Nirvana Estate Wedding in Bakersfield: Emerald and a 360 Bar

Photos by Melissa Brannon Photography

Jennifer and Trevor got married at The Nirvana Estate in Bakersfield, California, in March 2024, on a sunny day with a crisp white palette, soft greens and bright pops of yellow. The centerpiece of the reception was a round 360-degree bar that guests could walk up to from any side.

Emerald bridesmaids and yellow roses

Jennifer wore a strapless Maggie Sottero gown from Enchanted Bridal Boutique and carried white flowers with touches of yellow. Her bridesmaids wore emerald green gowns, a rich color that held its own against the estate’s olive and cypress trees, and the groomsmen wore black tuxedos. Menswear came from Fino’s Menswear & Tuxedo.

A white floral arch in the garden

The ceremony brought the garden into the palette: crisp whites, soft green and yellow, with a white floral arch on the lawn and the wedding party lined up on either side. Fairy Godmother planned and designed the day, and Reverend Kyle Brown officiated.

A 360-degree bar at The Nirvana Estate

The reception moved under a white tent hung with greenery, with a living-wall seating chart at the entrance, long tables lined with white flowers and the round bar in the middle of it all, so guests could order from every angle and still take in the views. The cake carried the palette in sugar flowers: peach and yellow roses with dark green leaves. For another take on the same venue, see this fall wedding at The Nirvana Estate.

Get the look

Editor picks inspired by this wedding, not what the couple wore.

Birdy Grey Carrie Matte Satin Dress in Emerald, $139 at Birdy Grey. A cowl neck, a boned bustier bodice and a high slit in emerald matte satin, the deep green the bridesmaids wore against the cypress trees here. The spaghetti straps come off, so anyone who wants to go strapless can.
Baltic Born Arlene Shimmer Gown in Emerald, $169 at Baltic Born. Emerald lining under a sequined shimmer tulle, for a maid of honor who should stand out in a row of satin. It’s a Baltic Born exclusive and runs from S to 2XL.
Afloral Real Touch Rose in Buttercream Yellow, $8 at Afloral. Jennifer carried white flowers with touches of yellow, and yellow roses showed up again on the cake. A few of these real-touch faux stems in white arrangements give you the same pop, and they keep after the wedding.

The idea worth stealing

Put the bar in the middle of the room. A round bar has no back of the line, keeps the crowd moving and becomes the place everyone ends up talking, which is the whole point of a reception.