It’s Real Weddings Wednesday, everybody! Today, we’re celebrating Annie + Aaron’s stunning forest wedding. With beautiful blue, white and blush accents, towering pine trees, and one furry guest, this elegant, woodsy wedding is one you won’t want to miss. Happy reading!

Bride standing in the woods with her bouquet, looking back at the camera.

Groom fixing his tuxedo lapel and smiling.

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

Aaron and I are high school sweethearts! We both grew up in a small town and started dating when we were 16, just before our senior year of high school. After high school, we packed up and moved to Sacramento for college! We got engaged at midnight on New Years Eve 2020 in Seattle and it was absolutely perfect! We had always planned to get married in the summer of 2021, so the pandemic hitting didn’t have a huge effect on our planning, but it sure made things interesting!

Father of the bride walking her down the aisle. Father of the bride walking her down the aisle with their back to the camera. Bride and Groom greeting each other at the altar.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

There was a hail storm right after our ceremony and pictures were done being taken. It sounds crazy to say this was the best part of the day, considering it was an all outdoor wedding and reception, and we had no plan for a rain storm in California in July. But, every single one of our guests made the best of it and had a blast despite the rain! The rain somehow worked in our favor and didn’t mess up any of the things we had planned (it stopped for dinner, speeches, and dances), and now we have even more hilarious, insane, and cherished memories from that day that we wouldn’t have, had it not rained!

Bride and groom smiling at the altar for photos Photo of bride's long train by the outside altar Groom leading bride through the woods. Groom holding bride's face as her veil sways

Bride carrying an umbrella and smiling at her husband. Bride and husband holding an umbrella, walking into their reception. Dancing Pines venueWhat else would you like to share about your big day?

I love that we had the ceremony and reception all in one place. We always talked about an outdoor wedding in the forest and we found the most amazing venue that gave us everything we were hoping for and more!

Bride looking over her shoulder as her groom leads her through the woods. Husband guiding his wife through the woods.

What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. I know it’s easier said than done, but when that day comes, none of that stuff is really going to matter! Have a day-of plan worked out and put someone else in charge of dealing with anything that goes awry so you don’t have any worries on that day!

Bride and groom's first dance.

Bride hugging her groom during their first dance.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?

Nope! While there were unforeseen circumstances and random things that popped up throughout the day, I think it adds to the memories and I am so thankful for the day we had!

Newlyweds cutting into their wedding cake together. Bride and groom tasting their wedding cake and laughing.

 

Photos courtesy of and copyright Nichole Collins Photography used with permission.

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