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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!

Lisa & John: Montage Laguna Beach Wedding

Today is an anniversary post! Exactly one year ago, we had the extreme pleasure of celebrating Lisa and John's wedding at Montage Laguna Beach, along with their loved ones who had traveled from all over the world to witness a uniquely moving celebration of love. The international flavor of the day was especially fun, particularly when John's friends from Oxford reflected on his uniquely American take on life and love (watch the film and you'll see what I mean!).

Lisa and John opened their hearts when they recited their vows to each other, and I am still moved to happy tears when I see how adoringly they look at each other. "We are better together and because of each other." These two take such joy in nurturing the spark of love they hold!

I love the timeless feel that comes from real vintage Super 8 footage. Perfect for the classic, romantic style of this wedding.

To be honest, I'm usually more excited about the people and the emotions than I am about the design details of a wedding, but this day was a special case, because Lisa had poured her heart and keen design sense into the calligraphy details that defined the look of the day, and the whimsical flower-and-driftwood centerpieces. The personal touch was really fantastic, and the style was perfect for this sweet seaside celebration. Don't you love the cake table display??

Kudos again to the bride, and to Carolyn at The Special Day for organizing an event with such effortless style! Happy Anniversary, Lisa and John! I know that you have many years of love and laughter ahead, and I hope that you celebrate each and every day.

Soundtrack licensed via The Music Bed
"Watching From the Roof" by Dexter Britain
"Only Human - Instrumental" by Parade of Lights

Event Planning & Design: The Special Day
Photographer: Victor Sizemore
Venue & Caterer: Montage Laguna Beach
Custom Linens/Table Runners: Wildflower Linen, Mylk & Honey
Floral & Event Design: The Vine’s Leaf
Lighting: G2 Audio & Lighting
Rentals/Decor/Furniture: Chiavari Chair Rentals, Found Rentals, Archive Events
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Stationary: Cherish Paperie
Invitations: Rifle Paper Co.
Officiant: JP Reynolds
Entertainment: Karla Ross Productions, Hey Mister DJ

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

An Anniversary AND A Wedding! | Seattle Pike Place Market Elopement

I'm going to advise that you get the tissues out RIGHT NOW because today we're featuring THREE videos of one amazing couple, and you are going to need that kleenex.

In 2011, exactly one year after they started dating, Kim took Jodi to Santa Monica and proposed to her on the top of the ferris wheel. They tell the story much better than I do:

One year ago today - on 12/12/12 - Jodi and Kim got married at Boojum Tree Hidden Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. They declared their union with the coolest glowing unity ceremony ever, and their "neon and bling" celebration was featured on Offbeat Bride. It was a beautiful, emotional day full of love!

But as perfect as the day was, there was still something missing. While their marriage was 100% real in their hearts - and in the eyes of their loved ones - it was not legally recognized. On September 6, 2013, on a business trip to Seattle, Kim took Jodi to Pike Place Market and made their dream come true with another surprise proposal.

Yep, Josh and I even got to act as official witnesses! Surprise wedding FTW!!

Congratulations, Jodi and Kim, on the first of MANY happy anniversaries! As many of your friends have expressed, you two are an inspiration, and a perfect example of what a loving marriage looks like. I am constantly amazed by all the ways that you support and celebrate each other! Josh and I feel so blessed to be your friends, and to tell your story!

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

Leave a comment of congratulations for this awesome couple!

Buffy & Josh: Graf Barn California Wedding

When Buffy called me for the very first time and we chatted for over an hour, I knew that we were in for something special. She was so excited to tell me all about the friendship bracelets and sparkling heart garland that she was making, and about Josh, who was on the road - as usual - but who felt very near when she talked about how crazy they are about each other.

Buffy and Josh both work in the music industry in L.A. They work with literal rockstars everyday, but I can assure you that the stardust that these two exude comes from inside. They are so genuine about their passions, especially for each other. Buffy's tears and Josh's huge grin during their vows attest to that!

From the surprising gifts that the bride and groom exchanged, to the handmade details and bluegrass band, to the private "last dance" and sparkler exit, this wedding was one for the books. The warm welcome extended by the staff/family at Graf Barn made this one of our favorite venues ever. They put so much love into the decor, the food, everything. Buffy planned every detail and it all came together into a one-of-a-kind rocking rustic celebration. (Even though she decided against the shark blimp as ringbearer.)

Buffy and Josh, we are so lucky to know you! The song of your love is just beginning and I am excited for the adventures you have in store together.

Soundtrack:
"Passage" by Lowercase Noises
"Love Be Your Mantra" by Future of Forestry

Venue: Graf Barn, Oxnard, CA
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Tyler Branch
Floral Design: Floret Cadet
Caterer: Naturally Good Catering
Officiant: Reverend Dr. M Rene Minshew
DJ: Bryan Thrane,

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

What was your favorite detail of this beautifully personalized wedding? Leave a comment for the couple!

Emma & Brendan: Bacara Resort Santa Barbara Wedding

I met Brendan when he was the Best Man at his brother Sean's wedding, where he gave a wonderful, heartfelt speech. After delivering Ritsuko and Sean's wedding film, I was thrilled to get a message from Brendan's fiancèe Emma, asking about their upcoming wedding!

These two are sweet, considerate, and crazy about each other. The way that Brendan looked at Emma during their ceremony - like he's amazed at his luck and he's just drinking it all in - took my breath away.

This oceanside wedding at Bacara Resort was a beautiful celebration. From the soft, romantic decor, to the rocking party led by Jordan Music Entertainment (and the epic dance moves that went with it!), this event was a perfect reflection of Emma and Brendan, full of love and joy!

Thank you, Emma and Brendan, for inviting us to tell your story, and to celebrate once more with your family! It's a very high compliment and we are so grateful for the chance to get to know you better. Wishing you every joy in your travels and adventures together!

Soundtrack:
"The Recessional" by A New Normal
"Hanging on a Honeymoon" by William Beckett

Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Event Planning/Coordination: Alex Events, Inc.
Venue: Bacara Resort
Photographer: Michele Andersen
Floral Design: Mark's Garden
Band: Jordan Music Entertainment
Officiant: Jon Ireland