A warm palette of desert neutrals like terracotta, stone, and olive set the tone for this stunning California wedding. And while they went with a timeless wedding design, this couple made sure to inject their love of film into little details scattered throughout the day. Keep scrolling to see more of these gorgeous photos by Nicole Henshaw Photography and see if you can spot all of the fun, themed details from the couple’s favorite movies.
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the proposal
Gretchen and Tommy worked for separate companies that organized a joint holiday party in the same building, hoping everyone would have a chance to mingle. Gretchen and Tommy instantly became friends, and after that night, the rest was history. They got engaged in January 2021 during a night out with Gretchen’s brother and his girlfriend. Dressed up for an evening out, the group decided to visit the beach in Malibu while they had a bit of extra time. Gretchen hesitated since she wasn’t wearing proper beach shoes and didn’t want to risk getting a parking ticket. But after some convincing from Tommy, she agreed to go along. As they walked toward the beach, Tommy pulled her aside to a more private area and asked Gretchen’s brother to take a photo of them. Suddenly, Tommy suddenly got down on one knee. Gretchen recalls, “That moment was absolutely worth the ticket we got.”
the vibe: rich desert neutrals
Inspired by their work in the film industry and their love for movies, Gretchen and Tommy’s wedding channeled the dreamy, rugged California hills and the charm of a classic romantic comedy. Hosted at Hummingbird Nest Ranch, a dramatic villa in Santa Susana, the Spanish Mission-style architecture stunned with ornate iron grates, hand-painted ceramic tiles, and terracotta stones, with bougainvillea climbing the walls. Arrangements by Mai Floral Design embraced soft earth tones of barely-there blushes, ivories, and terracottas, beautifully complementing the rich desert landscape. Bathed in California sunlight, the couple chose an outdoor ceremony, meeting for the first time that day at the altar. Forgoing a first look, the desert hillsides made their moments together all the more surreal.
the fashion
Gretchen noted that her style was inspired by the character Elizabeth James from The Parent Trap; she wore a jacquard ballgown with a large floral print and an off-the-shoulder neckline for a blend of modern and timeless elegance.
In a variety of silhouettes, her bridesmaids were equally radiant in olive satin and crepe dresses. The groom and his men sported classic black suits with black ties, in keeping with the timeless theme.
a cute guest book alternative
In lieu of a traditional guest book, guests were asked to sign a custom movie poster featuring the couple recreating the famous pose from their favorite Star Wars movie. We love this idea, especially because it doubles as art that you can display in your home and look at all the time!
an open-air reception
After the ceremony, the couple joyfully strolled through the grass with their dog to snap photos together. The reception also remained outdoors, with neutral decor, and the property’s natural flora lending a warm, end-of-movie glow to the evening. Table numbers included photos of their dog, George, which Gretchen photoshopped onto some of their favorite movie moments. A highlight of the night was their homemade strawberry cheesecake, which the couple baked themselves and still receive compliments on to this day.
