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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!

The R2 Wedding: Kauai, Hawaii

We truly believe that every love story is an adventure, but this one takes the vegan cheesecake. Last year we experienced the most amazing love story unfolding on the island of Kauai, and I am so excited to share it with you!

Renee and Robin - also known as The R2 Studio - are brilliant photographers and an all-around incredible couple. Years ago, when it seemed impossible that they could ever celebrate their love openly with an official, legal wedding, they exchanged rings and promises on a beach in Hawaii. As the tides turned in favor of equality and love, they knew they wanted to return to Hawaii with their closest loved ones to declare their commitment in a wedding ceremony that exceeded their dreams.

If you've got 20 minutes and a few extra tissues, you should definitely start by watching Renee and Robin's Love Story Film FIRST. Featuring a helicopter ride over the Na Pali Coast, a surprise proposal, and reminiscing on seven years of falling in love. (or skip to the wedding film below)

After a full week of hanging out with the "R2 Ohana" and going on adventures, it was time for the main event. Renee and Robin decided to forego the typical beach wedding (nothing about these amazing women is typical or boring!) and instead got married in a taro field near Hanalei Bay, against a mountain backdrop that is unmistakably Kauai. The brides walked down the aisle to "Couldn't Love You More" by My Plastic Sun - played on the ukulele, of course - escorted by their son Austin.

I can tell you that Renee wasn't the only one crying during that ceremony! It was such an emotional moment to see this family publicly declaring their love and unity. The conch shell that you hear in the video was blown by a neighboring farmer, as a spontaneous show of support and celebration. He said that witnessing these two brides saying vows to each other was a beautiful thing, and in that moment he knew it was right.

The whole week we spent in Kauai was incredible, and we were so honored to be welcomed into this group of loving people who know the true meaning of ohana - family. Renee and Robin, thank you for bringing us into your ohana, and for allowing us to tell your amazing story! This was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure... and I'm sure you have many more ahead of you!

Soundtrack:
"Couldn't Love You More" by My Plastic Sun, used with permission
"These Are The Days" by Zach Winters, licensed via Musicbed
"Together Forever" by Gio Galanti, licensed via Musicbed

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Dan Dalstra
Makeup Artist: Lenea Sadler Makeup
Helicopter Tour: Island Helicopters Kauai
Canal Tubing: Kauai Backcountry Adventures
 

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!