It’s the beginning of a very exciting week around here – our very own MGD wedding week! We’re sharing a peek inside Mindy & Evan’s fall 2020 wedding weekend. There are too many good moments to fit into one post, so we’ll be sharing more throughout the week. Today, we’re going inside their backyard BBQ rehearsal dinner at a private estate in the Santa Ynez Valley. Keep scrolling for all the wedding weekend goodness!
The Planning
When Mindy and Evan were first engaged, it was pre-pandemic life. They had dreamed of having all of their closest family and friends gather together for a destination wedding in England. However, once 2020 was well underway, they, like so many other engaged couples, decided to pivot and reimagine what their wedding would look like in the midst of such a historical year. After lots of time rethinking plans and possibilities, one place kept coming to mind: their favorite wine country getaway spot, just north of Santa Barbara, in Santa Ynez Valley.
Santa Ynez has long been a beloved vacation spot for them. So, when they came across a private estate nestled in the hills, they set out to plan an intimate wedding with their two families. For the arrival day on the estate, they wanted to host a rehearsal welcome party for their two families; because in their minds, whether the guest list was 17 or 170, it had to be special!
The Festivities
According to Mindy, “We wanted something that felt casual, but altogether beautiful.” The laid back barbecue theme fit the bill perfectly for their intimate rehearsal dinner. It also provided an ideal welcome party as their two families arrived to the property for the weekend. The festivities fittingly included bocce ball, corn hole, lawn games, and a late summer-inspired BBQ dinner. Ever the gracious hosts, the groom’s family cooked the entire rehearsal meal, which made it all the more special. Their family style menu included Evan’s favorite: Santa Maria-style BBQ, grilled vegetables, homemade garlic bread, and ice cream sundaes.
The Decor
The decor was simple yet elegant, and felt just like an elevated backyard BBQ. Long family-style tables lined underneath the property’s incredible oak trees were the perfect spot for dinner. The tablescape was dressed with minimal linens, patterned napkins, simple stoneware and flatware, hand-written menus, and the most beautiful florals. White canvas director’s chairs added a fun touch that completed the laid-back look. For the casual affair surrounded by loved ones, Mindy wore a rust-hued gingham dress by Doen x Heather Taylor Home.
“We felt immensely grateful to be able to celebrate getting married in the midst of such a crazy year.”
All in all, Mindy & Evan’s backyard BBQ rehearsal dinner was the perfect way to kick off their intimate wedding weekend. “It was so meaningful to have everyone we love bundled up outside under the oak trees, eating dinner by candlelight under the stars, and gathered together to celebrate our love.”
Stay tuned for a peek inside their wedding day later this week, and a “get the look” inspired post coming soon!
Vendor Team
Photography by: Jessica Rose Photography
Event Planning by: Nina Moore
Floral Design by: Forage Florals
Calligraphy by: Blushtype
Rentals by: Found Rental Co. // Bright Event Rentals // The Tent Merchant