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Kyle & Michael: Elopement at Mount Hamilton Observatory

One of the best reasons I'm proud to be a geek - to be honest and enthusiastic about my passions and obsessions - is that you meet the most wonderful people! You never know what friendships and adventures are in store when you bond over your fandom.

Kyle and Michael are two fantastic Whovians (translation: fans of the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who) in love. When they discovered our styled wedding shoot in honor of Doctor Who ("Through All of Time and Space") they were inspired to celebrate their shared fandom - and what better way than to run off and elope at a 100 year old observatory?!

With the help of Jen at First Pick Planning, Kyle and Michael planned this incredible surprise. They would exchange personal vows in a private and beautifully designed ceremony, officiated by a dear friend, and would keep it all a secret for months (!!!) in order to surprise friends and family at a big celebration in Georgia. Fortunately we were there to tell the story, and to help share this intimate, emotional, incredible adventure with everyone when the time was right.

I can't get over those vows, and the thought put into every detail of this beautiful day. It was a real treat to be a part of this romantic escape - a whole day dedicated solely to two people in love!

We offer special discounts for elopements like this. If you are planning your wedding ceremony with less than 20 guests and no reception, let us know! (Bonus if it's in a unique location like this!)

I also can't say enough about the fantastic team that pulled this event together. The staff at Lick Observatory is so fun and helpful while taking care of this incredible historic space, Jen at First Pick Planning made sure nothing was overlooked, and Candice Benjamin Photography documented the day with incredible photos!

Kyle and Michael, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your adventure, and to give you the best of both worlds - a private ceremony just for you two, and a chance to share your love, your vows, and your celebration with all your friends and family! It may not be quite as exciting as the TARDIS, but video is a pretty fantastic time machine!

Soundtrack licensed via MusicBed: "Climb" by Michael Rossback

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography
Coordination: First Pick Planning
Venue: Lick Observatory

Candice & Jay: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse Wedding

Today is a very special anniversary post celebrating one of our favorite destination weddings ever: the wedding of our great friends Candice and Jay! Yep, that is Candice of Candice Benjamin Photography - you've probably seen her photos from the many weddings we've documented together, and featured in our fusion films!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!

Candice and I met at a networking event, and became pretty much instant friends when someone brought up the TV series Firefly. Jay worked with Josh and was part of our theater "techie" family. They both became regulars at our weekly "Taco Night" (where we invented the quesa-taco and watched nerdy TV shows) and before we knew it, they were dating. No seriously, they literally hid the fact that they were dating just to see how long it would take us to ask. Punks.

At least they included us when marriage came up! Josh and I were on hand to secretly film Jay's proposal to Candice, and we got to be a part of the crew for their amazing destination wedding at the 200-year-old Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, north of Santa Barbara. It was a full week of incredible scenery, great friends, crafty scheming, and one of the most memorable weddings we have ever been a part of. 

The ceremony was particularly personal, as it was officiated by our mutual friend and fellow Taco Night regular, "Reverend" Brett. (Don't you think he should do this for a living?)

The Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse is way off the beaten path, but worth the drive for its cozy accommodations and breathtaking views. It was an incredible setting for a wedding filled with creative handmade touches. I love how the wild and whimsical florals by Studio Ooh La La complemented the rustic charm of the farmhouse. Candice's experience as a wedding photographer definitely contributed to the gorgeous styling of this event!

I love the mix of rustic, wild, romantic, and geeky influences that were present throughout this day! Truly fitting for this awesome couple.

Candice and Jay, we love you... and we miss you since you decided to move to beautiful Colorado! I feel really, truly privileged to have seen your friendship blossom into romance as everyone realized just how perfect you are for each other. Thanks for sharing so many adventures with us - especially this one!

Soundtrack Licensed via The Music Bed
"The Rest of My Life" by Holley Maher
"Two" by Analog Heart

Coordinator: Jen Bergmark, First Pick Planning
Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Natalie Williams
Florist: Studio Ooh La La
Bar: Night Owl Productions
Cake & Dessert Bar: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Dress: Hope Stanley, Marry Me Bridal
Bride's Sash: Tessa Kim
Hair & Makeup: Evelyn Lui, Serene Bridal Beauty
Catering: DIY/the groom's family!