Real Dynamite Wedding - Leah & Rob

September 21, 2008

Leah & Rob: Love At First Sight

The Meeting
Leah and Rob met in late 2005 when they were introduced by friends, and it was quite honestly love at first sight. Love at first sight sounds like a fairy tale and they wanted to be cautious. Each of them couldn’t imagine that finding someone so perfect could be easy and were waiting for the ball to drop. It never did. The two became inseparable and their compatibility was awe inspiring and heartfelt. They became the couple that you see and can only assume they just met because they were so enamored by each other. The truth is that they are truly in love and are always selflessly thinking of each other.

The Engagement
After dating for almost six months, Rob surprised Leah with an anniversary trip to her hometown of Monterey. It was December 2nd, 2006 and Rob booked a gorgeous room at the remarkable Monterey Plaza Hotel. The first night there, they went up to enjoy the roof top spa overlooking the whole bay. They were greeted with a beautiful clear night and a full moon shinning over them. For Rob, “It was as if I flashed forward in my mind and saw her walking down the aisle towards me. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this woman and asked her to marry me. With a look of surprise, she accepted and kissed me.”

The Big Day
All Leah and Rob ever wanted was to commit to each other completely and had considered eloping many times just to make it official. Each time they dismissed the idea due to the fact they wanted to share their day with everyone that has supported them. On the day of their wedding, having spent their first night apart since starting to date, they were both anxious to be back in each other’s arms. While they were excited to share the morning with family and friends, all either could think about was seeing the other during their first sighting and sharing the moment together that they had been planning for. Their first sighting was full of emotion and excitement as Rob saw Leah standing before him as an absolute sun kissed vision. She took his breath away. As Leah turned to greet Rob for their first sighting she couldn’t help but think she was marrying the sexiest man alive!

Their ceremony and reception were everything they imagined. They were graced with perfect weather, jubilant friends and family, delicious food, great music, love and support for this union. Everyone was there to celebrate the reality that love at first sight is possible.

Photography: The Memory Journalists
Ceremony/Reception Venue: David Girard Vineyards
Coordinator: friend
Florist: Floral Artistry
Cake: Classic Cakes
Band: Tim Dierkes and friends
Favors: cookies from Cookie Connection
Lounge Station Rentals: Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals

Real Dynamite Wedding - Angela & Mike (part 2)

Happy Valentine's Day! Let's check back with the happy couple, Angela & Mike and enjoy the details of their incredible reception. Thanks again to Allegro Photography for sharing this amazing wedding.

June 14, 2008

The reception was flawless with hints of pink and brown displayed in the florals, favor boxes, and intricate details on the exquisitely designed cake by Fleur de Lisa. Guests were invited to enjoy a delicious menu put together by the Lodge at Sonoma, accompanied by well balanced wines all coming from the Sonoma region. Everything was breath taking and truly reflected Angela and Mike as a couple. Angela's advice for the big day, "Start early, keep a binder of information (vendor agreements and phone numbers, diagrams, etc), and keep things as simple as possible.

Gown Designer: Oleg Cassini by David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Planner: self and Brooke Nelson from The Lodge at Sonoma
Caterer: Fleur de Lisa (cake), The Lodge at Sonoma (food)
Floral Design: Self and mom
DJ/Band: iPod
Ceremony Musicians: Garden Strings Quartet
Videographer: Lifescapes
Invitations and Printed Materials: Made the invitations and programs ourselves
Photography: Allegro Photography

Real Dynamite Wedding - Angela & Mike

Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow we wanted to share this delightful love story between Angela and Mike, submitted by Allegro Photography. These photos share so many fun, personalized details that we couldn't fit them into one storyboard! Today we'll share the ceremony details and check back tomorrow for the fun filled reception! Congrats to Angela & Mike. We hope your honeymoon was full of beaches, umbrellas, delicious food, great wine and laughter!

June 14, 2008

Angela & Mike Leach - An Intimate Affair
Angela & Mike work in the healthcare field never expecting to find their two hearts joining as one. During an exciting first date, hiking in Half Moon Bay and strolling on the beach, the two realized that they shared common interests. This would be the first of many exhilarating trips together. During a memorable trip to Paris years later, Mike proposed, at the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the highest point in Paris. Such a romantic proposal lent itself to the beginning of their beautiful story. Angela couldn't wait to spend her life with this thoughtful, caring, family-oriented, supportive man.

The Big Day
The two couldn't have picked a more perfect place to get married than The Lodge at Sonoma. Angela handled many of the wedding day details herself including invitations and programs. She also had the welcome assistance of her mother to help design and conquer the floral arrangements pieced together. Their beautiful outdoor ceremony was complimented with bouquets designed with hot pink and white roses, with green hydrangea. Outdoor decor included crepe-paper rose pomanders balls hung gently with satin ribbons. Pew flower designs included pink and white roses in clear glass vases hung by pink and brown ribbon. Guests were able to shelter from the sun kissed warmth with delicate parasols while they enjoyed the intimate ceremony.

*Check back tomorrow to read about this creative reception.

Gown Designer: Oleg Cassini by David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Planner: self and Brooke Nelson from The Lodge at Sonoma
Caterer: Fleur de Lisa (cake), The Lodge at Sonoma (food)
Floral Design: Self and mom
DJ/Band: iPod
Ceremony Musicians: Garden Strings Quartet
Videographer: Lifescapes
Invitations and Printed Materials: Made the invitations and programs ourselves
Photography: Allegro Photography

Real Dynamite Wedding - Melissa & Michael

Child's Play
The Meeting:
Most people only hear this kind of love story, in a book, movie, or a great Oprah show. Growing up, Melissa was the little girl who dreamed of a fairy tale romance. She was always envious of the stories she heard about a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Little did she know, her love story, her fairy tale romance, was right under her nose for almost 20 years.When she was 5 years old, she met the man she would marry, Michael Votaw.It all started when they were in elementary school holding hands during reading time in Mrs. Sanchez’s 2nd grade class.

Michael was officially Melissa’s first boyfriend. They grew apart as young kids in love and into a good friendship they knew would last. Michael used to tell Melissa, even in elementary school, that he loved her and was going be her husband some day.

In high school the two had grown even farther apart. After graduating high school, it was 6 years later before Michael and Melissa would meet again. They met at a local coffee house near their hometown. It was scary, but Melissa felt like she had to go see him. Were the feelings they once had just silly, children in love? It had been too long, and there was nothing expected. Little did they know, this coffee meeting would change their lives. They talked for about 30 minutes catching up on family mostly. But like old times, there was something Melissa felt that day that she hadn’t felt in 20 years.

There was a mutual feeling of, “Duh! Why didn’t I see this before?” Both of their families and friends even said “duh.” Where did the skinny little boy go? Here was a man standing before her with the same love in his eyes she saw so many years ago. Could she be in love with a childhood sweet heart? Was this the fairy tale coming true?

The Proposal:
Yes and YES! Melissa is not only marrying the man of her dreams but her true soul mate. After almost a year of dating, on November 18^th 2007, Michael proposed to Melissa in front of family and friends, in a way any girl would dream of.

He planned a fake surprise birthday party, which turned into a surprise engagement party. It was birthday cake time and Michael walked out with a mini cake spelling “Will you marry me?” The beautiful ring was sitting inside of it. She was shocked!!

Her prince charming, best friend, childhood sweetheart, and soon to be husband was in front of her for almost 20 years and she didn’t recognize it. Melissa quotes and truly believes, “Love needs no map, for it can find its way blindfolded.”

The Wedding Day:
Neither Melissa or Michael were nervous on the day of their wedding. They were anxious to see each other and commit solely to one another after almost 20 years of friendship. The wedding was fantastic with a heartfelt ceremony set up for all to see, with guests surrounding them on both sides.

The reception was amazing with photos displayed of family members wedding days, a wedding wish tree, beautiful florals with draping crystals, hand rolled cigars, a hot dog stand, candy station, chocolate dipped strawberries and more! Melissa and Michael's wedding day was absolutely a fun filled event that was enjoyed by all in attendance. Their wedding day was more than they could have anticipated and all they imagined.

Ceremony/Reception Site: Wine & Roses, Lodi
Coordinator: Arcularius Events
Officiant: Kevin Brown
Photographer: The Memory Journalists
Videography: Jensen Wedding Films
Caterer: Wine & Roses
Hair stylist: Kathy Upton, Studio 3
Make-up: Jeff Jarwin, Article Salon
Tuxedo Rental & Formalwear: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Bella Vita Invitations
Music (Ceremony): Camellia String Quartet
Music (Reception): Sound Trax
Transportation: Limousine Club
Florist: Big Bang
Bakery: Village Cake Shoppe
Rehearsal Dinner: Wine & Roses
Party Favors: Candy Buffet
Wedding Night Accommodations: Le Rivage

Photos provided by The Memory Journalists

Spotlight On - Real Weddings Magazine

Real Weddings - Sacramento to the Sierra

Real Weddings, formerly known as, Sierrastyle Weddings Magazine is dedicated to offering brides and grooms a world class publication that presents the very best in the wedding industry. Real Weddings Magazine is the region's definitive guide for wedding specialists to showcase their products and services in an elegant coffee table size publication with a sleek and sophisticated design. Real Weddings has the largest newsstand and retail distribution of any area wedding publication, reaching the most brides and grooms in Sacramento and the Foothill region. The latest issue of Real Weddings hits stands this week and offers a glimpse into 22 real weddings with half showcasing work by an assortment of dynamite vendors.

Say "I Do" to this beautiful new magazine!

site: www.realweddingsmag.com
email: info@sierrastyle.com
phone: 916.988.9888

* This cover and inside spread from the cover contest was shot by a dynamite photography team, Sharpe Photographers!

Real Dynamite Wedding - Beverly & James

Nursing Hearts

The Meeting
When Beverly Bovey and James Garber IV signed up independently for classes at UNLV to become registered nurses, they thought they had found a career path, but neither knew they would be learning about love. Who knew two California natives would find their hearts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Even on their first date, including lots of chatting, dinner and drinks, James knew that Beverly was special! Her spunk, intelligence and beauty were mesmerizing. He relished in all of this as they shared their first kiss that night. Beverly slowly realized that James was becoming not only her companion but her best friend who would always support her and love her perfectly.

The Engagement
James’ calm, patient and polite manners that attracted Beverly in the first place came in handy when he picked the absolute right moment during a beach getaway to pop the question! Of course Beverly’s response was yes and the fun of planning their August 2008 began!

The Wedding Day
The theme for this California couple’s Sacramento wedding was 1940s vintage with elegant white, champagne and black elements. Striking white French tulips, white calla lilies and white roses enhanced the beauty of the window lined veranda of Il Fornaio downtown where their ceremony and reception were held. Aimee, a close friend, helped write Beverly and James’ vows and officiated the ceremony, making the moment flawless. Beverly wore a classic Maggie Sottero gown with a handkerchief from James’ mom (as her something old) and blue Chuck Taylor’s (as her something blue). While a delectable meal complete with Red Velvet cupcakes and cream cheese frosting spoiled their guests, the photobooth and live music kept the guests entertained into the night. Keeping the guest list small and intimate to stay within their budget was difficult but proved to be the right choice. Guests were able to take home luggage tag name cards and photo strips from the Profinish photobooth. Beverly and James loved seeing the photobooth pics from their friends and family that were such a hit at the reception. The entire evening could only be described as “exciting, elegant and joyful!”

Their advice to other couples planning their wedding, “If you plan the wedding yourself (as we did), get a day of coordinator! It will relieve a lot of the little stressors and everything will run much more smoothly!”

Check out our event coordinators along the right column of this newsletter.

Thanks to John at Profinish Design for sharing these amazing pics with us!

Ceremony Site: Il Fornaio Restaurant
Officiant: Aimee Jose (close friend)
Photographer: Profinish Design
Reception Site: Il Fornaio Restaurant
Caterer: Il Fornaio Restaurant
Hair stylist: Allure Salon
Make-up: Allure Salon
Tuxedo Rental & Formalwear: purchased from Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Chic Favors & Invitations (Las Vegas)
Music (Ceremony): Kenny Manlapig (acoustic guitar)
Music (Reception): Swing Fever (San Francisco swing band)Entertainment
Transportation: Antique Limo Co. (1938 Cadillac)
Florist: A Florist Naturally
Bakery: Cupcake Craving
Rehearsal Dinner: Sacramento AAA baseball team, River Cats, Raley Field Party Box
Party Favors: Profinish Photobooth, luggage tag name cards
Wedding Night Accommodations: Embassy Suites Sacramento

Real Dynamite Wedding - Kevin & Luciana

We love to share real weddings! This one was submitted by Sharpe Photographers and is truly a unique tale from the proposal to the wedding day details.

June 7, 2008

The Meeting
Luciana and Kevin truly are an amazing couple. They met about 7 years ago working at River City Brewing Company in Sacramento and have been inseparable ever since.

The Proposal
Kevin proposed to Luciana in Europe when visiting her family. He bought her ring from a street vendor and was so nervous about doing it, he kept putting it off. Finally he got up the nerve to propose and as he leaned over to kiss her he bumped into her head and chipped his tooth! Needless to say, they spent the rest of the afternoon looking for a dentist to fix it!

The Big Day
Kevin & Luciana love the outdoors, which is why they chose Rancho Cicada Retreat as their venue. The Consumnes River flows directly along the reception site/camp ground (yes, the guests camped!) and the peaceful sound of the flowing water enhances the ambience and sounds of the surrounding nature. Everything about their wedding was a true reflection of both Luciana and Kevin, from the natural surroundings to the potted plant favors (that also served as the escort cards), to the live band for the reception, to the Italian inspired menu, it was all absolutely perfect!

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Rancho Cicada Retreat
Florist: PLUSH weddings(centerpieces)
Twiggs (bouquets/boutonnieres)
Cake: Freeport Bakery - Chocolate Decadence cake, Ettore’s - Fruit Tart (They chose their favorite desserts from their favorite local bakeries instead of a traditional wedding cake.)
Wedding Designer/Coordinator: Michaela Rodgers, PLUSH weddings
Caterer: All Seasons All Reasons
Invitations: Bella Vita Invitations
Photographer: Sam Wood, Sharpe Photographers
Hair & Make up: Article Salon
Rentals: Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals and CMC Event Designs

Wedding Day Inspiration

A Dynamite Vendor, Lora Ward of A Day to Remember was able to participate in a very rewarding and inspirational wedding day story that we had to share with you all. Get some tissues!

"Nearly five years ago, when Carrie Shellhammer was dying at UCSF Medical Center, she and her mother selected songs for her funeral, which they assumed was just weeks away.

On Saturday, those songs were played at her wedding instead."

To read the rest of this amazing story visit SF Gate.com.
Photo provided by The Chronicle.

Real Dynamite Wedding - San Francisco

We had to share this elegant San Francisco wedding share by Allegro Photography.

May 2008

Location for getting ready: Four Seasons Hotel
Ceremony location: Temple Emanu-El
Reception location: Four Seasons Hotel
Bridal Attire: Amy Kuschel Bride
Planner: Mostly bride & groom, with help from Irina Leinova at Temple and Stacie Hallinan at hotel
Caterer: Four Seasons Hotel
Floral Design: Sandi Goldsmith Designs
DJ/Band: Mike Parent
Ceremony Musicians: Noam Eisen (piano) and Jory Fankuchen (violin)
Videographer: Joel Cook
Invitations and Printed Materials: invitesite.com

To see more real weddings and recent happenings with Allegro Photography, check out their blog.

Themes - Hawaiian Reception

Laurie and Eric married in January 2008 in Hawaii with about 25 or 30 close family and friends attending. They decided to throw a Sacramento reception for about 150 guests, the month following. They love great wine, fabulous food, travel and they especially enjoyed snorkeling. Laurie and Eric wanted to bring back some of the Hawaiian feel to Sacramento, so a wonderful tropical experience was created in the middle of downtown Sacramento at the Sterling Hotel. February 2008

Walls were uplighted in blues and a moving water pattern on the ceiling made it feel like everyone was “under the sea.” Guest tables were covered in an iridescent green/blue table linen, and the head table, positioned in the center of the room, was covered in a shimmery ivory linen.

The flowers were outstanding! The use of tall trumpet vases filled with crystal gel and fuchsia LED lights were topped with large monstera leaves, white orchids (with hanging clear crystals) and the bottom of the vase held a perfect fuchsia catelaya orchid. The stacked wedding cake was beautifully decorated with more orchids and sat atop a glass pedestal with floating orchids and white LEDs. Icing seashells encircled the layers; they were the same design as the wedding invitations. White sand, seashells and candles adorned all tables. Fresh leis were worn by the guests (flown in from the islands).

The buffet was a feast that included a whole roasted pig (this was the one main wish of Eric), and also teriyaki grilled chicken, fresh stir-fry vegetables, jumbo prawns, tropical rice pilaf, and even Chinese chicken salad served in “take-out boxes” with chopsticks!

A continuous playing loop of their wedding photos displayed on a flat-screen monitor, so everybody could see how beautiful their Hawaiian wedding was on the beaches of Oahu. Because the couple is into music and wanted a “rockin’ party,” the evening started off with a Polynesian drum group and two Tahitian dancers who thrilled the guests with several dances. The evening ended with a packed dance floor as guests were entertained by a 10 piece rock band. Laurie and Eric said their Hawaiian wedding was beautiful, but their Sacramento “Hawaiian” reception was the most fun they’ve ever had.

Coordinator: Lora Ward, A Day to Remember
Reception Photography: Sam Wood, Sharpe Photographers
Reception Videography; Phill Sheffield, Sheffield Multimedia
DJ/MC: Doug LaVine, Music on the Move
Flowers: Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas, Flourish
Band: Bust-A-Groove
Hawaiian Drummers & Dancers: Hula Halau 'O Ka 'Ano 'l Pua
Cake: Ettores
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Sacramento Theatrical Lighting
Invitations: Pfeiffer Event Planning

Real Dynamite Wedding - Dan & Elisa

Dan & Elisa Bryant - The String to His Heart

Elisa and Dan's meeting was provoked. Dan had recently finished the Ironman World Championships and a self proclaimed break from dating. His buddies were participating in a SWAT demonstration at the school where Elisa taught and one of them noticed Elisa, or should we say her "gear". Leonard told Dan, "you have to ask this girl out...she had an REI Polar Tec 100 jacket." Dan was skeptical at first until Steve agreed. Dan thought why not...so the following day he left this message, "I'm Dan Bryant, I'm a friend of Jamie Jones, a teacher at your school and she gave me your number. I was just wondering if you would like to meet?" No return call. Two days later, talking to his friends, Dan found out the reason he hadn't heard back from Elisa. Jamie's last name wasn't Jones and she no longer worked at the school. Realizing that he may now be know as the "creepy stalker", he thought one more call to explain himself and get another chance may be in order. He called and she agreed to meet him. They met at a local brewery in Sacramento and learned a valuable lesson: Persistence may be needed when the right girl is wearing a Tec 100!

The Engagement
Dan was taking Elisa out to dinner to celebrate her completion of the portfolio for her National Teaching Credential. Elisa arrived at Dan's to find his door wide open. She went inside and there was a note on the table that said to follow the string through the house since "she holds the string to his heart". The string lead through the house and in each room was a note attached to an object. Each note told how each object reminded him of their relationship and memories over the last year. There were four notes in the kitchen, one in the dining room, three in the living room, and one in each bedroom; it was one big piece of string through the whole house. The end of the string was in the bedroom. Dan was standing there dressed to the nines in a spiffy suit. Dan rambled off what he thought came out as just garbled mushy wonderful sentiments and then got down on one knee and asked Elisa to marry him...with a ring pop. She said yes of course! He stood up and gave her his grandmother's ring. He read Elisa a letter he wrote describing the history behind the ring and his amazing grandmother. Dan treated Elisa to an elaborate three course meal at the Firehouse Restaurant that night. It was an original, unforgettable evening!

The Big Day (June 21, 2008)
Elisa and Dan's special day started at the Rocklin Park Hotel with the girls all getting ready in the couple's honeymoon suite. The fellas were getting ready in a nearby room waiting for the departure time to Morgan Creek Country Club. Elisa's amazing dress was complimented nicely by her "something blue", her shoes! The ceremony was decorated in celadon green and shades of pale yellow with beautiful chivari chairs and a columned alter, overlooking the calm lake at Morgan Creek. You can see from the pictures, Elisa was anxious to get down the aisle with her dad and meet Dan's comforting smile. The reception was A BLAST! Each table was decorated with table card names for triathalons and bike races that Dan has participated in. Live music was provided by The Time Bandits, a kid's table was set up in the corner with color crayons, dum-dums, playdough and a big paper table cloth for the kid's to decorate, and the breeze in the night air cooled off the hot June summer day.

Ceremony/Reception Location: Morgan Creek Golf & Country Club
Coordinator: Heather Johanson @ Morgan Creek
Photographer: The Memory Journalists
Officiant: Pastor Mike Walton, Lutheran Church of the Cross
Bridal Gown: Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Bridesmaids Dresses: Ann Taylor, Arden Fair Mall
Invitations: Paper Garden
Bakery: Dulce Delights, Stephanie George
Florist: Visual Impact
Reception Music: The Time Bandits, Bay Area

Backyard Wedding

Brides and grooms to be are always looking for the ideal venue for their dream wedding. What about an intimate backyard wedding? You may have or know someone who has the perfect backyard for your big day. What better way to save money and incorporate beautiful outdoor elements this summer? Stephanie & Ron's wedding is a perfect example of an informal, ideal, comfortable, intimate wedding. Their vision came to fruition on May 17th, 2008. As the guests entered through the garden gate, adorned with a hydrangea and calla lily heart shaped wreath, they were greeted with lemonade and enjoyed a “pre-social” of appetizers and chilled fresh fruit. As guests mingled, they were asked to write their wish for the couple and to hang the note card by pretty ribbons from the Wish Tree.

Stephanie and Ron wanted an informal feel to their wedding, so the 80 guests stood through the ceremony and encircled the couple as they exchanged their vows. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the guests were asked to make a private wish for themselves as a stunning Monarch butterfly release took place.

Centerpieces were in keeping with the garden theme by using galvanized tubs and Mason jars to hold flowers of rust hued astromerias, calla lilies, orange gladiola blooms and gerbera daisies. The arrangements nestled on a bed of moss with polished stones for accent. Orange “glads” were a favorite of the bride’s grandmother, so individually wrapped orange gladiola bulbs (freshly dug from the fields in Wisconsin) were given as favors. Garden pathways were lined with candles in varying sizes of Mason jars. The wedding cake was definitely another show stopping focal point. Stephanie worked with the baker by providing the wedding invitation, so that a pearlescent vine and leaf pattern could be replicated onto the cake. A few colorful silk butterflies were added as accents to this piece of art.

As the evening grew darker, the setting twinkled with candlelight and guests thoroughly enjoyed dancing under the stars and celebrating all the many wishes bestowed upon the newlyweds.

Coordinator: Lora Ward, A Day to Remember
Photographer: Allison Stahl Photography
Caterer: All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering
Florist: Katie Edwards w/Ambience Floral Design
Bakery: Ettore's
DJ: Brian Gibson w/Encore Entertainment
Garden Accent Lighting - STL (Sacramento Theatrical Lighting)
Invitations: Kendra Pfeiffer-Wershing w/Pfeiffer Event Planning
Butterflies: Swallowtail Farms
Officiant: Honorable Talmadge Jones

Featured Wedding - Amanda & Matt Ginsburg

Some Boys Aren’t Yucky

The Meeting
Amanda had long ago abandoned the idea of meeting that one person who is your exact compliment…your soul mate for lack of a better term. Then she met Matt. Amanda was introduced to this guy who seemed nice enough, but having been hurt before, Amanda wasn’t easily, nor quickly impressed.

Matt persevered. While she still was afraid, waiting for the other shoe to drop, she finally felt like she found a boy that wasn’t so yucky.

The Proposal
It had only been a year, but Amanda felt like they knew each other forever. They were planning a weekend away together to Carmel - a repeat of a similar trip the prior October. Amanda knew something was up – Matt was acting all weird and fidgety. And Faith, Amanda’s 7 year old daughter, was acting like she knew a secret that she wasn’t suppose to tell. Unbeknown to Amanda, Matt had taken Faith out for ice cream that day and asked her for her permission to marry Amanda.

Matt and Amanda decided to take a stroll along the beach. It was such a beautiful day with the sun shining and the waves gently crashing on the beach. After sitting for what seemed like an eternity of silence at an outcropping of rocks, Matt took a deep breath and maneuvered himself onto one knee. He proceeded to say he had waited his whole life to find Amanda and that she was everything he had ever wished for in a woman. He asked her to marry him. Although this was one of the most emotional experiences of her life, she somehow found her voice and said yes. Amanda remembers looking at the ring on her hand and feeling a sense of awe. Not only was this ring a symbol of their love and future together, but also a symbol of a past love. The ring had belonged to Matt’s grandmother and was given to him by his grandfather once Matt decided he was going to propose to Amanda. It meant so much to both of them that this ring had been a part of a happy and lasting beautiful love story.

The Wedding Day (October 13, 2007)
It was a crazy day; a whirlwind of a morning, lack of sleep and nutrition. Amanda had been up until 4am writing her vows to Matt, only to be awakened at 7am to start the day’s activities. But remembering to breathe was the secret. As the ceremony approached, Amanda knew the day was perfect. She was there with Matt and with Faith and that is all that mattered to her.

The most moving part of their ceremony was when Matt and Amanda took a few moments to say their vows to Faith and gave her an engraved locket as a symbol of their promises and love.

The reception was a blast! They had the staples of a great party: good food, good drink and fabulous people. Amanda remembers feeling so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends to share in their special day. And, yes. When it was all over, she wished they could have done it again.

Photographer: The Memory Journalists
Coordinator: KTL Events
Ceremony/Reception Site: Stanford Oaks
Caterer: Bacio Catering
Officiant: Grace Church
Bridal Salon/Tux Rental: Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Bridesmaids Attire: House of Fashion
Florist: Event Coordination & Floral Design Service
Bakery: Upper Crust
Hair Stylist: Dimensions
Makeup: Powder Room