AREND + BRITANY

CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN SURPRISE PROPOSAL

A MODERN WILD WEST LOVE STORY

October 18, 2023 | Black Oak Mountain Vineyards | Cool, CA

Once in a while, we find an opportunity to do something a little different.

When Arend reached out about proposing to Britany, we could hardly contain our excitement. Just a few days earlier, we’d been brainstorming a styled photo shoot with our friend Elysse at Blessings From The Moon Event Rentals. Our wheels began turning. Arend and Britany are strikingly beautiful, and their non-traditional aesthetic is under-represented in the wedding industry. What if we combined the two…?

📞 “Hey I’m thinking I’m going to propose to Britany soon.”

“Omg really??? Dude, that’s amazing! You guys are perfect together! What do you have in mind?”

📞 “I’m not sure yet, but it has to be good. She’s my world, dude.”
“Definitely. What is special to the two of you? What do you guys like to do together?”

📞 “We love exploring new places and finding bones and stuff! I’d love to do something out in nature.”

“Bones, nature, got it. Love it. We can work with this. Is there anything else specific that we should factor in?”

📞 “I’m sure I’ll think of stuff later but that’s all I have cooked up for now. I just love her so much, dude.”

“This is going to be magical, bro. We got you. Stay tuned, we’ll be in touch.”

Hidden in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains lies an unexpected luxury wedding venue- Black Oak Mountain Vineyards.
We wanted to structure the ‘shoot’ (or should we say…secret proposal) like a real wedding, so we called our besties and assembled a team of exceptional vendors.

“I’m thinking wild west/victorian/outlaw/moody but stripped back and modern… I feel like it’s on the tip of my tongue. What would you call that aesthetic?”
“Frontier Noir?” Inspiration photos of Doc Holliday and Kate from the movie Tombstone flew through the Goodstock Slack channels.

Cut to the big day.. golden hour, everyone gathered at the top of the hill under an old oak tree to witness the big moment. Britany had made it through the entire planning process (dress fittings, full glam, etc.) believing that she and Arend were just helping the Goodstock team out by modeling for us. Arend’s mother just ‘stopped by’ to see her son and his girlfriend on their first modeling gig, surely there was no other reason ;) .

The ‘ceremony’ shoot went relatively quickly, and most of us were holding a decent game face. But then it happened. Photographer Shannon Rock had Arend and Britany stand back to back. A stillness fell over the entire hilltop. Arend began pouring his heart out to Britany. By the time “will you marry me?” escaped his lips, nary a dry eye could be found in the crowd. At first, Britany was unsure if this was still a part of the shoot… but then she saw the ring. It was most definitely NOT the prop ring they had been shooting with all day.

She said YES! A flurry of cheers, happy tears and champagne ensued.

The "reception" featured moody tablescapes: playful florals, textured glasses filled with creative cocktails, vintage silver on dark farm tables, and a blood red velvet sweetheart cake… all set in the striking modern Vineyard Club of Black Oak Mountain Vineyards. To add that final dark flair, Arend and Britany brought a selection of their preserved bones that they’d collected together.

These are the opportunities we live for: creating intentional experiences & unforgettable memories. This is the energy we carry into every event.

Thanks to all our friendors who helped create such a magical experience.

VENDOR LOVE:
Bar: Tipsy Turvy Trailer

Catering: Sierra Coast Catering

Cake: Olesia Cakes

Dress: Brides For A Cause

Florals: Atmospherica

Hair: 1970.Salon

Jewelry: Her Pretty Things & The Seeker

Photographers: Captured by Aleena & Preserve Studio

Rentals: Blessings From The Moon & The Seeker

Stationery & Signage: White Lotus Lettering

Videography: Stardust Film Co.