A soulful look at how an intimate forest wedding near Lake Arrowhead became a true reflection of love, freedom, and self-expression. Told through the story of real Dreamers & Lovers bride, Keari.
Some weddings are not about spotlight or spectacle. They are about soul. Keari and her partner set out to create a day that was honest, joyful, and uniquely theirs. From singing early 2000s emo songs to sipping tiki drinks in a forest lodge, their wedding was not traditional. But it was unforgettable. And at the center of it all was a lace wedding dress that made Keari feel like herself, fully and completely.
This is the story of a wedding where connection came before convention. A story of choosing meaning over formality, and style that reflects who you truly are. Sometimes, the most beautiful days are the ones where you do not try to fit in. You simply show up as you are.
Finding Her Dream Dress
Keari knew from the beginning that she wanted her wedding dress to reflect her own personal style. She didn’t want something overly traditional or trendy. She wanted to feel like herself.
“I love lace and generally have a more alternative style, so when I found the Dreamers & Lovers website, I immediately loved all the unique wedding dress styles. I appreciated the focus on providing dresses for brides with a less traditional vision.”
Dresses like the Willow and Hayley are part of what set Dreamers & Lovers apart. You can also explore more styles on our Pinterest board for long sleeve lace wedding dresses.
Surprisingly, the dress she ended up choosing wasn’t even one of her original picks. She didn’t select it in her top three when booking her studio appointment. But one of our stylists brought it out anyway.
That dress was the Josephine Long Sleeve Lace Wedding Dress, one of our most timeless and effortless designs. It's perfect for brides who want elegance without sacrificing comfort or individuality.”
This is exactly why so many brides tell us they found the perfect dress they didn’t expect. You can browse other styles from our lace wedding dress collection and see how they come to life in real moments. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected one that speaks to your soul.
An Intimate Forest Ceremony
Keari and her husband had originally dreamed of a small elopement in the forest. They both love nature and knew they wanted a peaceful setting surrounded by trees and the people they care about most. In the end, they celebrated with about 35 guests at Willow Woods Park in Skyforest, near Lake Arrowhead.
“It was important to us that our wedding be a celebration of ourselves, all the love in our lives, and the things that bring us joy. We both agreed not to stress about details we find unimportant.”
The vibe was relaxed and soulful. They skipped traditions that didn’t feel meaningful. For couples looking to plan a similar kind of gathering, this guide to California wedding venues for the boho bride might help spark ideas.
After the ceremony, they hosted a short cocktail hour at Lake Arrowhead Resort to connect with friends and family in a more personal setting.
But what really stood out came later. “We rented a large lodge nearby and had our close friends stay with us for the weekend. After the wedding, my husband made tiki drinks and we all sang early 2000s emo songs, ate leftover pizza and cookies from the reception, and stayed up late together. That memory still brings me the most joy.”
It wasn’t formal. It was deeply personal. The kind of night where everything just feels right.
A Dress That Let Her Be Herself
One of the things we hear most from Dreamers & Lovers brides is that their dress made them feel beautiful without needing to become someone else. That’s exactly what happened for Keari. Her dress wasn’t about impressing others. It was about feeling fully herself.
“I looked exactly as I had envisioned and hoped I would on my wedding day. I felt absolutely beautiful in my dress, but most importantly, I felt like myself.”
That feeling is what our lace wedding dress collection is designed to create. These dresses are for the bride who wants confidence, comfort, and effortless beauty — all in one.
If you're still searching for the dress that speaks to your spirit, we invite you to read The Ethereal Journey of Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress. It’s a helpful reminder that the perfect dress is not about perfection — it’s about resonance.
Advice for Other Brides
If you’re planning a smaller or nontraditional wedding, Keari’s advice is simple: trust your gut. It’s easy to feel pressure to go bigger, follow traditions, or meet expectations. But your wedding should reflect your truth — not someone else's vision.
“As difficult as it may be, just go with your gut and do not be dissuaded by anyone pressuring you to do your wedding any differently than you want.”
Keari knew that not everyone would understand her choices. But staying true to what mattered most made all the difference.
“It can be difficult for some family members to understand why you don't want a big, flashy wedding. But it can be helpful to stand your ground and remind them that you and your partner are more interested in focusing on celebrating your love for one another and enjoying your wedding.”
If you’re still dreaming up your perfect setting, this guide to California wedding venues might be a beautiful place to start.
If Their Wedding Had a Soundtrack…
Keari chose “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes as the song that best captured their wedding day. The lyrics are tender, full of honesty, and echo the kind of love that grows quietly and deeply.
Her entire celebration reflected that feeling. No pressure. No pretense. Just presence. It was a day about connection, joy, and choosing each other completely.
If you're planning a wedding that reflects your truth, our bohemian wedding dress collection was made for you. You can even experience the magic at home with our Home Try-On, designed to let you find the one — from wherever you are.
