Celebrating lavender, luscious light and lovely things

It’s no secret we love lavender season. A beautiful Sunday afternoon, a grove full of lavender bursting at the seams, and a little inspiration seemed the perfect excuse to raid the Rancho Mirando Rentals barn and have some fun.

First, we set up a bridal luncheon on the lawn overlooking the endless sea of purple blooms to show off some of Donna’s collection of vintage silver, gold-plated flatware, and Waterford crystal. Then we enlisted a fair maiden to play bridesmaid.

Next, we infused lavender into everything from the crystal-decanted lemonade to the bouquets to the cake presentation. We even added a deep nest of lavender to the lovely vintage silver basket from which we served the strawberries.

We didn’t stop there. When you love lavender as much as we do you find all sorts of places to use it: in the napkin rings with the gorgeous Vanessa Gold china, even in our fair maid’s hair.

Inspired by Jason Hick’s recent bridal portrait sitting we enlisted him to return to the grove to capture more of Rancho Mirando’s ephemeral magic for us in a way that he does so well. Waiting…and waiting…for the luscious light that fills the grove at the bewitching hour right before sunset, he struck at just the right moment. And the cake didn’t even melt!

We think it was worth the wait.

Vanessa Gold china, gold-plated flatware,  Waterford crystal: Rancho Mirando Rentals | Antique silver, King’s table, and linens: Rancho Mirando Rentals | Floral arrangements, bouquet, maid’s bouquet and head wreath: Rancho Mirando Florals | Bridesmaid gown: Vintage | Bridesmaid earrings: BaubleBar | Photography: Jason Hicks Photography