Tessa and Ryan’s Solvang destination wedding radiates romance, and it’s no wonder, considering their love story is something straight out of a fairy tale. Tessa was good friends with Ryan’s sister growing up. Fast forward nine years and fate stepped in on Independence Day. “[Newport Beach] gets so crowded that in some areas, your cell phones don’t work. I was hanging out with some friends [and Ryan] happened to also be at the beach celebrating with his friends.” After getting separated from her group, Tessa discovered Ryan and “the rest was history.”

Tessa had a clear vision of what her dream day would look like; she just needed to find someone to make that dream come alive. “Honestly, I had never actually thought about doing a destination wedding. But when I explained my style and vision to my wedding planner, she suggested a beautiful ranch-style venue that she thought would be what I was envisioning…”

The couple was initially anxious to ask their 150 guests to make the three-hour drive, but as soon as the bride stepped foot on Whispering Rose Ranch, there was no going back. With their planner, Natalie Good, in charge, the couple put their “full faith” in her and “let her do her thing.”

The bride had three main goals when it came to the big day: that the guests had fun, the atmosphere feel casual and the country wedding looked soft and elegant.

“Everything was just like a fairy tale,” reminisces the bride. “When the [guests’] bus entered the ranch, they drove down a mile-long driveway bordered by beautiful red rose gardens and sweet grazing horses.” The venue had such beautiful natural scenery, the couple didn’t want to take away from the setting. Instead, they complemented it with elements of greenery, natural wood and a soft cream and blush color palette.

As for advice, Tessa can’t stress enough the importance of hiring a wedding planner you trust. “I was able to enjoy every single second of my wedding and never knew if anything went wrong! I really got to experience the day like a guest and there were certain things that my planner even surprised me with!”

Vendors: Photographer: Feather & Stone, Wedding Planning Design & Production: Natalie Good with A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production, Ceremony & Reception Site: Whispering Rose Ranch, Videographer: Nineteen Studios, Florist: Blue Magnolia, Stationery: Paper Plane Paperie, Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier, Beauty: TEAM Hair & Makeup, Catering: 24 Carrots Catering, Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, The Tent Merchant & Otis & Pearl, Lighting: SPARK Creative Events, Bakery: MJB Cakes, Photo Booth: ShutterBooth, Ceremony Musicians: The Aurora Ensemble, Guitarist: Kurt Hunter, DJ: Patrick Butler Entertainment, Transportation: Jump On The School Bus, Security: Triumph Protection Group