Boon Hotel + Spa – The Perfect Backdrop for a Weekend Long Wedding Celebration

Photographing this wedding was one of the most special we have had to date! Read below to see what made this experience so special!

A Vibrant Post-Wedding Pool Brunch in Guerneville, California: Kelsey and Brittany’s Celebration of Love

Kelsey and Brittany’s wedding was nothing short of magical, but they took their celebration to the next level with a radiant post-wedding pool brunch that had us all swooning. Set amidst the lush, vibrant grounds of the Boon Hotel + Spa in charming Guerneville, California, this brunch was the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend in wine country.

The brunch, held on Sunday, April 8th, 2023, exuded joyful vibrance surrounded by loved ones. Imagine a blend of Palm Springs flair and cozy backyard charm: teal and green accents mingled with oranges, pinks, yellows, and champagne hues to create a dynamic palette that reflected the excitement of the couple’s love and the natural beauty of the area. From dazzling florals by Dry Creek Flowers to lively pool inflatables and rainbow-inspired decor, every detail invited guests to relax, celebrate, and soak in the weekend’s joy.

A Weekend to Remember

This wasn’t just a one-day event—it was a full weekend of love, laughter, and connection. Guests arrived on Friday, settling into the stunning Boon Hotel + Spa, where boutique elegance met a sense of laid-back intimacy. Led by Crista Luedke, the hotel’s owner and a Food Network chef, this venue infused every moment with thoughtful touches and unmatched hospitality.

Throughout the weekend, Kelsey and Brittany ensured their loved ones experienced the best of wine country living, from delicious meals to sunset dancing. But it was Sunday’s poolside brunch that tied it all together, providing the perfect setting to reflect on the couple’s love story and unwind with those closest to them in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Fun for Everyone: Games by the Pool

One of the highlights of the day was how interactive the celebration felt. Guests gravitated toward friendly competitions with yard games and beer pong that added a playful energy to the festivities. Whether it was a beanbag toss showdown or cheers over a winning beer pong cup, the games brought everyone together and emphasized the joy of simply spending time with loved ones. These lighthearted moments paired perfectly with the laid-back vibes, proving that sometimes the best memories are made with a drink in hand and a little friendly competition.

The Welcome Sign was converted into a list of winners and losers of Beer Pong!

The Star of the Brunch: Sonoma Crust

A pool party isn’t complete without great food, and Kelsey and Brittany nailed it with the mouthwatering pizza from Sonoma Crust. Guests raved about the fresh flavors, perfectly crisp crust, and how effortlessly it complemented the flowing champagne. Custom wine cups and koozies added a personalized touch, allowing everyone to keep the celebration—and their drinks—cool.

The crust was a fan by all!

A Celebration That Lasts Beyond the Wedding Day

Choosing to host a post-wedding day event like this poolside brunch gave Kelsey and Brittany the perfect chance to savor their wedding weekend. Unlike the hustle and excitement of the wedding day, the brunch provided a more intimate and laid-back opportunity for the couple to spend quality time with their loved ones. It was a way to carry the magic of the celebration into another day, surrounded by laughter, delicious food, and good company. It offered a moment to relax and fully soak in the joy of the weekend—and what better way to do that than with champagne, pizza, and a sunny poolside view?

Laughter, Love, and a Splash of Color

What stood out most was the atmosphere. Surrounded by rainbow EVERYTHING—from decor to the vivid floral arrangements—it was impossible not to feel the energy and inclusivity that defined this couple’s vision. Friends and family lounged by the pool, competed in games, raised their glasses in cheer, and reveled in the carefree spirit of the day. The clinking of champagne glasses mixed with the sound of laughter, creating a soundtrack to love that echoed across the vibrant hills of Guerneville.

A Toasty Farewell

As the festivities began to wind down, everyone gathered around a cozy fire pit to close the day on a warm and heartfelt note. Glasses of wine in hand, they shared stories, laughter, and reflections, reminiscing over the beautiful memories created throughout the weekend. This intimate ending was the perfect way to capture the essence of the celebration—full of love, connection, and gratitude for the unforgettable experience they shared.

Why We’ll Never Forget Photographing this Wedding

Kelsey and Brittany’s post-wedding pool brunch wasn’t just a party—it was a statement of who they are as a couple: joyful, inclusive, and bursting with personality. From the creativity of their decor to the intentional choice of local vendors, every aspect celebrated love in its truest form.

To Kelsey and Brittany: thank you for letting us be a part of such an extraordinary weekend. Your vision reminded us that weddings—and their celebrations—should feel like you.

Cheers to a lifetime of more champagne, laughter, pizza parties, and fire-lit memories!

Other Key Take Aways: The Photographers’ Perspective

This incredible wedding weekend stays in the front of Will and my hearts as by far one of our favorite weddings due to a few key factors.

Boon Hotel + Spa

The venue was an absolute dream to photograph. We were surrounded by hundreds of year old California Red Trees in the heart of wine country, but the venue itself was what made the wedding so special. We all stayed in private rooms at the hotel surrounded by the pool. It gave a true sense of community and togetherness. This made for photos that were laid back and put an emphasis on community and quality time with the guests. Boon was a perfect backdrop for what was important to our clients and it showed in the gallery.

Boon Hotel + Spa provided incredible service as well. We woke every morning with a knock on our doors and a tray of freshly baked pastries and yogurts and French Pressed coffee. Everyone on their own time would stroll down in their robes and sit around the fire pits and pool to chat and have their breakfast.

The Order of Events

Will and I have photographed over a hundred destination weddings and by far having multiple days of events is the way to provide the best experience for everyone. So often with destination weddings there is a welcome party/rehearsal dinner/post toast and then the following day the wedding but nothing the following day. For many reasons I encourage having a post wedding event:

• The wedding day goes by in a blur. You may not get to have true quality time with all of your loved ones during the wedding festivities. (The reception is typically between 3 and 4 hours and goes by in the blink of an eye.)
• Will and I have seen time and time again people leaving wedding receptions prior to the exit to catch an early flight the next day. This mass exodus of guests can kill the energy of the reception. When there is an event the following day it gives people permission to book an extra night and continue the party long into the evening.
• It is fun to have a recap with your favorite people in the world about what crazy things happened at the reception the day before!

Dreaming of having your entire wedding weekend photographed in a candid, natural and laid back beautiful way? Tell us all about it! Reach out today!

Vendors Who Made the Magic:

• Venue: Boon Hotel + Spa

• Florals: Dry Creek Flowers

• Pizza Truck: Sonoma Crust