocktail hour, followed by paella, pan con tomate, and classic tapas-inspired flavors.


As the sun dipped below the trees, the atmosphere shifted. A red wash light ignited the forest, casting a vibrant, moody glow as guests drifted between the dance floor, lounge spaces, the bar, desserts, and the redwood platforms tucked among the trees—spaces to gather, linger, and take it all in. The celebration felt immersive and alive, grounded in place and carried by intention.


Honored to see this day featured on Carats & Cake and to document a wedding where design, landscape, and meaning were woven together so seamlessly.

Rustic wooden building with large windows and shingled roof nestled among tall redwood trees in a forest setting in California.
Sunlight filters through tall evergreen trees in a peaceful forest setting creating dappled shadows on the ground.
A series of vintage white lace gloves arranged in a delicate horizontal display against a soft gray background.
Vintage white baby shoes and lace doilies displayed on a rustic wooden surface in a soft sepia tone.
A flowing white wedding veil trails elegantly through a sunlit forest setting.
A black and white portrait series shows someone posing on a porch railing in casual attire.
Black and white bridal portraits showing flowing white wedding dress and veil against a dark forest background.
Wedding couple posing in a lush forest setting with ivy-covered trees and dappled sunlight.
A rustic wooden chapel with a shingled roof stands in a lush forest setting during a wedding ceremony.
A romantic black and white wedding photo in a forest setting with sunlight filtering through the trees.
Motion-blurred figures moving through a dark wooded area creating an ethereal effect.
Outdoor amphitheater with wooden benches and stage surrounded by towering redwood trees.
Wooden benches arranged in rows on a dirt ground create an outdoor seating area surrounded by greenery.
Wooden benches line a serene forest path surrounded by towering redwood trees and lush greenery.
White anthurium flowers bloom against lush green foliage along a gravel garden path.
Wedding ceremony gathering in a dimly lit forest setting captured in black and white.
A wedding ceremony scene in a redwood forest with flowing white dress and burgundy attire.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in a majestic redwood forest grove with guests seated on wooden benches.
Wedding couple sharing an intimate moment on a forest path surrounded by lush greenery.
A couple in wedding attire dances together at an outdoor garden reception surrounded by guests and greenery.
A wedding celebration takes place in a serene redwood forest setting with guests gathered along a path.
A flowing white wedding dress train trails behind on a forest path lined with towering redwoods.
Black and white artistic photo of a flowing wedding dress moving in the breeze.
Close-up details of a white wedding dress against burgundy attire in a forest setting.
Black and white romantic wedding photo sequence showing a couple dipping in a dance move outdoors.
Red tablecloths adorn round tables set up on a grassy lawn with evergreen trees in the background.
Fresh floral arrangement with daisies and tomatoes on a pink surface creating a rustic centerpiece.
Abstract close-up view of a white wedding canopy or umbrella structure showing geometric shadows.
White umbrellas and round tables set up for an outdoor garden reception under tall trees.
A bright yellow daisy flower arrangement with mixed foliage in a vase casting shadows on a white table surface.
A wedding bar menu display with specialty cocktail cards and floral decorations on a brown table.
Floral centerpieces with sunflowers and white wildflowers in vases alongside fresh red tomatoes on a sunlit surface in California.
Elegant martini glasses garnished with lime slices are arranged on a wooden surface.
Aerial view of a garden wedding venue with white tents and colorful flower arrangements scattered across green lawn.
Wedding reception under a white tent with guests mingling around decorated tables.
Playful wedding couple poses in a garden setting with burgundy suit and white gown.
Close-up of hands holding delicate glass bowls against a soft yellow dress.
Wedding guests gather under white tents on a sunny lawn during an outdoor reception celebration.
A wedding party walks along a shaded forest path during an outdoor ceremony.
Aerial view of white chairs arranged in rows on a concrete surface for an outdoor event.
Long wooden tables with string lights overhead create an enchanting outdoor dining setup in a wooded setting.
Elegant table setting with yellow floral centerpieces, wine glasses, and place settings on wooden table.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception table with yellow floral arrangements and greenery in a forest setting.
Black and white photo of an elegant wedding table setting with floral centerpieces and place settings.
Aerial view of elegant outdoor dining tables with white tablecloths and wooden chairs arranged on a dark surface.
Outdoor dining table set with yellow decor and place settings in a sunlit forest setting.
Elegant table setting with yellow flowers, wine glasses, and a dish of food at an outdoor gathering.
String lights illuminate an outdoor dining area in a wooded setting with guests seated at rustic wooden tables.
Yellow flowers decorate a table setting with white bowls and glassware.
Dance floor surrounded by wooden walls and string lights where a flowing white dress twirls in motion.
Guests dine at tables under string lights during an evening outdoor wedding reception.
Wedding party seated at a long table with white linens and floral centerpieces during an outdoor reception.
Long dining table decorated with white calla lilies and greenery for an outdoor wedding reception.
Close-up black and white shot of hands with wedding ring resting on white tulle fabric.
A couple walking together through a grassy field surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
Motion blur captures running figures in white dress through a green wooded area.
Close-up of white tulle wedding dress and sneakers in motion against grass.
A couple walks through a serene redwood forest clearing on a sunny day.
Aerial drone shot of lush green forest canopy with sunlight filtering through the dense treetops.
Wedding reception dance floor under string lights in a wooded outdoor venue.
Blurred motion shot of white wedding dress twirling on dance floor.
Aerial view of outdoor wedding reception tables with string lights at dusk.
Outdoor seating area in a redwood forest with yellow cushions and vintage furniture.
Vintage outdoor lounge area with antique car and cream-colored furniture arranged under redwood trees.
White calla lilies growing beside vintage car grille in a garden setting.
Yellow upholstered bench or settee with delicate white flowers blooming at its base.
Wooded outdoor event space with yellow tablecloths and natural forest backdrop.
Green wooden cabinet decorated with vibrant floral arrangements and signage in a forest setting.
Bar menu signs and lit candles displayed with sunflowers at an outdoor wedding reception.
Decorative floral arrangement with orange and white flowers next to a table lamp.
Delicate coral and white flowers bloom in soft focus with ruffled petals against a blurred natural background.
Green wooden planter boxes filled with lush foliage line a gravel path among tall redwood trees.
Couple taking a casual stroll along a forest path at dusk.
Outdoor evening wedding reception in a forest with tables illuminated by warm string lights and candles.
White lace-up boots being worn with a light colored dress against a reddish floor.
Outdoor wedding reception venue with string lights and wooden walls at dusk.
Wedding guests dancing under red lighting at an outdoor reception.
A crowd of people dancing at a dimly lit party venue with red lighting creating an atmospheric glow.
Wedding reception dance party with guests dancing under warm lighting.
Woman in brown dress holding a cocktail garnished with lemon at an elegant event.
Large tree stumps illuminated with dramatic red lighting create a mystical nighttime scene.
Dessert table with a layered white cake and assorted tarts featuring chocolate and fresh berries on display.
String lights illuminate a cozy outdoor seating area with log benches surrounded by tall redwood trees at night in California.

Planning: Bari Elexa Events

Photography: Eden Xuân Photo

Venue: The Brambles

Floral Design: Malva & Moss

Rentals: Encore Events Rentals

Additional Rentals: Found Rental Co.

Linens: BBJ La Tavola

DJ: Heart of Gold DJs

Catering: Black Dog Farm Catering

Bartending: Mendocino Outland Bartending

Beauty: Raven Reed Makeup

Dessert: Mendocino Cakes

Gown: Sarah Seven