A styled shoot at tar creek ranch: rustic elegance meets timeless stationery

Nestled in the heart of Arroyo Grande, California, Tar Creek Ranch is the epitome of rustic charm and natural beauty. Recently, I had the honor of contributing to a styled wedding shoot at this picturesque location, providing custom-designed invitations, menus, and place cards that perfectly complemented the setting’s enchanting allure. Every detail of the day was carefully curated, and the stationery I created played a vital role in tying together the entire aesthetic.

Setting the Scene: Tar Creek Ranch's Natural Splendor

Tar Creek Ranch, with its rolling hills, open skies, and abundant greenery, offers an idyllic backdrop for any wedding. The ranch's natural, unspoiled beauty makes it a coveted location for couples seeking a blend of rustic charm and elegance. The shoot took full advantage of these features, incorporating an earthy color palette, lush floral arrangements, and elegant decor that harmonized beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The design vision was clear from the start: nature-inspired yet refined, rustic yet sophisticated. The atmosphere was one of effortless elegance, and my stationery needed to echo this sentiment. It was essential that each piece felt cohesive with the surroundings while also adding a unique touch of personality and style.

The Stationery: A Marriage of Nature and Elegance

For this shoot, I designed an entire suite of wedding stationery, including invitations, menus, and place cards. Each piece was created to mirror the beauty of Tar Creek Ranch while providing a modern and timeless feel. With a blend of organic elements and refined design, the stationery became a central part of the visual storytelling.

Invitations: Welcoming Guests with Warmth and Charm

The invitations were designed to give guests an immediate sense of the wedding's tone. I used a warm terracotta color as the foundation, inspired by the earthy hues of the ranch’s soil and the golden California sunsets. The design was minimalist yet impactful, featuring delicate floral illustrations that echoed the ranch’s abundant wildflowers. A simple but elegant script was used for the names of the couple, adding a personal and intimate touch. Each invitation was carefully enclosed in a matching envelope lined with a hand-drawn floral design. The envelope liners were one of my favorite elements to create, as they added an extra layer of detail that guests would appreciate as soon as they opened the invitation. The intricate floral drawings inside the envelopes reflected the natural surroundings of Tar Creek Ranch, making them the perfect introduction to the wedding day.

Menus: A Feast for the Eyes

For the menus, I wanted to create something that felt both rustic and luxurious. The menus were printed on high-quality, textured cardstock, which gave them a tactile, artisanal feel. The barn illustration at the top of each menu was a nod to Tar Creek Ranch’s iconic barn, grounding the design in the location's unique character. The menu items were presented in a clean, modern layout, with each course separated by minimalist lines. The color scheme was kept simple, with a soft terracotta and neutral tones to keep the focus on the food and setting. Each menu sat atop elegant, white dinnerware, with floral napkins that added a touch of softness and warmth to the table settings. The menus were a key element in pulling together the overall design of the reception tables, which featured vintage green glassware, gold flatware, and wildflower centerpieces. The entire tablescape felt cohesive, with the menus acting as a beautiful focal point.

Place Cards: Personalized Elegance

No wedding is complete without personalized place cards, and for this shoot, I wanted the place cards to feel like small works of art. Each card had the guests name across the middle in gorgeous white script. I tied a delicate jute string bow around each card to add a rustic, handcrafted feel. The place cards were an intimate touch on the tables, adding a layer of personalization that made the overall setting feel warm and inviting. Paired with the lush floral arrangements and the intricate table settings, the place cards helped to complete the visual story of the day.

Collaborating with a Talented Team

While my focus was on creating the perfect stationery, the success of the shoot was due to the collaborative efforts of the entire creative team. From the catering company who provided the best food to the photographer who captured each moment so beautifully, every vendor played an essential role in making the shoot a true celebration of rustic elegance. The floral arrangements were breathtaking, combining wildflowers and greenery in a way that felt both effortless and sophisticated. White daisies, snapdragons, and muted blush tones dominated the palette, bringing a soft, romantic vibe to the table settings. The flowers perfectly complemented my stationery, adding a natural, organic element that felt in perfect harmony with the overall theme. The table settings themselves were a work of art, combining vintage elements with modern touches. Green glass goblets and gold flatware provided a rich contrast to the earthy tones of the menus and place cards, while white plates and floral napkins kept the look fresh and light. And we can’t forget about the stunning vintage car that made a special appearance! Each detail worked together to create a cohesive, inviting setting that was as beautiful as it was functional.

Why Stationery Matters

As a professional wedding stationer, I understand the importance of cohesive, well-designed stationery. Stationery is often the first impression guests receive of a wedding, and it sets the tone for the entire event. Whether it's the invitations arriving in the mail or the menus waiting at the reception tables, each piece of stationery contributes to the overall experience. For this styled shoot at Tar Creek Ranch, the stationery was more than just a functional element—it was a key design component. The warm terracotta tones, delicate floral illustrations, and elegant calligraphy all worked together to reinforce the shoot’s theme of rustic elegance. Every piece, from the invitations to the place cards, was created with the goal of enhancing the natural beauty of the setting while also providing a touch of modern sophistication.

Conclusion: A Day to Remember

This styled shoot at Tar Creek Ranch was a true celebration of love, nature, and artistry. From the lush greenery of the ranch to the thoughtful details on the reception tables, every aspect of the day was beautifully curated. It was an honor to be part of such a stunning event, and I am so proud of the stationery that I provided. My goal was to create pieces that would enhance the overall aesthetic while also standing out as memorable and unique. The invitations, menus, and place cards were designed to reflect the rustic beauty of the ranch while also providing a modern, elegant touch. I believe the result was a cohesive, visually stunning collection of stationery that played a vital role in the success of the shoot. If you’re planning a wedding at a venue like Tar Creek Ranch, I encourage you to consider how your stationery can enhance the overall atmosphere. Whether you choose a rustic theme, a modern look, or something in between, your stationery should reflect the unique beauty of your day and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this rustic styled shoot. Stay tuned for more stories and inspiration from my journey as a wedding stationer on the Central Coast of California. For more information about my services or to get in touch, please visit my website or follow me on Instagram. I look forward to making your wedding dreams come true! --- Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey.

Best,
Adrienne

Vendor List:

Venue: Tar Creek Ranch | @tarcreekranch

Hair: Dream Catcher Artistry | @dreamcatcherartistry

Beauty: The Beauty Coop | @the.beauty.coop

Dress: Mareh Couture | @marehcouture

Suit: Hey Gorgeous Formalwear @heygorgeousformalwear

Florals: Hepburn and Jane | @hepburnandjane

Rentals: Got You Cover’d | @gycrentals

Stationery: Announcements by Adrienne @announcementsbyadrienne

Content Creator: Content by Kam | @ContentbyKam

Videography: Chelsea Schmitz | @StoriesToldByFilm

Photography: Burlap and Oak Photography @BurlapandOakPhoto

Lighting: Kramer Events | @KramerEvents

Draping: Draping by Kim | @Draping_byKim

Linens: Bella Couture Linen | @BellaCoutureLinen

Hat & Styling: The Hat Bar by KK | @TheHatbykk

Catering: Garnet Culinary | @GarnetCulinary