Unique Wedding Idea: How Katy & Steven Created Their Dream Wedding Weekend at Wasewagan Camp

Katy & Steven's wedding at Wasewagan Camp in Idyllwild, CA was hands down one of the most unique wedding ideas I’ve ever seen. Seriously, it was like stepping into a dream festival weekend, but in the best way possible. Picture this: a whole weekend full of creativity, DIY decor, live music, food, drinks, and most importantly, an intimate, fun experience with their closest people. This wedding was truly a vibe!

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I want something totally different from the traditional wedding,” you’ve found the right place. Katy & Steven’s wedding weekend was a beautiful example of how you can throw out the rule book and create a wedding that truly reflects you as a couple. They embraced non-traditional wedding ideas and turned them into a killer celebration that felt personal, fun, and full of life.

Let’s talk about the details because, my friends, the details were EVERYTHING!

A loving couple embraces each other during their wedding day in the forest, with the bride holding a vibrant bouquet of yellow, orange, and green flowers.

Bride and kissing under brides wedding veil

The Ultimate Wedding Weekend

Let me just say, Katy & Steven didn’t just have a wedding. They had a full-blown wedding weekend—yep, a wedding weekend idea that felt like a festival! They rented out the entire venue at Wasewagan Camp for their guests to stay for the entire weekend. Think about it: you're there with your closest friends and family for a few days, enjoying good music, good food, and good vibes. They even titled their wedding weekend “Foxfest” which, duh, makes sense because their last name is Fox! Such a fun twist!

A wedding invitation with a "Fox Fest" theme, featuring intricate details of the wedding schedule, rings, and floral accents to accompany the weekend celebration,

A playful group of bridesmaids are seen celebrating together in matching “Somebody’s Bomb Ass Bridesmaid” shirts with a beautiful outdoor backdrop of trees and sunlight.

They thought of everything: swag bags, a bunch of their talented friends playing in different bands throughout the weekend, delicious food, drinks flowing, and even cozy bonfire hangouts. This wasn’t just a wedding, it was an event! And, seriously, the best part? I got to capture it on film too! If you're wondering whether a wedding weekend could be a good idea for you, take a cue from Katy & Steven. This day was far from your standard affair, and it was amazing.

Bridal shoes and colorful flowers, adding a rustic touch to Katy's wedding day – one of many unique wedding ideas that made the day special.

Outdoor ceremony with lush greenery, colorful rugs, and vibrant florals – a perfect fit for a unique wedding idea at Wasewagan Camp.

Floral arch at the ceremony with vibrant, sunlit colors and earthy tones, adding to the festival-like vibe of their unique wedding idea.

Bride and groom sharing an intimate kiss in the woods during golden hour, embracing the relaxed, non-traditional feel of their unique wedding idea.

DIY, Decor, and Personal Touches Everywhere

I honestly loved how much DIY love and creativity went into every part of this wedding. Katy & Steven had a super creative and talented friend group, and they put their skills to use in ways that really showed their personalities. No generic decor here, people. Every corner was filled with thoughtful touches, from personalized signs to handmade table decor. Their reception was like walking into an artist's dream.

Close-up shot of wedding reception table settings, featuring a floral centerpiece and colorful glassware, with a lantern and candlelight creating a warm atmosphere.

Interior of the reception venue at night with hanging disco balls and vibrant floral arrangements, showcasing a cozy yet stylish setting for a Unique Wedding Idea.

Bride and groom sharing a romantic first dance in front of a rustic wood cabin with guests in the background, creating a magical atmosphere for their Unique Wedding Idea.

Wedding cake decorated with edible flowers and polaroid pictures of the couple, capturing a moment of their celebration for a unique wedding idea.

Floral arrangements around the couple's sweetheart table decorated with soft lighting and candles, emphasizing the natural beauty of the wedding venue for a unique wedding idea.

Wedding photo booth wall with vintage decor, featuring records, photos, and a ukulele, reflecting the couple’s personality and the fun theme of the event.

Let’s talk about the reception! Every table had its own unique theme with decor that felt so intentional—I’m talking full-on, warm fuzzy vibes. If you’ve seen Parent Trap, imagine that kind of camp atmosphere but with more style, color, and love. Each table was different but still felt cohesive, and the energy of the space was just so right. It was a vibe, you guys. A huge shout-out to all the DIY efforts here because every little detail was worth it. If you're thinking about doing your own wedding decor, don't be afraid to go wild with your ideas. Katy & Steven proved that no idea is too out there.

Bride and groom raising their glasses during a toast

Disco ball centerpieces and vintage glassware on the reception tables with vibrant florals – a fun touch to their unique wedding idea.

"The Fox's" neon sign surrounded by florals at the reception, adding a personal touch to Katy & Steven's unique wedding idea.

Reception table setting with candles, a personalized "Fox Fest" box, and floral arrangements – a chic and unique wedding idea for a cozy celebration.

Non-Traditional Wedding Ideas That Work

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Can I really throw a non-traditional wedding like this and still have it feel like a wedding?” And the answer is YES, absolutely yes! I loved how Katy & Steven embraced the freedom of making their wedding truly their own. They didn’t follow the typical blueprint. There were no over-the-top traditions. Instead, they focused on the vibe, their people, and what was going to make them feel most like themselves on their big day. And that’s what made it work.

The bridal party in colorful dresses and outfits, all smiles during the wedding at Wasewagan Camp, a great example of the non-traditional wedding vibe Katy and Steven wanted

Groomsmen dressed in eclectic, stylish suits, walking together at Wasewagan Camp, showing off the unique wedding idea with a mix of fun fashion choices.

This wedding weekend felt like their love story was unfolding in the most unique way. If you’re a couple that doesn’t want to follow the cookie-cutter wedding trends, you don’t have to! Get creative and don’t be afraid to let your personalities shine through. It could mean anything from having a wedding weekend to hosting your ceremony in a location that speaks to you (hello, Wasewagan Camp!), or adding your own personal touches to everything from the food to the music. Whatever makes you feel connected to each other and your guests, go for it.

A beautiful floral archway at Wasewagan Camp, setting the scene for a unique wedding idea, with vibrant orange and yellow flowers framing the ceremony space.

A close-up of a vintage guitar signed by guests at Katy and Steven’s wedding, adding a fun and personal touch to their unique wedding idea at Wasewagan Camp

A floral arrangement beside the ceremony chairs, showcasing a unique wedding idea with colorful blooms that complement the rustic camp atmosphere

Guests throwing confetti as Bride and Groom walk down the aisle at Wasewagan Camp, capturing a joyful moment in their unique wedding idea.

Memorable Moments with a Personal Touch

There was this one moment that really stuck with me—the couple walking over from their camp spot to the ceremony. It was such a simple yet beautiful moment, seeing them surrounded by their closest friends. They weren’t worried about perfection or stress; they were just enjoying the day, having fun with their people. It was exactly what I love to see—couples being themselves and embracing the moment.

Bride and groom smiling at eachother holding hands

Black and white photo of bride and groom holding hands

Close up image of bride and groom holding hands as they showcase their wedding attire

Close-up of a bride holding her bouquet filled with orange and yellow blooms, with soft sunlight glowing behind her veil, representing a beautiful wedding moment.

Bride and groom embracing eachother intimately

Groom posing with a smile and a confident stance, wearing sunglasses and a dark suit with a boutonniere at the wedding.

Tips for Your Unique Wedding Idea

If you're vibing with this unique wedding idea and wondering how you can pull something similar off, here are a couple of tips:

Don't Be Afraid to Be Creative: You’re not limited to the traditional wedding structure. Take a look at your venue, think outside the box, and get inspired by what feels authentic to you. For Katy & Steven, that meant a weekend festival with music and personalized touches.
Think About the Experience for Your Guests: If you can, try to think about how you want your guests to experience the day. Create a space where everyone feels included and like they’re part of the celebration, whether it’s through a fun theme or a relaxed setting.
The Details Matter: Get crafty with your decor! DIY projects add personality and heart to your wedding. From signage to centerpieces, the more it feels “you,” the more memorable the day will be. I promise, your guests will notice!
Golden Hour for the Win: Don’t forget to give yourself time for portraits during golden hour. There’s no better way to soak in the moment and capture the magic than with that soft, dreamy light. Plus, it’s a great time to be silly and enjoy some quiet moments with your new spouse.

Bride and Groom surrounded by their friends, celebrating with excitement and joy after the ceremony, showcasing the energy and fun of their unique wedding idea.

Southern California Wedding Photographer | Cambria Shelley Photographer

If you’re looking to turn your wedding into something unforgettable and totally you, I’m here for it! I’d love to capture all the unique moments of your day, whether it's a festival weekend, a quirky DIY wedding, or something else entirely. Shoot me a message, and let’s get this party started!

See more of my work on Pinterest!

Vendors:

Venue: Wasewagan camp

Wedding Cake: Barn Owl Bakeries

Bartender: Crystal Bartendars

Coordination: Peaches to Poppies

Floral: Florencia

Rentals: Party Plus

Vintage Goblets: Hostess Haven