Bride and Groom, Samantha and Matthew (Sam and Matt) planned their wedding at the picturesque Quail Ranch. Set in the hills of idyllic Simi Valley, California, Quail Ranch is a private estate built in 1933 on a farm surrounded by avocado and citrus orchards. With historic Spanish revival architectural details including original tile work and fountains, Quail Ranch is a hidden jewel that provides the perfect setting for an intimate wedding with a rustic elegant flare.

Krissy Allegra of Always Allegra Events planned Sam and Matt’s big day, taking cues from the natural environment and designing an enchanting event with a chic garden party vibe. The color palette consisted of soft pastels with pops of rich saturated colors perfectly accented the pastoral landscape surrounding the venue. Florals by Wisteria Lane Flowers consisted of a complimentary mix of soft, richly textured peonies paired with rich saturated blooms, giving a compelling sense of dimension.

The bride, Sam, prepared for the big day with her bridal party in Quail Ranch’s separate and private pool house, an elegant retreat that overlooks the estate on a hilltop through romantic french doors. For the gown, Sam chose an elegant and timeless ivory A-line lace dress with crystal-lined straps that crossed in the back. The groom, Matt, prepared with his groomsmen in the Quail Ranch lodge, an original wood paneled study with hand-hewn beams, flagstone fireplace, a pool table, and adorned with leather sofas and chairs. Matt sported a classic and timeless black tuxedo with black patent leather oxfords.

Sam and Matt incorporated traditional Jewish wedding traditions including a ketubah signing just before the ceremony. The ceremony site overlooked the orchards of Quail Ranch, with a dramatic stone staircase leading to an open-air amphitheater with a dramatic California oak at the altar. Blooming lavender and seasonal lemon groves lined the perimeter of the amphitheater giving a rustic and intimate feeling to the poignant ceremony. The ceremony also incorporated many Jewish wedding traditions including circling by the bride and groom, a chuppah, reading of the seven blessings, covering the couple in a tallit, among others.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom spent a few private moments together, known in Yiddish as “yichud” while guests enjoyed cocktail hour. The cocktail hour took place in front of the Quail Ranch estate house, where guests mingled while enjoying passed hors d'oeuvres and custom cocktails. Guests then made their way to the reception space, an enchanting green lawn surrounded by towering oak trees with glamorous chandeliers. Tables were appointed with abundant floral arrangements, candles, and elegant tableware. After a night of festivities, Sam, Matt, and their guests danced the night away under the stars.

We also had the pleasure of photographing Sam and Matt’s stunning seaside engagement session at Crystal Cove in Orange County, California. You can view those images here.

Quail Ranch Wedding Photography in Simi Valley California

This chic garden wedding was photographed at Quail Ranch in Simi Valley, California

Planning & Design: Always Allegra Events | @alwaysallegra_
Photographer: Todd Danforth Photography | @toddthephotographer
Videographer: Les Gould
Florals: Wisteria Lane Flowers | @wisterialaneflowers
Venue: Quail Ranch | @quailranchevents
Hair Stylist: Eileen Martin | @eileenmartin
Makeup Stylist: Geena LeCorgne | @makeupbygeena
DJ & Photo Booth: Second Song | @secondsong_official
Catering: Command Performance Catering | @commandperformancecatering
Cake & Desserts: Claudine Kitchen | @claudinekitchen
Temple & Rabbi: Nefesh | @nefesh
Live Music: Duvid Swirsky | @duvid_sky
Valet: Mars Valet and Shuttle | @marsvalet
Invites & Save-the-Dates: Minted | @mintedweddings
Shuttles: Riz Transportation | @riztransportation

Palm Springs wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.