Jordan and Adam’s Gerry Ranch wedding in Santa Rosa Valley

There are some weddings where you drive up to the venue and instantly know it’s going to be special. Jordan and Adam’s day at Gerry Ranch in Santa Rosa Valley, California was absolutely one of those. Nestled on 38 acres of active farmland, surrounded by blueberry fields, groves, and rolling hills, Gerry Ranch feels like a hidden little world where time slows down and everything is bathed in golden California light. This is why a Gerry Ranch wedding is so sought after.

The setting fit Jordan and Adam perfectly, especially after their Torrey Pines beach engagement session. They’ve been best friends for years, the kind of couple whose story includes long-distance seasons, countless playlists, and a shared love of music that runs deep. As someone who also lives and breathes music, I felt so connected to them from the beginning. You can imagine what their dance floor looked like later that night with a room full of fellow music lovers – but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Getting ready and a vintage-first look

The day started quietly, with that sweet pre-ceremony buzz of excitement. Jordan slipped into her Casablanca Bridal gown, all soft movement and romantic detail – elegant without trying too hard, which is exactly the vibe Casablanca is known for. Adam wore a classic Michael Kors tux rented from Friar Tux, looking sharp and timeless, ready to see his bride.

The charm of a Gerry Ranch wedding is evident in every detail, from the stunning venue to the heartfelt moments shared between the couple and their guests.

One of my favorite moments of the entire day was their first look. Instead of meeting in a hallway or tucked-away corner, they chose to include a stunning vintage car as part of the scene, parked along one of Gerry Ranch’s tree-lined paths. The car felt like it had its own personality – all chrome and curves – and it framed their first look in such a cinematic way. Jordan tapped Adam on the shoulder, he turned around, and you could just see everything they’ve been through together flash across his face in that one moment. It was emotional, joyful, and so them.

Thoughtful ceremony details

By the time guests arrived, the ceremony space looked like something out of a painting – rows of chairs leading down a grassy aisle, framed by lush greenery, distant hills, and the soft California sky. Gerry Ranch’s open-air ceremony lawn is surrounded by orchards and florals, which makes it feel both expansive and intimate at the same time.

The beauty of a Gerry Ranch wedding lies in its picturesque scenery and the love that fills the air.

One detail I absolutely loved was the elegant handheld fans Jordan and Adam set out for guests. Not only were they beautiful and on-theme with the day, they were also so practical. California sunshine can be no joke, and watching friends and family using those fans to keep cool during the vows made me smile. It’s such a small thing, but it said so much about how thoughtful these two are.

The ceremony itself was full of emotion – the kind where you can hear people quietly sniffling behind you. Standing there with the hills in the background, they promised forever in front of the people who had walked with them through distance, growth, and all the little in-between seasons that brought them here.

Such moments are what make a Gerry Ranch wedding feel truly unique and memorable.

Sunset portraits and a chic second look

After the ceremony, their guests headed to cocktail hour while we snuck away into the fields for sunset photos. This is where Gerry Ranch really shines – the light drops low over the orchards and everything turns soft and glowy. We wandered the dirt paths, tucked into little pockets of trees, and let Jordan and Adam just be themselves. It felt like we were getting a front-row seat to their friendship and love, the way they laugh with each other and relax when it’s just the two of them.

Capturing sunset portraits at a Gerry Ranch wedding is always a highlight, with the warm light creating a magical atmosphere.

Before heading into the reception, Jordan changed into a second outfit – a chic party look perfect for dancing the night away – and pulled her hair back into the cutest, fashion-forward ponytail. It was such a fun transformation from classic ceremony elegance to modern reception glam. Their beauty team, Nathalie Vazquez of Nathalie V Makeup and hairstylist Marissa Kay of Pretty & Primped Beauty Co. absolutely nailed both looks and kept everything flawless through the California warmth and all the happy tears.

A reception made for music lovers

A Gerry Ranch wedding is incomplete without the perfect soundtrack that speaks to the couple’s journey.

As the sun set, everyone gathered under the open sky for dinner and dancing. Command Performance Catering served up an incredible meal, and dessert came courtesy of Camarillo Cupcake, who specialize in custom cakes and dessert bars for weddings all over Ventura County. The tables were beautifully styled with lush florals by The Enchanted Florist, whose designs felt romantic and organic, echoing the landscape around us.

Every paper detail, from invitations to day-of pieces, was designed by August and White, a luxury stationery studio known for their classic, illustrated wedding invitations. Their work perfectly complimented the setting – timeless, refined, and full of personal touches.

And then… the music.

The moment DJ Kamayo took over, the whole evening shifted into another gear. He’s known in Southern California for creating high-energy, personalized wedding soundtracks, and he did exactly that – mixing songs that mattered to Jordan and Adam with crowd favorites that kept the dance floor packed all night long. For two people who care so deeply about music, it was the perfect way to celebrate. I found myself singing along behind my camera more than once.

DJ Kamayo knew that a Gerry Ranch wedding deserved the best music to keep the celebration alive.

A surprise dance, a photo booth, and a pretzel bar

One of the sweetest moments of the night was Jordan’s surprise dance with her dad. They started with a traditional, sentimental song and then – in the best twist – transitioned into a fun, upbeat mix that had everyone cheering and clapping along. It was such a reflection of their relationship: tender, playful, and full of joy.

This surprise dance was just one of the many unforgettable moments at their Gerry Ranch wedding.

Guests lined up for the photo booth between songs, capturing silly snapshots and heartfelt moments with friends. Later in the evening, a late-night pretzel bar appeared, complete with all the toppings. Salty, warm pretzels after hours of dancing under the stars? Honestly, perfection.

Throughout the day and night, Peter and Bridgette Weddings were there capturing everything on video – all the laughter, happy tears, and tiny in-between moments that go by so fast. I loved working alongside them; they’re such a kind, thoughtful team and their approach matched the heart of the day beautifully.

Every detail of the day contributed to a stunning Gerry Ranch wedding experience.

Celebrating a long-distance love story

What really stayed with me long after I left Gerry Ranch wasn’t just how gorgeous everything looked (though it truly was), but how deeply Jordan and Adam love each other. They’ve weathered distance and change and still found their way back to one another, over and over again. The speeches, the way they looked at each other during quiet moments, and the energy on the dance floor all told the same story: this is a love that has been tested and has only grown stronger.

The love story culminating in this Gerry Ranch wedding was evident to all who attended.

I felt so honored to be the one to document this chapter of their story in such a beautiful place. If you’re dreaming up your own Gerry Ranch wedding or planning a celebration anywhere in California and you’re looking for a photographer who will obsess over the light, the details, and the emotion right along with you, I’d love to connect and help you tell your story.

If you’re dreaming up your own Gerry Ranch wedding or planning a celebration anywhere in California, make it unforgettable.

Vendor team

Venue: Gerry Ranch
Coordinator: Jenna Wesseln
Florist: The Enchanted Florist – Instagram
Invitations: August and White
DJ: DJ Kamayo Entertainment
Catering: Command Performance Catering
Cake and desserts: Camarillo Cupcake
Hair and makeup: Nathalie V Makeup (Nathalie Vazquez) (heatherandersonphoto.com) and Pretty & Primped Beauty Co. – Marissa Kay
Tux: Michael Kors tuxedo from Friar Tux
Dress: Casablanca Bridal
Videography: Peter and Bridgette Weddings