As a Petaluma Wedding Photographer, I photograph a lot of weddings. Olympia’s Valley is actually one of my favorite venues for laid-back romantic vibes.

Some weddings are elegant.
Some weddings are fun.

And then there are weddings like Kae and Sarah’s Olympia’s Valley wedding in Petaluma, which was definitely both.

The day started slow and happy, with friends hanging out in the main house, music playing, and that quiet buzz of excitement that happens when everyone knows something really good is about to unfold.

If you’re getting married in Petaluma, Olympias Valley Estate is one of those venues that just works. Rolling Sonoma County hills, open space, beautiful light — and somehow it still feels relaxed instead of overly polished.

Which honestly fit Kae and Sarah perfectly.

Elegant, a little unconventional, and completely themselves.

Getting Ready Together (Until the Big Dress Reveal)

Kae and Sara started the day together in the main house at Olympias Valley Estate, surrounded by friends, coffee, and a lot of laughter.

Hair and makeup was underway while people floated in and out of rooms catching up and soaking in the morning.

At one point both brides presented their moms with gifts, a sweet and quiet moment together before the ceremony.

But there was one thing they had managed to keep from each other.

The dresses.

Neither one had seen what the other had chosen.

When it was time to get dressed, they split up. Sarah stayed in the main house while Kae headed over to another cabin to finish getting ready with friends.

A First Look That Was Absolutely Worth the Wait

Their first look on the porch of the main house was one of those moments where everyone nearby suddenly goes quiet.

Kae turned around.

Sarah turned around.

And both of them just stopped.

Completely stunned.

And honestly… fair.

Kae wore a long black beaded gown, while Sarah chose a burgundy beaded dress. Both dramatic. Both elegant. Together they had this incredible slightly gothic, slightly glamorous energy that felt bold in the best way.

It was non-traditional without trying too hard.

A Sunny Ceremony by the Pond

The ceremony took place overlooking the pond, framed by the rolling hills that make Petaluma weddings so beautiful.

It was bright, sunny, and one of those Sonoma County afternoons where the light just seems to show up ready to help.

A close friend officiated the ceremony, which always adds this layer of warmth you can’t fake.

Both brides walked down the aisle with their fathers, and somewhere between the emotional moments we also caught a few excellent silly faces from the ring bearer and flower girl.

Perfect timing.

Cocktail Hour with Those Petaluma Views

Cocktail hour took place behind the main house where guests could grab a drink and take in the sweeping hills that surround Olympias Valley Estate.

This is one of the reasons couples love getting married here. You’re surrounded by Sonoma County countryside in every direction.

We used the lawn nearby for family photos while guests mingled and relaxed before dinner.

And honestly, there isn’t a bad backdrop anywhere on this property.

A Barn Reception Full of Celebration

Dinner was held in the estate’s big barn, which filled up quickly with laughter and anticipation once everyone sat down.

Kae and Sarah made their grand entrance and went straight into their first dance, with everyone gathered around the dance floor watching.

After dinner came heartfelt speeches and emotional father-daughter dances.

And then came the cake.

A small, adorable cake covered in rainbow sprinkles — which the brides promptly turned into a playful cake smash that had everyone cheering.

When the Dance Floor Gets Good

This is the part of the night I not-so-secretly wait for at every wedding.

The moment when the timeline relaxes, the music turns up, and people remember they’re actually here to celebrate.

The dance floor in the barn filled up fast and stayed full.

People dancing, friends laughing, someone inevitably attempting a move they’ll regret later — which makes for the best photos.

These are always some of my favorite images from the entire day.

Real joy. No posing required.

Planning a Wedding at Olympia’s Valley?

If you’re planning an Olympias Valley Estate wedding in Petaluma, this venue has a lot going for it.

First, the setting.

The estate sits surrounded by rolling Sonoma County hills, which means beautiful views everywhere you turn. The ceremony space by the pond is peaceful and open, cocktail hour near the house feels relaxed and social, and the barn reception space is perfect once the party gets going.

Second, the layout.

Everything is close enough that the day flows easily, but spread out enough that guests feel like they’re exploring the property as the evening unfolds.

And third — the light.

Photographers get very excited about good light, and Olympias Valley delivers. Golden hour here is kind of ridiculous.

If you’re dreaming about a Petaluma wedding that feels relaxed, scenic, and genuinely fun, this venue checks a lot of boxes.

And if you’re looking for a Petaluma wedding photographer who already knows their way around the property, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

Our Vendor Team

Photographer: Loren Hansen Photography

2nd Photographer: Katy Langlois

Planner: Events by McKenna

Venue: Olympia’s Valley

HMUA: Devotion Studios