“Mawwige is whut bwings us togevveh today.” -The Impressive Best Man

Like The Princess Bride, this wedding was full of magic. The day was fresh and beautiful in the little town of Grass Valley. Jena and I pulled into the charming little town and were excited for the day. As we walked up to the venue we were amazed at the beautiful floral, and cute décor. We learned that Brian’s dad Mike was the florist and had created all of the floral arrangements. He is brilliant. Kelley had clearly put a lot of thought and effort into making this day perfect. She had custom trail signs that pointed to lands from some of their favorite movies. They had a table with photos of them as children and of their loved ones that were unable to make it. They had so many beautiful touches all around the venue there were surprises at every turn. The venue was a perfect setting for their intimate wedding. With a small garden for their ceremony and the roof top terrace for the reception and dance floor. The venue had hotel suites on the upper level where the ceremony and reception would be held. It was so nice to have everything located close together!

We made our way to the bridal suite where Kelley was having her hair and make-up done. As the very thoughtful person she is, she had adorable custom bags for her bridesmaid gifts. We collected the couples personal details and invitations to start off our morning. Kelley had a lot of cute Beauty and the Beast inspired items that went nicely with her color scheme. Once we were done we were in search of the brides wedding gown. We located the brides custom ballgown getting the final steam before it’s big debut. Gaylene the mother of the bride is a seamstress and created the most perfect gown for her daughter. Kelley fell in love with a wedding gown years ago, she bought it for her one day wedding. As the years went by Kelley’s vision of her perfect dress changed. While she still loved the details on the skirt the top needed a touch of her own. Gaylene went to work, she created a whole new bust for Kelley’s dream dress and attached her original gown’s skirt with a few extra layers to tie it all together. Kelley really wanted to honor her mother on her wedding day and asked Gaylene if she could incorporate parts of her own wedding gown into Kelley’s dress. Gaylene attached beautiful floral detailed sleeves that were from her own wedding gown . With these sleeves came a story about how when Gaylene went to marry Kelley’s father Herb, Gaylene got snagged on a rose bush while walking down the aisle. Kelley’s grandfather pulled Gaylene along unaware and the snag ripped her dress a bit. After Gaylene and Herb’s wedding the dress was preserved, and during this service the shop repaired the tear so well Gaylene almost missed it during the addition to Kelley’s gown. Gaylene and Kelley shared a sweet conversation about how a piece of her late grandfather would be walking her down the aisle that day. We had fun learning about the history and sentiment behind the gown and capturing the love that went into this dress. Kelley also wore her mom’s vintage cap veil. We rejoined the bride and she was getting her finishing touches of her make up complete. The brides maids had arrived in our absence and were buzzing about doing hair and makeup making sweet comments about how beautiful our bride looked. Kelley was a vision, a very classic beauty.

Meanwhile in the grooms suite, the groom was calm and cool ready for the day to happen. His groomsmen all kept him company and all enjoyed a relaxed morning. Except for the best man, Jim. Him was busy being a superman. He was everywhere with all of the knowledge. Jim helped all of the groomsmen with their cuff links, button covers, tied ties and even helped style Brian’s hair. The Groomsmen had custom hangers made by the bride and were gifted special socks. (Kelley really thought of it all!) The groomsmen and groom wore dark green suits, that went beautifully with the burgundy of the brides maids. Brian’s father helped the guys with their boutonnieres and soon they would all witness Kelley and Brian say “I do.” Time got a bit away from us but like they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun”. Soon the brides maids were ready, we snapped a few pictures before the bride slipped into her gown. We had a really fun time capturing the brides maid’s first look of the dress on Kelley. Once Kelley was dressed we had her first look with her dad Herb. When Kelley stepped into the hall Herb was in awe of his daughter. Please to see the touches of his own wedding with her. After this we tucked the bride away as more guests started to arrive. Gaylene snuck away and got into her dress. When she came back into the room she surprised the bride with her dress, Telling her about her and Brian’s mom Lisa’s plan to wear Pink and Blue to pay homage to Sleeping Beauty which is Kelley’s favorite Disney movie. The couple waited separately waiting for the final cue before the wedding was to start. As their guests found their seats and got settled in, the procession would begin. The wedding started with grandparents and close family members.

With a unique line up the bridal party made their entrance. The bridesmaids bouquets were pulled straight from the pages of a fairy tale made from fun items like a clock, a lantern, a carriage, a bird cage, and a pitcher. Next down the aisle was Brian and his parents making their entrance to the Imperial march. (We loved that Brian included both of his parents during this walk down the aisle. It was a special way to honor them both). Following Brian came the beautiful flower girl and both the handsome ring barers. Soon Kelley would be walked into the ceremony site by her mother and meet her father waiting for her at the top of the aisle. Her father was such a trooper. He was a man on a mission to walk his daughter down the aisle. With some assistance from Devin, Herb found himself at he end of the aisle ready to give his daughter away to a well deserving man. While Kelley approached the alter, Brian was all eyes for her. A soft smile crossed his face. When looking at Brian Jena said she just thought, “still waters run deep”. While he’s reserved with his expressions Brian was submerged in this moment watching his beautiful bride. He is all heart for Kelley and in moments like this it is so clear. Jim, was doubling as best man and also the officiant. He opened with movie quotes and sentiment. He absolutely perfected this speech and won everyone over with his wit and humor. The couple celebrated their union with a paint pour, a tradition I have yet to see and really loved the uniqueness. They returned to their places and exchanged rings. The couple was announced man and wife and shared a kiss. After their kiss they released butterflies which a few lingered on their releasers fingers and some fluttered off into the garden. After the butterflies cleared the couple would make their exit.

We continued the afternoon with family portraits where visitors would come and join the couple wishing them happiness in their ever after. After these photos, we made our way across the venue to the fountain for the bridal party images. We ran through these images with ease and laughter while making every effort to return the couple to their reception. I our small window of time we caught come incredible shots. The couple returned to the reception and was announced, Coming out in Disney ears and a First responder support cap.

Soon dinner was served and we were all enjoying plates full of deliciousness. After dinner the party continued with toasts Jim lead the toasts with fond memories of he and Brian’s childhood. How when he was “the new kid” Brian quickly befriended him and they would play with dinosaurs and thrash toy cars. He took us through the time when Jim met his wife, and how there wasn’t a “third wheel” or jealousy but that she became an addition to their friend group and they didn’t experience growing pains. He spoke about how excited he was to watch Brian and Kelley’s journey. (He took his best man role seriously and did a tremendous job of it). Following Jim was Allison, Kelley’s sister. She spoke with lighthearted banter at her sister but with love, expressing her happiness for the pair. Afterward Brian’s parents took up the mic to spread their gratefulness for the couple and thanking those in attendance. Kelley spoke thanking everyone for making the journey to celebrate the wedding with them, Brian nodded in agreement and let her do the talking for them. After toasts the couple shared their first dance.

Starting their dance with middle school distance the couple swayed stiff armed avoiding coodies. In no time they were in a closed dance position giggling when Brian stretched their arms out and they do a tango-esque march. They got to the end of the dance floor and proceeded back the way they came. The couple giggled some more and we all enjoyed this playful sight. When the song closed brain’s mom joined him on the dance floor where they danced and chatted with smiles and embraced with a few tears. You can see just how much the momma loves her son. Moments after this sweet sight you can hear “bad to the bone” coming through the speakers. Soon Kelley and Herb come out from behind the curtain, whiskey in hand, cigarette resting on his lips and a whole lot of attitude being thrown every which way. Kelley giggling while bringing him in she takes a swig of whiskey, grimacing at the taste and then the music changes. YMCA plays through out the venue and the two dance while Herb holds up signs. The couple orchestrated perfect dances that showed their sense of humor and love for fun. Herb ended the multi song dance with a sign that said “She made me do it”. But the real truth is that it was all Herb’s idea. The couple invited all of their guest to join then in an anniversary dance. We love seeing all the couples dancing and reminiscing about their own wedding days. The bride and groom did bouquet and garter tosses which they invited all ladies and gents to join in on the fun. Jim’s wife caught the bouquet, and Kelley’s Brother caught the garter. After a bit more dancing the couple went and cut their wedding cake. They played it nice and didn’t smoosh they cake in their face.( We love when couples play nice!) For dessert the couple had Cake, Crumbl cookies and cupcakes. You had your pick of sweets that night and if you wanted a savory treat the couple had movie theater popcorn available too. (A nod to their second date at the movies.) The sun was setting and like Cinderella we lost track of time celebrating the couple. We whisked them away before last light and captured some adorable shots kissing in the grape vines and dancing in the street. Even when things don’t go to plan fate steps in to bring us something magical. The couple concluded their night with more dancing, some fun in their photo booth and a trip to downtown where we got to create some fun night shots in downtown Grass Valley.

We had a wonderful time capturing your wedding day. We are grateful to have met you both and to have the opportunity to meet all the wonderful people in your lives! We wish you both a happily ever after!