When I first met Valentine and Darrell, I was struck by how laid back, and easy going they were, and also, how much thought they'd put into their wedding. Their goal, they told me, at our first meeting, was to create a community atmosphere. And community atmosphere is exactly what they created for their wedding day. They were married at their friends house, at the summit of the Santa Cruz mountains, on a warm and gorgeous day. There were flowers EVERYwhere, and people everywhere to boot. I knew it wasn't going to be a normal wedding, when I was directed to the yurt, at the back of the garden, where Valentine was getting ready.
While Valentine was getting ready, people were arriving; they were drinking, chatting, playing bocce ball, jumping in the bounce house and generally relaxing and having a good time. They decided instead of the insane rushing around and stressing that happens before most weddings, that they wanted to have a garden party instead. So while people were setting up and preparing for the wedding, friends and family would arrive and help set up, or grab a beer and chat with one another. It was such a nice way to get ready, with none of the craziness that often can accompany that time of the wedding day. Valentine began the first of her outfit changes, and donned a cute little garden-y cocktail dress and made her rounds, greeting people, and generally having a good time. While this was happening, the owner of the property gave a walking tour (the grounds were incredible, as you can see).
When it got closer to the ceremony time, she went into the yurt, and changed into her wedding dress, while the 6-8 flower girls got ready in their yellow dresses and floral headpieces. When the music began, they began their walks down the aisle, under a brilliant blue sky, and towering redwoods, they said their vows, and exchanged the rings they had made for one another.
After the ceremony, the entire wedding party and all guests, tromped up the hill, to take a massive group photo. After the group shot, everyone dispersed, and Valentine, Darrell, Ross and I walked along the property (which included this incredible vineyard), and took some more portraits.
After dinner (which included a gazillion delicious tamales that Valentine and Darrell had made with their friends the week prior), and toasts and a group singalong led by Valentine's grandpa, it was time for Valentine to change into her final outfit, her red dancing dress. The band struck up and it was time for salsa under the stars, accompanied by some sparklers and white fairy lights all over. It was a gorgeous day, and I loved the uniqueness of their wedding day -- it was all them, and so fun. I was (as I always am), honored and privileged to be asked to capture one of the most important days in their life.
If you want to see a really fun slideshow I made, of some of my favorite shots from the day, you can do so by clicking here. I'm a sucker for a fun slideshow...
Or if you want to see the entire wedding day, you can see all the photos by clicking here.
