Meet Cate and Ian, a gorgeous twosome we photographed at the Newland Barn in July. Considering Orange County used to be dotted with tons of farms, it’s a shame that so few barn venues exist to give couples the rustic backdrop they’re looking for (although the big barn at Strawberry Farms in Irvine is another good choice).

I started the day by meeting up with the girls at The Hotel Hanford in Costa Mesa while Keith hung out with the guys at the Courtyard Marriott in Santa Ana.

Then we met up at the Newland Barn to take his-and-hers bridal party portraits.

There were lots of cool details, including an abundance of pinwheels which was a dominant icon of this southern-themed wedding.  And guess who made all those pinwheels? The father of the bride!

Finally it was time to get down to business. Cate and Ian chose the water tower as their backdrop rather than the gazebo, just like this prior Newland Barn wedding we shot, and we think it adds a nice touch.

After the ceremony we took some portraits of the bride and groom since they went the traditional route and didn’t see each other before the wedding.

And then…the party! After the first dance, guests dined on delicious burgers catered by In-N-Out.

The best man gave a great speech, but was then upstaged by the matron of honor (her sister Shelly) who sang a touching, funny song complete with her own guitar accompaniment in lieu of an actual speech. Classic!

It was a fantastic night! Cate and Ian capped off their evening with a grand exit surrounded by sparklers. We hope these two had as much fun as we did!

Congratulations to an awesome couple!

And a big thank you to all the great vendors we worked with as well:

Venue: The Newland Barn at Newland House Museum, Huntington Beach
Coordinator: Bre Nelson, Joyful Weddings and Events
Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Flowers: Art with Nature
Lighting: Baker Party Rentals
Catering: In-N-Out Burger

But that’s not all! Our photos from Cate and Ian’s big day were featured on the Wedding Chicks blog.  Be sure to stop by and check them out!

We recently met up with them on the occasion of a new blessing to their growing family: baby Elle was born just a few weeks ago, and pictures of our session with her will be here soon.

So today, on their one-year wedding anniversary, we just wanted to take time out and congratulate April and Matt. Three cheers to a great couple and their new family!

We’re lucky to have such great clients as April and Matt, especially since they have a wonderful eye for detail. All their planning made for a spectacular day.  And these photos remind us what a great venue the Newland Barn is as a ceremony and reception site.  To the brides out there, be sure to check it out when thinking about possible wedding venues.

We also want to take this opportunity to thank these great wedding blogs for featuring photos from April and Matt’s big day: The Wedding Chicks, My DIY Wedding Day, Wedding Channel, LA Style Unveiled, and The Wedding Decorator. We hope you enjoy the slideshow!

We first met up with the girls at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. Matt’s sister, Natalie, did a fabulous job doing April’s hair and makeup.

Keith and I knew we were in for a treat that day when we saw April’s paper flower bouquet and Matt’s home-made boutonniere.  April designed and made each one herself.  The colors are amazing. And the best part is—these flowers will never die.

We love the vintage feel of April’s dress and hairpiece.  She made a gorgeous bride.

Keith went to go visit the guys getting ready next door at the Huntington Beach Hyatt. Matt looked quite dapper himself.

While most people who marry at the Newland Barn choose to do the ceremony next to the facility’s veranda, April and Matt opted to wed next to the water tower.  It made for the perfect location as the sun dipped below the Newland Museum during the nuptials.

A small preserve is located next to the Newland House.  We lucked out with blue skies for that warm fall afternoon.

One of our favorite shots of the day.

Remember our mention of peanut butter and jelly cupcakes?  They were, in a word: AMAZING.  Along with some vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, these tasty treats were baked by Miss Priss Cupcakes & Such in Long Beach.

Also amazing—In-N-Out for the reception.

April and Matt’s craftiness and attention to detail shined during the reception.  The glittery guest cards in their wedding theme colors were gorgeous.

April and Matt have a great appreciation for art and photography, especially Polaroids.  Instead of a traditional guest book, an instant film camera was left near the reception entrance for guests to take pictures of themselves and provide some kind words and advice for the bride and groom.  April and Matt also put together a personal photo collage next to a vintage camera for guests to peruse.

Stunning, vintage-inspired table decorations came to life at dusk.

And last, but not least, a shot of the rings on the back of their wedding invitation that was, of course, designed and embossed by the bride and groom.

April and Matt’s bridal party is one we will never forget.  There was a lot of love, fun, and humor circulating around this group of friends all day.  They started out pretty tame.

But once the yellow parasols came out, the fun really began.

Congratulations, April and Matt! Thank you for allowing us to share in your big day. It’s definitely one we’ll always remember.