Our Hearts Are Free - An Unforgettable Best Day Ever at OVY Camp

Where do I begin with Jackie and Buster’s wedding day? Lucky for us, the incredibly talented Ruth Nyquist perfectly captured all of the memories in photos that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for a venue like no other, an experience that truly brings guests from near and far together, you have to check out OVY Camp. Teepees, twinkle lights, and a breathtaking ceremony space make this property feel truly magical.

Buster got dressed in a buddy’s camper, a trendy white van with a colorful canopy and striped curtains. He wore a handsome blue suit with a light blue tie and grinned from ear to ear getting dressed because he realized today was the day he got to marry the love of his life. Jackie, joined by mothers and bridesmaids, got ready in the Willow Glen. Her mom helped her into the most stunning wedding dress. A timeless lace gown with an illusion back that showed off her awesome tattoos. She wore her hair back in a low bun, accented with a braid and florals.

The first look took place in a field of teepees. When I met Jackie and Buster they were relaxed, sure of themselves and just happy. These photos are a beautiful reflection of that. Both wearing permanent smiles, and excited to finally be together and get the celebration started.

After a quick session alone, their party joined them. Girls wore stunning shades of blue and held miniature versions of the bride’s wildflower bouquet. The guys goofed off and passed around swigs of whatever was in that shiny silver flask. Before heading to the redwoods for the ceremony, Jackie spotted a tiny frog on the side of one of the teepees. What’s funny is the day before, at the rehearsal, the same thing happened! Fun fact…Jackie’s love of nature inspired us to stop killing spiders in our house. Baby steps…

The ceremony site was tucked beneath towering redwoods. A platform, centered between two of the tallest, was where Buster stood proudly as he watched Jackie walk down the aisle with her father. The coolest thing about this space is how intimate it was. Most of the guests stood, scattered amongst the trees, and the sounds of a nearby creek accompanied Jackie and Buster as they shared vows. A first kiss and standing ovation and these two were finally husband and wife!

I know you’re thinking it can’t get any cooler than the ceremony. But it did. The camp’s reception space was an indoor/outdoor playground. Yard games, twinkle lights, an actual BBQ pit (shout out to Zuc’s BQQ for the best brisket and secret sauce we’ve had since moving from Texas to California) and a tower of cupcakes almost too pretty to eat. And we haven’t even been inside yet….

You’d think having a reception in the “mess hall” of a kid’s camp couldn’t possibly be magical. But you haven’t seen this hall. A stone fireplace was the backdrop for the wedding party’s table, and later on the dance floor. Massive wooden beams were decorated in hundreds of feet of market lighting. Beautiful wooden benches lined farm tables covered in white linens, each with two mason jar floral centerpieces handmade by the bride squad. Tucked under each twin-tied napkin was a wet wipe because BBQ gets messy, of course! Hundreds of tea candles filled the space and DJ Trevor Williams set the mood with cocktail hour and dinner jams.

Toasts, first dances, and lots more dancing rounded out this perfect day. We cannot begin to describe how lucky we feel to have been a part of such a unique and beautiful wedding. Jackie and Buster, we hope whenever you see a tiny frog you’ll remember magic wedding day moments. We wish you a lifetime of exploring, late night dance parties, and delicious BBQ. Welcome to Married Life.