Photo: Brett & Tori Photographers
While Kyle Gallner‘s role on the TV show Outsiders is all about drama and power struggles, his relationship with Tara Ferguson is pure love story. “We met at a karaoke bar in Burbank, California, in August of 2011. It was very romantic, I assure you!” says Tara. With two young boys, Oliver and Leo, the couple skipped a formal engagement and instead decided it was time. “We always knew we would get married,” Tara explains. “We designed my ring together and picked out my wedding band.” And that was it! The pair sought out a property where they could have a simple, rustic celebration that honored the Christmas season, and found the Graf Barn in Oxnard, California. The barn and surrounding property, filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind antiques, is just an hour outside of Los Angeles. “The experience was so laid-back,” says Tara. “The owner, Laina, does almost everything herself. She’s a one stop shop, it’s incredible!”
For their December 12, 2015, wedding, Tara and Kyle — who played Beaver in the hit TV show Veronica Mars — opted for dark red, green, and blue hues, accented with silver, gold, and twinkling lights. “We both love Christmas, and wanted everything to be simple and cozy. It felt like being in a cabin, so I think we achieved what we were after!” says the bride. With 100 guests (and their boys!) in tow, they had just about the most wintery wedding you could expect to find in California. The sweet, personal celebration was photographed by Brett & Tori Photographers — take a peek, below!
Tara’s Rosa Clara wedding dress featured a high neck and delicately striped ottoman fabric. She paired her seasonal ensemble with a dark red lip and a soft chignon. “We were on location while Kyle was shooting Outsiders, so I went dress shopping in Pittsburgh with my sister. I had no idea how long it would take to order a dress and have all the fittings!” says the bride. She borrowed a ring from her mother-in-law that every woman in the Gallner family has worn at her wedding.
The ceremony took place beneath the property’s oak trees, with wooden folding chairs draped in soft branches.
Kyle wore a dark blue Ted Baker suit, while his groomsmen wore varying shades of gray. The flower girls rode down the aisle in a Radio Flyer wagon, while the couple’s sons came down the aisle with the bride’s nephew, William. “Oliver had a sign that said ‘Daddy Here Comes Mommy,'” Tara says.
The bride walked down the aisle with her father, who wore his Marine dress blues, as musicians played an instrumental version of “Your Song” by Elton John.
A braid of cream yarn was used for the handfasting ceremony. “For every vow, my maid of honor wrapped the yarn around our hands, and with the last vow she tied the strands together,” the bride says of the meaningful tradition. “This is where the term ‘tying the knot’ comes from.”
Instead of choosing a single dress, Tara asked her bridesmaids to wear any floor-length gray dress they loved. She carried a bouquet of dark red peonies and light pink roses, while her ‘maids carried a mix of white and red roses. The groomsmen’s boutonnieres combined red blooms with greenery and seasonal berries.
A fur wrap was the perfect way to fight off the December chill — as was a little fun with sons Oliver and Leo!
Guests sipped cranberry and vodka cocktails while lounging on the venue’s collection of antique furniture, then headed into the barn for dinner.
A combination of reclaimed tables, chandeliers, and yards and yards of twinkle lights created a warm and cozy atmosphere inside the barn. Each table featured mismatched china, gold chargers, and centerpieces that combined pine branches, pomegranates, and gold-painted pinecones. At the sweetheart table, Tara and Kyle sat in chairs covered with sheepskin and sipped out of gold crystal goblets.
Instead of traditional table numbers, wooden Christmas trees were topped with stars that were each painted with a different number.
Photo: Brett & Tori Photographers
Kyle and Tara made their grand entrance through two white sheer curtains, then headed to the dance floor for their first dance.
When Kyle and his mom took to the floor for their mother-son dance, his mom had Leo strapped to her in a baby carrier. “It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen!” says Tara. “Oliver and I joined in for the end of the dance.”
Photo: Brett & Tori Photographers
The two-tiered wedding cake, with layers of zucchini cake and cream cheese frosting, was topped with two shimmering deer, sliced almonds, roses, and gilded pinecones. “It was so delicious!” Tara remembers.
At the end of the night, guests headed out to get ready for the sparkler exit while Tara and Kyle shared one last dance alone to “Amazed” by Lonestar. “Our moms were peeking through a hole in the barn doors!” she says.
Needless to say, the relaxed and welcoming celebration was a smashing success. “Remember, not everything needs to be perfect,” says Tara. “It’s the little imperfections that make your day special!”
Venue, Flowers & Catering: The Graf Barn || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara || Shoes: Saint Laurent Paris || Hair & Makeup: Camilla Orosco || Groom’s Attire: Ted Baker London || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Platt Boutique Jewelry || Music: DJ Steve Stock || Videographer: Light Up Video || Photographer: Brett & Tori Photographers
Did you love this wintry celebration? Then check out another couple’s Christmas-inspired wedding in the video below.