A Modern, High-Energy Wedding in California

On September 4, 2021, Kristen Marie O'Donnell and Jake Matthew Jolly  said "I do," in front of 90 of their nearest and dearest in San Luis Obispo, Calif. It was a day that had been in the figurative making for over a decade—and quite literally in the making for over two years.

The couple first met down under: Kristen and Jake had never crossed paths on campus at Cornell University, but both headed to Australia for a study abroad program in spring 2007, where a friendship blossomed. Their relationship later turned into something more while the two were living in New York City and, on March 30, 2019, as the couple strolled through Battery Park en route to brunch, Jake popped the question. In an iconic New York setting, with the Statue of Liberty behind them, Kristen said yes. Surprise celebrations with friends and family followed throughout the day and evening, setting the stage for a season surrounded by loved ones ready to raise a glass to a couple full of energy and exuberance. 

They originally scheduled their wedding for September 26, 2020 at the Greengate Ranch & Vineyard. They chose San Luis Obispo because of its proximity to the ocean, charming downtown, and sprawling vineyards, all of which would give their guests—most of whom were flying in—a taste of the Golden State lifestyle. And, with Greengate's stunning grounds, sophisticated rental homes, and multiple spaces for gathering, they knew this spot was the one.

After pandemic-related delays, the stars aligned a year later. They came together with all the same vendors at the very same venue for a weekend that was worth the wait.

Bridging Modern and Timeless

The invitations from Carta Plena Design echoed the colors of the landscape, with dusty pinks, purples, and pops of chartreuse. Kristen and Jake wanted their suite to combine a mix of aesthetics—modern and traditional, romantic and contemporary. Some details, like the vintage-inspired vine motif and a serif font, felt timeless, while the bold colors and clean lettering were decidedly fresh.

Excited to Finally Be Together

This wedding's ethos revolved around togetherness—and sharing meaningful time with family and friends. 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 chose a wedding dress from Lihi Hod (the "Sunny" gown), a romantic number made of lightweight chantilly lace, layers of tulle, and lace appliques.

All in the Details

The sheer corset and billowing sleeves with voluminous bows gave Kristen's dress a high-fashion look; the sleeves came off for the dance floor. She wore the gown with ivory Loeffler Randall heels, diamond and pearl drop earrings, and Maria Tash stud earrings. The "Willie" headband by Jennifer Behr completed her look.

A Warm Palette

Kristen described the bridesmaids' attire as eclectic, unique, and personalized. She pulled together a palette that coordinated with the rose, dusty pink, and warm mauve of their florals, and tailored the shade choice to the personality of each bridesmaid. Her 'maids carried brushed-silk, hand-tied bouquets of blush garden roses, mauve anemones, and white ranunculus, designed by Idlewild Floral Co.

Timeless Tuxedos

Jake wore a custom tailored tuxedo from Suit Supply with a silk shawl collar, blue-and-white flower silk lining, white silk pocket square, and classic silver oval cuff links from Tiffany & Co.

The groomsmen were similarly dressed in their timeless tuxedos, but slightly different details, including bow ties, mauve pocket squares, and cuff links.

The First Look

When asked how they felt before, during, and after the first look, there was one word both Jake and Kristen used over and over again: excited—for the day and for the rest of their lives.

Under the Arch

Kristen and Jake exchanged heartfelt, hand-written vows underneath a lush arch of autumnal plum-and-copper foliage and multi-colored florals, ranging from blush garden roses to blue-and-lilac delphiniums and hydrangeas.

That Can Be Arranged

The couple's aisle was lined with overflowing florals that included pink-and-mauve grasses, which embraced the transition from summer to fall. Copper metal chairs were arranged in rows, adding a modern touch to the lush setting.

A Meaningful Ceremony

Kristen was walked down the aisle by her mom, Gail, to "With or Without You" by U2, her late father's favorite band. The ceremony was presided over by two friends, who personalized it perfectly to the couple as individuals and partners. 

Jake and Kristen had held a private Catholic ceremony the Wednesday before the wedding with just their parents in attendance; this was an important moment to Kristen, who was raised Catholic and had completed all of her previous sacraments. 

Finally Married

After the ceremony (and a kiss and a dip!), the couple recessed back up the aisle to The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony."

It Started With a Sip

One of the wedding's personalized touches included the escort display, which held Champagne glasses on a wall with table numbers. The display read, "It Started With a Sip"—a nod to the couple's first meeting when Kristen offered Jake a sip of her drink.

Sips of Their Own

Rounded gold-foiled cards, slitted and tucked onto each coupe glass and finished with a tassel, indicated each guest's table assignment.

Cocktail Time

Kristen and Jake took photos before the ceremony so they could maximize their time with their friends and family. During the cocktail hour, they enjoyed their signature cocktails: a "Jolly 'Ol Fashioned" (with High West Double Rye, bitters, and orange) for him and "KOD's Ranch Water" (Casamigos blanco tequila, Topo Chico, grapefruit, and lime) for her. The drinks were served in moody, vintage-inspired glassware and finished with acrylic stirrers (emblazoned with the cocktail's name!).

Bringing the Vision to Life

As a couple who loves to socialize and entertain, Kristen and Jake knew they didn't want a wedding that would end after six hours. Instead, they designed a weekend that would allow everyone to be together so they could focus on each other in a stress-free, fun environment.

Looking back, they credit Jaime Kostechko and the team at Wild Heart Events with bringing it all to fruition. "I believe that her flexibility and ability to truly listen to her clients is why her weddings turn out the way they do. It's a shared vision that gets brought to life unlike anything I've ever experienced," says the bride.

Boho Dinner Party 

Part of what made Kristen and Jake fall in love with the Greengate Ranch & Vineyard were the stunning spaces. They held their reception in the naturally beautiful sand-stone courtyard.

A wooden barn served as the backdrop; string lighting gave the space a twinkly, romantic ambience. Wild Heart Events brought in dusty purples, pale pinks, shades of mauve, and deep plums, with hints of chartreuse to create an elegant-meets-boho dinner party vibe. 

Rose Colored Glasses

The reception had both raw wooden round tables and long farm tables, all draped in sumptuous rose velvet linens.

Textural Settings

At each place setting, a dusty rose stoneware dinner was paired with a merlot bread and butter plate, a matte blush salad plate, and sleek, modern gold-and-white handled flatware. The saturated, desert-inspired colors carried into the glassware; purple pressed glass goblets and vintage brass wine goblets were set to the right. Wild, lush florals tumbled across the tables.

Table for the Newlyweds

During dinner, the couple sat in pink bohemian peacock chairs placed at their sweetheart table.

Don't Be Afraid to Take Risks

Throughout the weekend, Kristen and Jake focused on being in the moment and embracing the pure joy of being surrounded by so much love. Their vision came together thanks to all of their thought and effort. To other couples in the midst of planning, they offer this advice: "Stay open during the process and don't be afraid to take risks! It's often easy to play it safe, but the uniqueness and creativity really shines through when you ideate with your planning team and review all the what ifs. It's also easy to just check things off when you have so many to-dos, but it's important to make sure your day reflects you as a couple," they say.

Something for Everyone 

The dessert table included the duo's favorite treats (lemon bars for Kristen and tiramisu cups for Jake), as well as salted caramel brownies, mixed berry tartlets, and a three-layer wedding cake from Just Baked Cake Studio & Bakery with cookie dough, chai, and lemon raspberry flavors. Distressed fondant and neutral fern leaves transformed the confection into a piece of big-day décor.

Look Up

Above the mauve dance floor, a plumosa fern garland hung from statement light fixtures that ranged from glam and bohemian to rustic.

Everybody on the Dance Floor

Thanks to a few lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New York City, Kristen and Jake prepared a full first dance to Forever Yours, an Avicii Tribute by Kygo, Avicii, Sandro Cavazza. The couple loves DJs and dance music, and choosing the right tunes for every moment was critical. Playing everything from Alesso to Avicci, Dart Collective brought that high-energy vibe through all of the music that evening.

Surprise Sparklers and Dueling Horns

Kristen and Jake pulled out all the stops to create an incredible experience for their guests. Surprises were waiting around every corner, from cold sparklers to dueling horns, an electric violin, and a procession to the silent-disco after-party, with actual disco balls. The cold sparklers set off the dance floor; Jake says these were a late addition, thanks to Kristen. "They weren't in the first iteration of the wedding plan until COVID gave us an extra year to sit around and think up wild ideas!" he says.

A Dazzling Disco

After waiting a year to celebrate, there was no way this party was wrapping early. Kristen changed into a sequin and feather mini dress from Galia Lahav, perfect for twirling, and met guests on the pavilion, which was decorated with disco balls for the after-party.

To "extend the weekend as much as possible," the couple hosted a pool party the next morning. Guests lounged on Funboy floaties and their "intrepid videographer," John from Steelhead Cinema, broke out the waterproof camera to capture it all. "We even corralled about 20 of our friends for a great shot of us all jumping into the pool under the California sun—an absolutely amazing way to end such a phenomenal weekend," they say.

Sources

Photography, Ashley Ludaescher
Venue, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Jaime Kostechko for Wild Heart Events
Videography, Steelhead Cinema
Flowers, Idlewild Floral Co.
Invitations, Carta Plena Design
Other Paper Products, Velvet Fox Designs
Officiants, Diana Magee, Tristan Kouk 
Bride's Gown, Lihi Hod 
Jewelry, Ring Concierge, Maria Tash 
Shoes, Loeffler Randall
Hair, Page Beauty
Makeup, Janet Villa
Bridesmaids' Dresses, BHLDN
Groom's Attire, Suit Supply
Groomsmen's Attire, The Black Tux
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands, The Clear Cut
Music, Dart Collective
Catering, Field to Table Events
Cake, Just Baked Cake Studio & Bakery 
Rentals, Bellavista Designs, Party Pleasers, Found Rental Co, Hostess Haven, All About Events
Transportation, Next Adventure Tours & Tasting
Lighting, Bella Vista Designs