Something Borrowed at Garden Valley Ranch‭ in Petaluma

Karissa Delzell and Matt Rosi epitomized the wedding tradition of “something borrowed,” beginning with their decision to marry at Garden Valley Ranch, where Karissa’s parents were married more than 30 years before. Her parents first visited the venue in the winter of 1989. Karissa’s mother had just finished a round of chemotherapy and had barely had the energy to envision the roses blooming at the ranch in the summer, let alone tour the property. However, Karissa’s dad had faith that the venue would come alive, and it bloomed into color for the wedding. When Karissa toured it in the winter of 2021, her parents’ assurances and wedding photos convinced her that this was where her
wedding would happen. 

Karissa and Matt said “I do” under a gazebo in a lush garden, throughout which crystal chandeliers hung among white florals and hues of dusty blue. Guests dined outdoors under bistro lighting. The couple even recreated photos taken at her parents’ wedding, a suggestion made by
photographer Alicia Parks. 

“This gorgeous wedding was one of the most special I have ever shot,” Alicia says. “There were so many beautiful tears and memories made.”  

In one photo, Karissa sits with her bridal party and flower girls around her. In another, the couple poses on the site’s bridge, and for another, they sit at the edge of a circular brick fountain in the garden. Reviving family weddings is a great way to honor tradition, drawing on brides’ and grooms’ backgrounds.  

“Faith, family and the best photographer made this day truly magical,” says Karissa.