E + T chose Redwood Ranch for what it offered beyond just a wedding venue — the space to slow down in the outdoors, to gather, dance, and party under the stars with all their favorite people. It was a full late-summer weekend of community, camping, and river swims tucked into the foothills of Three Rivers, just outside Sequoia National Park.

Friends and family pitched tents along the river, setting up hammocks under oak trees with stocked coolers and music turned up. (And yes, someone actually slept in their tent under the giant boulder!!) It felt less like a wedding and more like a retreat — a chance for everyone to sink in and unplug.

The South Fork of the Kaweah River runs along the edge of the property, and it became the heartbeat of the weekend. Folks floated in the swimming hole and sunbathed on warm rocks. Mornings were slow: coffee in hand, conversations, bare feet in the dirt.

Their ceremony took place in the late afternoon, in a clearing near the river where the light filtered through the trees. It was unstructured in the best way — less formalities, just tear-filled vows spoken in the presence of a close-knit circle. Everything about it felt personal and true to them.

Dinner was casual and full of laughs under string lights and an open sky. Later, they danced to sets of music by their favorite band and the party stretched late into the night.

This was the kind of wedding that lingers. E + T were the most gracious and welcoming hosts, always making sure that everyone's cups were full and that they were taken care of. I loved having so much relaxed downtime to document their whole weekend, beyond just the ceremony and reception. It was such a joy to witness, and not gonna lie, swimming in the river was a pretty nice perk!

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ♡ ~ venue: Redwood Ranch ~ florals: Willi Wildflower ~ photographer: Rachelle Derouin