A DIY Woodsy Wedding at Sand Rock Farm Bed and Breakfast in Aptos, California

When Crystal Keith (34 and a special education program specialist) and Keith Catanese (30 and a sales manager) decided to get married, they scoured California's central coast for a cool, relaxed outdoor venue. “Keith grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains, and we loved the idea of celebrating our wedding with family and friends tucked in the redwoods,” Crystal says. Finally, they discovered Sand Rock Farm Bed and Breakfast in Aptos, California. Colors were kept neutral—blush pink, ivory and grays—so they wouldn't compete with the natural beauty of the setting. In addition to being the location for the ceremony and reception, the former ranch provided lodging for the couple and their families. “We were able to spend the entire weekend in the gorgeous B&B, get married under a towering redwood tree in the grove, enjoy cocktail hour in remnants of the old Barrel Room, eat dinner in the meadow and dance in the barn,” Crystal says. After Crystal and Keith's heartfelt ceremony under an enormous redwood tree, their 144 guests found their seats at wooden farm tables topped with brown glass bottles filled with blush pink blossoms. Later, dancing kicked off in the barn. “Find the location that speaks to you,” Crystal says. “But more important than the space and details of the day are the people you surround yourself with. “We genuinely loved each person and vendor we worked with, which made all the difference.” —Carolyn Meers