Chico CA Wedding Photographer at Irongate Gardens: Robbie+ Emily Diller

Emily+Robbie

This love match is one for the storybooks. Emily‘s best friend Beth is married to Robbie‘s uncle. Emily always joked with Beth about how awesome he is, and that if she could clone him she would marry his clone. Eventually, Beth and her husband would invite both Robbie and Emily over for the evening. By Robbie‘s account, it was the moment he saw Emily that he fell for her. Emily was at a transitional point in her life at their meeting and wasn’t entertaining anything in this serious relationship department. But Robbie was patient, kind, and persistent. He continued to make his way into her world and would be present when the time would be right. Robbie felt drawn to Emily and knew he needed her to be a part of his life. As they got to know each other, they continued to grow their connection. Robbie showered her with affection and respect. He showed her and her children, unbridled love. Robbie was “all in” the moment Emily accepted his advances. Emily continues to fall deeper in love with Robbie‘s heart. From his kisses goodbye in the morning to his playful antics. He has Emily enamored. Robbie knew Emily was the one and eventually he worked up the nerve to propose.   

Robbie planned a beautiful weekend chasing waterfalls up near McCloud California. While they hiked to a beautiful waterfall Robbie was reserved and quiet. Emily was worried there was something wrong with him. The normally high-energy, adventurous man was hanging back and was shaky. Emily says “I thought he was dying.” Emily is normally telling him  “slow down. You’re gonna hurt yourself,” but this was not the case that day. Meanwhile, Robbie was going crazy with nerves so excited to ask but worried about the unthinkable. “What if she said no?” the fear and nerves continued to get the best of him and he didn’t end up going through with his original plan. The next day the two returned home. Later that evening, while Emily was buzzing around the house, cleaning to some music. Robbie was pacing and sneaking around the house being “weird.” Finally, Robbie took the plunge, well mostly... He stopped Emily in her tracks and attempted to speak. He grabbed her hands and looked her in the eyes. He was shaky, tears welling in his eyes, he choked on his words, barely able to speak. Emily’s mind was in a panic. Going furthest from Robbie’s intention she was worried she was receiving news of a terminal illness that would take him from her. She was holding back from yelling “What is wrong” but whatever it was he was trying to say, she could sense that she just needed to listen. He finally let out, “I love you.” He then confessed the depths of his love and his devotion, and that he’s known all along that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Emily’s mind continued to go to all the dark places.  Fearing for the worse it all bubbled up and made her so scared that the time with him was limited. That she would lose her epic love. The moment came when she could ask, “What’s wrong honey? Are you OK?  Please tell me what’s going on.” Robbie fumbled in his pocket, feeling like a lifetime was passing in doing so.  He finally found the ring and he brought it out and said the words he’s been eager to say.  “Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” With relief and joy, Emily knew just at that moment, how important this man is.  Their life flashed before her, and imagining what it would look like without Robbie, she knew that wasn’t the life she wanted. What would she do without him? Her answer was yes! However, it came with a lecture about how scared he made her, and that he can’t ever scare her like that again! He told her just how many times he chickened out, worried that she would say “no“ her response was “silly sweet man.” So it wasn’t as Robbie planned but Emily wouldn’t change any of it.

September 3, 2022 

The morning was warming up when we arrived at Irongate Gardens. A beautiful venue that boasts lush greenery and lovely flowers. The courtyard would host the ceremony while the large garden would hold the evening’s reception. With the grounds so beautiful you needed little decor to create a romantic wedding dream. Emily and her bridesmaids were all busy getting ready for the day’s events. The groomsmen and Robbie helped set up last-minute touches before finding their way to the groom’s suite to get ready. Jena and I collected all of the details and we had so much fun designing, and arranging. The morning seemed to pass slowly and all seemed to enjoy these long moments. Emily's gown was a form-fitting silhouette that was masterfully crafted in a beautiful western Boho lace with a low back. Emily wore a cathedral-length veil that complimented the slim design of her gown. Emily carried with her a handkerchief of her grandmother’s. She wore a pearl bracelet that complimented her teardrop pearl earrings and a pearl and silver necklace that draped beautifully off her shoulders down her back with a very classic style with a little modern finesse. Another beautiful sentiment, Emily’s bouquet held a photo of her late best friend, whose daughter would stand in her place beside Emily on this beautiful day.

Robbie was a sight, confident, cool, and blissful. He wore a sharp cowboy hat, a bolo tie, and a suit line with an American flag. This good ole boy would be sporting his true colors. After the two got dressed in their finest, we set off to the garden for their first look. Robbie was eager and excited. Emily was excited, but her nerves were setting in. Once Robbie turned to see his bride he was in awe.  Relief came over Emily. She was calm, confident, and ready for the ceremony after seeing her groom. Lots of laughter, a few tears, and kisses were exchanged.  The two’s energy and excitement mingled and ignited. This exciting electricity filled them and together they would face life and all its adventures hand-in-hand.  After the initial reveal the two gazed at each other’s attire taking turns showing off.  Robbie took his time to show off his awesome jacket and epic beer-holding belt buckle. After the first look, it was important to Robbie to make a vow to Emily‘s daughter Brooklyn and her son Rogan. Robbie gifted Rogan a pocket watch with a small jewelry box to keep it safe.  Rogan was pumped and he loved the gift so much, he couldn’t wait to wear it. Brooklyn received a gorgeous pair of blue topaz earrings and a matching necklace. Robbie chose blue topaz because it’s Brooklyn’s birthstone. Excited, Brooklyn had Robbie put her necklace on right then and there. After the family exchanged hugs we had to tuck them back into their respective places because their guests began to arrive. Emily was calm and ready. Her nerves had evaporated in the heat of the first look, but Robbie began to sweat, (metaphorically) the calm, cool groom started to feel those anxious jitters. His groomsmen did their best to break his stress and free him from those feelings. Meanwhile, in the girl’s suite, all were carefree as we snapped some fun photos with the bridesmaids and their awesome bouquet flasks. Sipping drinks, the girls relaxed, waiting for their queue from the coordinator Mindy. As the guests filled the seats, soft music filled the courtyard.  With the abundant crepe myrtles and the sun lower in the sky the guests were all seated in the shade.  The buzz of the guest’s conversations was hushed when the national anthem was announced. The groom was adamant that America would be honored during his wedding day. The guests rose and held their right hands over their hearts as Robbie‘s brother stood proudly with the flag. Once the anthem was complete our groom made his entrance, brimming with confidence and joy. Those nerves had no place any longer. As the bridal party filled in, you could feel the anticipation build.  Rogan made his way with the rings, followed by Brooklyn, throwing pedals sweetly.  As the procession music faded the song “I get to love you” filled the courtyard as Emily made her grand entrance. Emily was walked down the aisle by her eldest son Nate, dressed in his dress blues, He walked his beautiful mom down the aisle to Robbie.  Joined at the end of the aisle Emily‘s mom supported Nate by giving Emily‘s hand in marriage to Robbie. Our groom beamed with happiness as the pair joined hands and the ceremony began. Their officiant is a great friend of the couple’s which made these moments so much more special. Looking into the crowd, there were smiles and tears, and beyond the crowd, the garden was glowing. The couple stood under an arch beautifully adorned with a cascade of white flowers. Soon the officiant would ask for the rings, and Rogan jumped up and delivered the rings. The two promised themselves and exchanged the rings. At last, the officiant announced you may kiss your bride, and without hesitation, the pair shared the first kiss as a married couple. The crowd cheered, and the bride and groom made their way down the aisle. They had bubbles floating around them, giving them the perfect touch of fun during this romantic moment. After the ceremony, we took the family’s formal photos.  Where all of the immediate family members would share their hugs and love for the couple.  During this time Robbie was head over heels for his infant nephew, this was such a sweet time to see all of the love that the couple had for their families and how important they are to the pair. After this, we went right into the bridal party portraits where we kept it pretty simple and sweet. Next, we took the newlywed’s bridal portraits.  The bride loved the entry to the courtyard, where there was a large natural arch that welcomed you in. Fortunately, the lighting here was beautiful for the portraits. Emily and Robbie were captivated by one another, and were on a wave of blissfulness, sharing kisses, and whispers, the two seemed to fall away from reality for a few moments enjoying a world of their own.  Stopping for a few seconds, while we directed them into the next pose. Once we completed the two met the officiant, maid of honor, and best man in the house to sign the marriage license. 

Now for the party!

 Emily and Robbie were announced to their guest as Mr. and Mrs. Diller, they were encouraged with whoops and hollers. They did a little spin on the dance floor before they went to snag their dinner.  Special times catering catered the dinner, and it was indeed a special menu. After dinner, the sun started to drop down behind the neighboring walnut orchard, we went to the field behind the garden and embraced the golden fading light with spins and lifts. This couple made the best of this time. When we returned to the reception the evening resumed and it was time for toasts.   This couple was complimented with many good wishes and testaments to their nature. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time the toasts were given.

After we all shared a good cry, it was time for dessert, and what dessert goes best with a good cry?! ICE CREAM! Schubert‘s ice cream was there with their cart scooping up some timeless flavors. Emily and Robbie both enjoyed a scoop together before taking to the dance floor for the first dance. The crowd quieted and all the attention focused on the newlyweds.  As their song ended, the DJ invited Emily‘s eldest son Nate to share a dance. Then following this mother-son dance, it was Robbie and his mom‘s turn to boogie down. They kept it light and fun in the beginning, ending with a close embrace. The evening continued with a bubble dance, (thank you Mindy for manning the bubble cannon for us!) a bit of limbo, corn hole, giant Jenga, and, of course, a lot of great dance moves. The final event of our night was the bouquet and garter toss. The ladies were a little bit competitive, but there were a few gentlemen out there that really wanted that garter.  Which made for a little bit of fun. This concluded my and Jena’s night, when we left the party was still going strong. 

Emily and Robbie you both were such a joy to work with. We had such a great time capturing this monumental day and we wish you all the best. 

Cheers for many years.

VENDORS

Venue: Irongate Garden inn

Day of Coordinator: Weddings By Mindy

Hairstylist: Rachel Valentine +Summer Valentine

Makeup artist: Felicia

Floral: Little Red Hen

Catering: Special Times Catering

Dessert : Shuberts

DJ : Net Sound Pro

Bridal Shope: Grace Loves Lace

Grooms Attire: Mens Wearhouse

Creekside Rose Garden, Chico Ca, Wedding Photographer: Jesse + Jessica Hughes

Jessica and Jesse’s love story has been in the making long before they knew it.  While being in the same friend group in high school and never actually meeting until years later it was like fate was bringing them together when they would be ready for each other.  The next time Jesse would set eyes on Jessica would be at the kid’s play area at the Chico Mall.  While the conversation didn’t start there she had made a lasting impression which led Jesse to connect with her on Facebook sometime later.  By this time Jessica and her family had moved out of state to Utah.  The distance didn’t keep them from building their relationship.  With texts, calls, and Facetime Jessica and Jesse were able to share their dreams and fears and create a foundation that would soon support their blended family. Jessica moved back to California and they have been inseparable since.  Their family is their greatest adventure and they love making new memories with their kiddos.  Jessica and Jesse’s relationship is playful; full of tickles, giggles, and movie marathons paired with all the snacks to subdue their “snack attacks”.  Beyond the fun, they both cherish their family, big and small.  The relationships they share with their siblings and parents are dear to them.  It was really beautiful to see how their family came together as if they had always been one big family.   Jesse and Jessica have a lifetime of laughs and adventures to share and we were honored to capture their wedding day.  

 March 27th, 2022

When Jena and I arrived we came in and Jessica was getting her hair done by Cammy,  We’ve worked alongside Cammy before and she always produces incredible work. (spoiler alert, she did not disappoint!)  We started our morning by capturing the beautiful gifts that Jessica had for her bridal party and the parents.  Each gift had a sentimental touch that really shows just how much she values her connections.  Once we finished, we collected all of the bridal details, each piece of jewelry selected to complement the next.  Blending old with new Jessica wore an heirloom watch that once was her grandmother’s, teardrop-shaped earrings, and a bracelet with a trail of teardrop-shaped frames,  her necklace was timeless with pearls and white sapphires. Jessica’s gown was stunning, with a blush lining that showed off the intricacies of the lace.  The dress was fitted and flared out mid-thigh leading into a long elegant train with buttons all the way down the back.  This is only to be paired with a cathedral-length veil. When we came back from capturing the details our bride was just about finished with her makeup.  She was nothing short of stunning, her hair had this classic old Hollywood look and her make-up was flawless.  

When the gentlemen arrived the groom was quickly dressed in his very dapper “Peaky Blinders” inspired suit with a newsboy cap and a pocket watch.  Jena took some amazing images of him with his mom helping her with her corsage and putting on an adorable necklace with a baby picture of Jesse. 

Once Jesse and Jessica were dressed to the nines it was time for their first look.  Jesse was so calm all day and once he heard it was time for the first look he quickly became electric with nerves and excitement.  Jessica was calm, cool, and excited.  She walked up to him and touched his shoulder and without hesitation, Jesse took his first look at his bride.  He was in awe.  We snapped a few photos of them and then let them read their vows privately as requested.  They were both so happy with their vows that they chose to read them once again in front of their friends and family during the ceremony.   

As the guests started to come in the couple tucked themselves away to be unseen.  Soon the ceremony would start with their pastor leading the way followed by Jesse and his mom.  The bridal party came in with style and grace.  It was so important to the couple that all of their children were included during the ceremony.  This was not just a marriage of two people it was a union of family and that came through very clearly. 

The pastor gave a beautiful prayer followed by the marriage ceremony which included the personalized vows they exchanged earlier.  The vows were deep and genuine, raw with emotion and felt with each word.  The couple exchanged their rings and were soon pronounced man and wife.  
The kiss was paired with a victorious fist in the air and laughter to follow.  

The evening was beautiful, the couple was toasted by family and all expressed how happy they were to welcome both Jesse and Jessica into the family.  The couple shared a beautiful slideshow of photos from their childhoods and of their life together. (Totally got misty eyes during this)

 Afterward, Jesse and Jessica enjoyed a little cake! ( fortunately, they played nice and didn’t choose to do cake in the face.)  Soon after Jesse pulled Jessica onto the dance floor where they shared their first dance to “Say you won’t let go”. After the song was over Jesse’s mom joined him on the dance floor for the mother-son dance to Leanne Rhime’s “I hope you dance”. The dance floor was opened up with the anniversary dance where followed the newlyweds were gifted with a little marriage advice.  Soon after the dance floor was filled with people of all ages. Where they enjoyed the Cha Cha Slide and the infamous Cupid Shuffle. The guests and the couple danced the night away.  

 When the clock struck nine the guests all gathered out front for the couple to have a proper sendoff where they would have a night’s rest before they embarked on their honeymoon.

This wedding was so much fun to capture and witness,  Jena and I are so grateful for the opportunity to tell your love story! 

 Cheers to many years! 

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Day of Coordinator: Craft + Copper  

Venue: Creekside Rose Garden 

Caterer + Bartender: Chico Catering company

DJ: The Wedding DJ Company 

Florist: Fernandsunpalm

Officiant: Art Worthington

Hair- Hair by Cammy

Makeup artist: Lindsay Kirk

Dress: Miosa Bride

Rentals: Chico Party Rentals

Cake: Upper Crust

Dessert: Nothing Bunt Cakes 

Fort Bragg Ca Wedding Photographer: Mr. & Mrs. Abernathy

The days leading up to the wedding day were filled with a constant urge to check to see if the weather was going to be clear for the wedding day.   

Ky and Katie had planned a beautiful ceremony out on the Navarro beach in Albion Ca,  about 25 minutes south of Fort Bragg Ca.  The weather was calling for rain all weekend without any anticipated breaks.  Needless to say, we all were crossing our fingers and sending out hopes and prayers for a window of good weather.

They say rain on your wedding day is good luck.  They say “tying a knot and the knot gets wet, the knot becomes tighter and stronger” Therefore a blessing of a strong marriage to the couple on their wedding day.  It was very fitting for this couple because they would be handfasted and literally tying the knot.

Rain or shine, Jena and I were ready to capture this amazing couple’s wedding and make it the best it could possibly be.  There were no little black rain clouds going to come and cloud up our excitement for this wedding.   We Macgyver’d rain shields for the cameras and we picked up some rain ponchos ready for an adventure.

Traditionally Jena and I ride together to weddings.  Listening to playlists that are going to set the tone.  This particular morning we were listening to my wedding playlist.  We picked up Katie to meet Ky for their first look. She was reserved and quiet, likely concerned for the weather. However, this was her wedding day it was time to be excited and to leave the worry behind. For me, the weather could not ruin their day, it would just elevate the story.   Jena and I gushed about how stoked we were for their first look, and our plans to rush away to the redwood to capture their portraits. Katie seemed to relax.  It wasn’t until her first look with Ky until she fully let go of the worry. 

We planned the first look to be on the porch of the Navarro Inn.  The Navarro Inn is a historic building that is one of the two last standing buildings of the former town of Navarro that was lost to a series of natural disasters the town suffered an earthquake in 1906, a flood in 1907, and a fire that took most the remaining town in 1913.  The inn has been restored over the years which provided us a planned safe haven from the rain on this wedding day.

When we arrived at the inn Ky was awaiting his bride.  Jena directed him to the edge of the porch to wait for Katie.  There was a light mist in the air along with excitement.  Katie walked up to Ky and touched his shoulder.  He had to take a breath and prepare himself before he looked at his bride.  Katie left him in awe.  The couple embraced and mutually melted into each other’s arms.  Jena and I wept behind our cameras.  After the first look took us all by surprise Jena and I let the couple have a moment to themselves without an audience.  Once ready we continued with a few images before heading into the redwoods.  

The redwoods were wet, but it wasn’t raining.  The trees would drop some rain from their branches here and there but IT WASN’T RAINING!   I had so much fun in this particular part of the day because they gave me artistic freedom and allowed me to play with the lighting as I needed.  Ky and Katie nailed the poses and made some magic.  While never leading on that it was sooooo cold in the woods. Once done we all jumped in the car and warmed up before the beach ceremony.  

Once we arrived the family and friends were at the ceremony site excited to watch these two incredible people be married.  The beach was windy, a little chilly but it WASN’T RAINING!  What a fantastic gift the universe could give this couple.  

Ky led the ceremony walking in with his and Katie’s mom on either arm.  As he waited to see his bride come down the aisle he was stunned at her beauty once more.  Katie was walked in by her dad, he looked proud of his daughter and the man she chose to marry.   The ceremony was preceded by a beautiful handfasting where the fathers of the bride and groom presented their family cords and the officiant had a white cord that completed their bond.  While hand fast they exchanged their rings and once done they slid out from the loose knot and pulled it tight.   

They became husband and wife.

Ky and Katie shared their first kiss as a married couple in front of their closest friends and family.  The small crowd made a loud celebratory cheer.   They were married! 

After the ceremony, we snapped some shots on the beach before meeting back up with the family at the inn.  As we were shooting the formal family images the mist came in, Light, cool, and drizzly.  The universe had given us the gift of a rain-free wedding.  It was so magical and perfect.  

The following Friday the couple celebrated with their friends who were unable to attend the ceremony at their reception hosted at Wine Time in Chico Ca.  The reception was intimate and fun.  The guest list was small but the love was all there.  The couple shared their first dance, which was followed by the father-daughter dance and the mother and son dance.   The couple cut the cake and shared their first bites.  However afterward, the couple had a new tradition I had never seen before.  The guests voted by money who will receive cake in the face.  The person with the most money gets the cake in the face.  Ky won, or lost…. But he was gifted a handful of cake to the face from his bride, and she seemed to have a lot of fun with it too. 

Jena and I had such a fun time getting to know Ky and Katie a bit more and we were welcomed by their friends and family which always enriches our experience as a wedding vendor. 

I speak for both of us when I say that we had such a wonderful time. Wonderful is truly an understatement. We feel so privileged to have captured your wedding events and to visually retell the story for many years to come. 

We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness

Cheers!