Erin Pederson and Chris Squier wed in a ceremony held on the Santa Inez Valley ranch
Photography by ALANNA DURKEE
Words by CAROLINE CAGNEY
While Erin Pederson and Chris Squier’s mutual friends were busy planning the perfect introduction, Erin took matters into her own hands and asked Chris out via Instagram. “I slid into his DMs after a bout of courage made up of mostly liquid and the rest, my persistent girlfriends,” she says. It was spring 2019, and both photographers had moved to Philadelphia for work. A few nights later, they shut down Royal Tavern in Queen Village over a basket of French fries and IPAs. “We’ve been inseparable ever since,” Erin says.
Two years later, the couple relocated to L.A. While on their favorite sunset hike through the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains last July, Chris, who skillfully set his camera on a long self-timer, ran down to pose with Erin, then dropped down to one knee and proposed. “The time lapse is so silly and perfect, and I still love rewatching it over and over,” Erin says. That evening, they celebrated with friends at Bar Flores in Echo Park, and the following morning, they flew to Cape Cod to further toast with family.
Erin and Chris’s next move was to book Zaca Lake, a bespoke group guest ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was a clear choice, given the couple’s tie to style and the outdoors. “Zaca Lake represents a special version of what California has offered us over the years,” Erin says of the sought-after property’s unique blend of exquisite grounds and unparalleled privacy, which upon entering, feels like you have discovered a well-kept secret. “It’s truly a hidden gem,” Erin says. The lake is the centerpiece of a 320-acre resort and is lined with 16 luxurious cabins, each outfitted in chic, camp-style decor, with additional houses and a barn at the center the property, all available for corporate retreats and exclusive private events. “We wanted our loved ones to be immersed in what is most important to us: nature and shared experiences.”
“Zaca Lake represents a special version of what California has offered us.”
On a balmy afternoon last July, 120 guests joined lakeside to witness Erin and Chris exchange their vows with the hazy San Rafael mountains looming in the backround. After the ceremony, the festivities remained outdoors with friends and family gathering beneath a dense canopy of redwoods for a sit-down dinner of grilled halibut, robust salads, and grilled vegetables lit in the romantic glow of candles among verdant floral arrangements. The cutting of the cake then led to dancing, late night canoeing, cannonballs, and bonfire karaoke. The affair continued for two more days with everyone staying at the lake together. “To see all of your loved ones from different chapters of your life having a blast, taking selfies, drinking delicious wine, all transported to this oasis in the middle of nowhere,” Erin says. “It’s an unexplainable feeling.”
VENUE Zaca Lake • PLANNING Laine Palm Planning • PHOTOGRAPHY Alanna Durkee • FLOWERS Brophy Blooms • DJ Isabella Behravan • CAKE Kady Lone • DESIGN Whitney James Event + Design • QUARTET Pink Mozart • STATIONERY Jill Elaine • TRANSPORTATION Jump on the School Bus • HAIR AND MAKEUP Amber Rose Hair & Makeup • CATERING Woodfired Craft Catering
This story originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of C Weddings.
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