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Ryan & Kristin: Triunfo Creek Vineyards Wedding

When we talked with Kristin and Ryan about their wedding, they wanted to make sure we weren't expecting anything "sappy" - they wanted one big party for all of their loved ones! I think you can see that a party is what they got...

But of course, it's more than just a party. This day was overflowing with beauty and joy and heartfelt emotion, and it was such a perfect celebration of the love that surrounds Kristin and Ryan. Some of my favorite moments were Kristin and Ryan reading personal vows to each other during their first look, the tequila toast in memory of Ryan's dad, and the ice cream sandwich bar instead of a cake cutting.

Kristin and Ryan, I hope that the years ahead of you are "SO GOOD!" - just as full of celebration and joy and dancing and love!

Soundtrack licensed via Musicbed:
Gold by Tiny Houses
The World Is Ours by Volunteer

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Planning & Coordination: Little Grey Events
Photography: Vitae Weddings
Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards
Flowers: Little Grey Events
Hair & Makeup: Page Beauty
DJ: Red Shoe LA
Catering: Command Performance Catering
Rentals: A Rental Connection

Ashley & Grant: Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara Wedding

When classic romance meets clever, nerdy references, my geeky little heart skips a beat - so of course Ashley and Grant's wedding day had us all a-flutter! Belmond El Encando in Santa Barbara provided the ideal backdrop for a celebration full of soft, romantic beauty and lots of personal touches... including a few Doctor Who references! These two opened their hearts to us, and the experience was breathtaking.

Every word and moment of this day, every detail, spoke so much about this couple and what they admire and love about each other. It's exactly those days and that celebration that make me love love LOVE what we do, and the gift that film can bring for every love story.

Ashley and Grant, you love brilliantly. You share so much between each other that it spills out into the world and those around you, and like that Santa Barbara sunlight it illuminates so many beautiful things! Thank you for sharing your love story with us!

For more details from this beautiful day (and some great planning insight and tips!), check out the feature on Wedding Chicks!

Soundtrack licensed via MusicBed:
Nothing to Fear by Dexter Britain
Launch by Ryan Taubert

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Planning & Coordination: Tealight Events
Photography: Allie Lindsey Photography
Flowers: These Buds A Blooming
Hair & Makeup: LunaBella Makeup & Hair
Bridal Party Gowns: Bella Bridesmaids
Venue: Belmond El Encanto
DJ: Red Shoe LA
Calligraphy & Paper: Coppia Creativa
Lighting Design: Bella Vista Designs

Krista & Michael: Lombardi House Wedding

Love is classic. Shining. Timeless. And sometimes, true love is effortless. That is exactly how Krista and Michael's love feels, and that's why their wedding day at Lombardi House in Hollywood felt so perfect for them.

When Gavin James performed "Book of Love" during the ceremony, the dreamlike perfection of the day could not have been more moving.

When Michael's brother stood to give his toast, he mentioned his brother's passion for finding the best of all things. These two clearly know they have found the best in each other. After that, it was time for one of the greatest parties we've ever witnessed. Have you ever seen a bride and groom crowd surf at their wedding reception??

I have to say that Krista and Michael's style is as effortless as their love. With a classic black, white, and gold palette, every part of this day shone with Hollywood glamour! In the welcoming green and white oasis of Lombardi House, it felt almost like stepping back in time.

Krista and Michael, thank you for including us in all of the heartfelt, tear-jerking, and flat-out rocking moments of your day! May every day ahead of you be just as effortlessly joyful and beautiful!

Soundtrack licensed via MusicBed:
"How About Forever" by Zach Berkman
"Soul Birds" by Ryan Taubert
"Under City Lights" by Awake or Sleeping

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography
Venue: Lombardi House
Coordinator: Mandy Philp
Ceremony Music: Gavin James
Florist: Modern Flora
Makeup Artist: Dottie Palmer
Hair Stylist: Molly Shriver
DJ: Red Shoe
Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Stationery: Smitten on Paper

Johnny & Shannon: Green Gables Estate Wedding, San Marcos

When love makes you pack your bags for an unknown city, when you can't lock eyes without smiling and laughing, when your friends can hardly contain their excitement for the moment you say "I do," you know you've got something special. All of that and more made this wedding at Green Gables Estate in San Marcos a day of pure romantic bliss.

Just before Johnny saw Shannon in her bridal gown for the first time, I asked him if he remembered the first time he ever saw her. All at once I saw his face just struck with emotion, like he was watching that moment play back in his mind and reflecting on how much had happened since then, bringing them both to this moment. And then his bride came walking toward him, and again they saw their love for the first time...

What a fantastic celebration! One of my favorite moments was seeing the entire bridal party erupt in cheers of joy for their best friends when they were pronounced husband and wife. Shannon and Johnny, I hope that every day of your marriage is this full of amazement, dancing, and happy laughter! I hope that you always look at each other with this same expression of "How did I get so lucky?" You have a lifetime of joy ahead of you.

Soundtrack:
"We Have Love" by Clemency, licensed via Musicbed

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Vis Photography
Venue: Green Gables Wedding Estate
Floral Design: Flora Glamor
DJ: Earl Henry, My DJs

Kayln & Joy: San Francisco City Hall Elopement

One year ago today, we were in San Francisco for SF Pride and a very special elopement.

Kayln and Joy were in the midst of planning a big wedding in their hometown of Denver, Colorado, when they realized all of the little decisions just didn't seem as important as their commitment. Who cares what color the napkins are? We just want to get married! They were already planning on going to San Francisco to walk in the Pride Parade, so they decided to kick off the weekend with a wedding at City Hall! We had the honor of being witnesses to their vows, and joining them in exploring San Francisco.

A few months later, Kayln and Joy gathered their friends and family for an "Engagement Party," and played this video:

What a fantastic surprise! I really love elopements because the whole day is so private and so precious - and with a quality wedding film, you can still share your wedding with family and friends back home.

How incredible that exactly one year later, the Supreme Court has made a historic ruling for marriage equality across the United States! What a fantastic anniversary gift! My heart swells when I read the words that Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote to sum up this historic decision:

No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.  As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves.  Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions.  They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.

Celebrate love, today and every day!