Colorful wedding planning + design for modern couples in Colorado and worldwide

Kristina & Spencer

PLANNING THE PERFECT SMALL INTIMATE WEDDING

Sometimes you meet a couple and just think, “Wow, these two were meant to find each other.” That’s exactly how we felt about Kristina and Spencer. And when they chose to celebrate their love with a small intimate wedding in New Cuyama, this cute little desert town in Northern California? We knew we were in for something special.

These two are honestly some of the kindest people we’ve worked with. From our first meeting, we fell in love with how genuinely sweet they are and how much thought they put into everything. They’re the type of people who make you feel like an old friend within minutes of meeting them.

Their small intimate wedding day was just pure joy and so colorful! Imagine this: bright blue skies, desert mountains in the background, this cool roadside venue, and pops of color everywhere you looked. It all felt so perfectly Kristina and Spencer – thoughtful, fun, and totally unique.

A PERFECT VENUE FOR A SMALL INTIMATE WEDDING

Let’s talk about this amazing spot they found. New Cuyama isn’t exactly on most people’s wedding location list, and that’s exactly why it was so perfect for their small intimate wedding. They said their vows on a hill with the most gorgeous mountains behind them – the view was incredible!

The venue was this super cute roadside spot that felt so quintessentially California desert. Beautiful olive trees created nice shady spots for the reception, and as the sun started to set, the light through the leaves was just magical. They had these long wooden tables set up family-style, with the prettiest flowers and candles that looked amazing as day turned into evening.

And we’ve gotta talk about those colorful candles everywhere! Against all the neutral desert colors, they popped so perfectly. We’re kind of obsessed with how it all came together for this small intimate wedding in such a unique location.

PERSONAL TOUCHES FOR A SMALL INTIMATE WEDDING

Kristina and Spencer nailed the perfect mix of traditional wedding vibes with fun, personal details that made their small intimate wedding truly special. Can we talk about their candle-making station? Such a cool twist on the usual guest book! Everyone got to make their own scented candle to take home – talk about a wedding favor that people actually want!

We also totally loved their anniversary notes idea. Guests wrote letters for the couple to open on future anniversaries. Seriously, how sweet is that? Just imagine opening these notes years from now and getting to relive your small intimate wedding day all over again through your friends’ eyes. These kinds of thoughtful touches are perfect for a small intimate wedding where you have more time to interact meaningfully with each guest.

personal touches at a small intimate wedding

SERIOUS STYLE POINTS

Kristina looked absolutely gorgeous! Her dress was simple but so perfect – clean lines, spaghetti straps, and that open back? So pretty! And that parasol she carried wasn’t just smart for the desert sun – it made for the cutest photos ever.

We loved that she did an outfit change for the reception too! Such a smart move when you want to be comfortable for dancing. Brides, take note – being able to move and enjoy yourself is worth planning a second look!

Spencer looked so handsome in his blue suit – it was dressy but still felt right for their desert setting. And how cute that they included their dogs in the celebration? Those photos with their pups are just the sweetest thing ever!

THE MAGIC OF A SMALL INTIMATE WEDDING

One thing that really made this wedding special was how small and intimate it was. Kristina and Spencer only invited their closest people, which meant every person there was someone they truly loved. You could feel how special that was all day long – that’s the real beauty of a small intimate wedding.

The whole thing felt less like a stuffy wedding and more like a party with all your favorite people. Everyone was talking, laughing, having the best time, and the dance floor was packed all night, which is always the case with small intimate weddings where everyone knows each other.

And talk about ending the night with a bang – they all jumped in the pool… dresses, suits, and all! It was this perfect, spontaneous moment of joy. Those are always the moments that become the best stories years later, right? We have a feeling they’ll be reminiscing on their pool plunge for many years to come!

SMALL INTIMATE WEDDING TIPS FROM THE PROS

Planning a small intimate wedding like Kristina and Spencer’s? Here are some ideas we loved from their day:

Embrace the small guest list: Their small intimate wedding felt so special because everyone there was truly important to them. Sometimes less really is more!
Plan for the weather: That cute parasols weren’t just for photos – the desert sun is no joke! Think about what your guests will need to be comfortable at your small intimate wedding.
Include interactive elements: The candle-making station and anniversary notes kept everyone engaged – these activities work especially well at small intimate weddings where guests have more time to participate.
Make it personal: Every part of their small intimate wedding felt like “them.” Don’t feel like you have to include traditions that don’t feel right just because they’re expected.
Have a surprise element: Whether it’s a dress change or jumping in the pool at the end of the night, unexpected moments make your small intimate wedding even more memorable.

What we loved most about Kristina and Spencer’s small intimate wedding was how every choice they made felt meaningful. From their perfect venue to those interactive activities to that amazing pool jump finale – it all reflected who they are as a couple.

PLANNING YOUR OWN SMALL INTIMATE WEDDING?

Hey, we’re Birch & Honey Collective, a team of wedding planners who specialize in small intimate weddings and travel all around the world to plan your best day! We create beautiful, meaningful celebrations through all those little details that make a small intimate wedding truly special. At Birch & Honey Collective, we plan weddings throughout Colorado, and anywhere else your heart desires – we LOVE traveling and getting inspired by new places and cultures.

Throughout the planning process, we’ll help you bring your personal style to life and create a wedding that feels 100% like you. If you’re looking for a planner (or a whole team!) to help craft your dream small intimate wedding, reach out. We’d love to hear your love story and help bring your vision to life – whether that’s in the Colorado mountains or a cute little desert town like Kristina and Spencer found!