Wedding Blog

The wedding blog is new, so join me on this journey of capturing milestones with timeless love and affection. To see my prior work please feel free to jump over to my portfolio.

More Weddings Here

Emma Miller 7/13/22 Emma Miller 7/13/22

Highlands Ranch Resort, Mill Creek CA Wedding Photographer: Gareth + Marie

Marie + Gareth

Fun, love, and adventure

These two have been waiting for the perfect partner to come around. Within their first date, they knew they had met their forever partner. In their whirlwind romance, the two found themselves getting married within a year of meeting. Love and connection like this one are rare. Gareth and Marie complement each other with common interests and while one may be serious the other will encourage the right amount of fun and play. Evening out the stress and fun the couple can handle all parts of their journey together.

Nestled in the mountains of the Lassen National forest these two found the perfect setting for their incredible day. Highlands Ranch Resort is a secluded little haven called the Childs Meadow, that hosts 7 cottages and a restaurant and bar. Across the street is The Village, which hosts a string of 19 hotel rooms a Mercantile store, a brand-new bistro (it opened June 10th, 2022), and RV and Tent camping accommodations. This location provided beautiful views and many outdoor activities for the guests to enjoy before and after the wedding festivities. Marie and Gareth went up to the venue a few days prior to the wedding to visit with guests and enjoy the area, fully embracing its beauty and adventure. Jena and I joined them on Friday for their rehearsal. (Afterwards, we too enjoyed the area with a kayak excursion on lake Almanor.)

 Saturday, June 11th, 2022

The morning of the wedding was fresh and beautiful. The air was crisp and rich with the smell of pines and earth with a hint of breakfast. We found our way to the Bistro where we met some of the incredible staff at The Village. We were welcomed with warmth and great attention. (Shout out to Maddie!) We had a killer breakfast sandwich that would keep us fueled for the majority of the day. After our enjoyable breakfast, we went and met with the couple. Marie was relaxed and getting her hair done. Her bridesmaid’s all enjoyed mimosas and chatted with excitement. Marie had beautiful details and was so thoughtful in her selections. Her bouquet was white flowers and greenery that included Cedar leaves, sage, mint, and rosemary. A perfect complement to her surroundings. Marie had chosen these lovely flower hair pins from Olive + Piper that matched her earrings beautifully. Marie’s Wedding ring is almost one hundred years old. Her ring was originally her great-grandmother’s ring whom Marie was named after. Marie being a stylish but practical bride wore cute boots that would take her comfortably though out the day. The morning went by quickly in the bridal suite. Soon after shooting details, the bride was ready to get dressed. Marie stepped into her dress and we were all in awe of her radiant beauty. She wore a white and blush A-line dress that was flowy with a bustier bodice which had lovely floral lace and blush boning the sleeves were off the shoulder and gave a romantic touch to the gown. (Added bonus they were detachable which is ideal for dancing) Marie was all ready to see her groom.

Meanwhile, in the groom’s suite, the morning was relaxed and filled with lighthearted loving banter. Gareth gifted the guys cycling socks and pocket knives for all the adventures that life brings. He also took care to help his groomsmen with their ties, fix their collars, and made sure they looked sharp. Gareth was dressed in a deep blue suit. With brilliant smiles to compliment. He sure can clean up nicely. As the first look got closer Gareth started to become more nervous.

Jena, Charlie (the best man), and Gareth made their way to the first look location. As Jena and Gareth got set in the meadow Marie, Emily (Maid of honor), and I made our way in a second car to meet them. The moments between Gareth arriving and Marie arriving must have felt like a lifetime for this excited groom. With his back to his bride, he shifted and fidgeted. Soon Marie would come out from the tree line walking towards her groom. Jena gave Gareth a countdown of distance. His excitement took over the nervousness and he adorned a megawatt smile. When Marie approached him and tapped his shoulder he turned around to see his beautiful bride. All the nervousness faded and he was entranced by his soon-to-be wife. In awe, he looked at her, hugged her, and kissed her. Marie was glowing in the sunlight a complete definition of beauty. She too was overcome with excitement and radiated joy. We gave the two space to revel at this moment. After, we did some bridal portraits in the meadow before we returned to the venue.

Once back, we were joined by the bridal party and we took all of the bridal party photos before the ceremony. Everyone in the bridal party were great listeners and made this go smoothly. Once we were done with the bridal party we had immediate family join us for their formal photos. It was no surprise to Jena and me that these two would surround themselves with thoughtful and kind people. We loved this time for photos and how relaxed it all felt. We were able to tuck the couple away into their cottages before any of their guests made their way to the ceremony location. This was such a breeze, minus the complications of the literal gusts of wind. While it was great to cool us all down, it sure made its challenges during the day.

Jessica the day of coordinator for Highland Ranch (owner of Craft + Copper) was so patient and dedicated to making sure that even with the wind challenges the couple’s vision would come to life. Jessica and her assistant (her sweet and sassy grandma) were busy all throughout the day making everything perfect.

As guests arrive they found their way to the ceremony location taking their seats and readying themselves for the festivities. Soon the processional music would cue and the officiant would make his way down the aisle. Gareth escorted his grandmother and Marie’s grandmother down the aisle giving hugs and receiving kisses on the cheek that would stay with him through the ceremony. The parents led the way for the bridal party. Each pairing gracefully made their way to their places, and then there’s Lucy. Lucy is the flower girl who was an instrumental part of the couple’s meeting. (Their first-time meeting was at her 4th birthday party) Lucy came down the aisle tossing petals and delivering the cutest of smiles! She was a tough act to follow. But then out steps the bride and her father. Marie and her dad made their way down the aisle as everyone rose to their feet. Gareth took a deep breath and watched his wife-to-be with a loving gaze. Gareth greeted Marie’s father and helped his bride up to the alter. The ceremony was light and fun, complete with a chipmunk joining in for a laugh. The couple shared their first kiss as a married couple and the guests all hooped and hollered.

The couple was introduced into the reception coming into an ACDC classic. Rocking sunglasses and fun-loving energy to get the party started.

The reception was beautiful and fun. The parents had a welcome toast where they toasted to the newlyweds and to the guests that made the trip to celebrate with them. Soon dinner would be served. Chef Joe from Highlands Ranch Resort served an incredible menu that made everyone’s taste buds sing. He really did a wonderful job. We all enjoyed dinner and admired the atmosphere and company.

Charlie led the toasts with a great story of how he and Gareth became friends, and how Gareth made a positive impact in his life even if he tortured him with his first distance bicycle ride up Honeyrun road. Emily followed with her toast to the couple expressing how much she values Marie’s friendship and how she’s happy Marie found Gareth. The couple closed the toasts with gratitude to their guests for joining them in this wonderful day.

After toasts, the couple made their way to the dance floor where they shared their first dance as husband and wife. The two exchanged laughs and kisses. A romantic moment that was complimented by the green pastures and beautiful mountain ranges behind them. Marie was joined by her father for the traditional father-daughter dance. Giggles were shared as the two swayed sweetly to the music. Next Gareth and his mom had a light-hearted dance where Lucy joined them. The three laughed and danced in circles together. The couple opened the dance floor to their guests and it quickly filled it with awesome dance moves. Shout out to Patrick at Night Owl Media for keeping a great playlist going that encouraged guests of all ages to get down and boogie.

As the sun began to set Jena and I whisked the couple away for some sunset photos. The golden hour light flooded the meadow making the pasture glow. This location continued to amaze me in its beauty. The couple elevated this natural beauty with romantic moments and sweet giggles. It was such a pleasure working with Marie and Gareth because they were so relaxed and went with the flow. After sunset photos, it was time to cut the cake. The couple cut the cake and fed one another with a fork. Their cake was from Uppercrust Bakery, and by their expressions, they were not disappointed. The cupcakes were divine too. Guests lined up and the kids were excited about dessert. Soon after the dance floor filled up again and a lot of fun continued to happen. Jena and I made our way to the guest book. We always like to sign the guest book but this guest book was to be paired with a polaroid picture. With every camera having its differences I had a learning curve with the timer. Left a fun memory for the couple to enjoy later. While at the guest book we were able to chat with Marie’s mom, who is an incredible Wildlife photographer. She shared some of her work with us and it was AMAZING. We knew what a great honor it was that she entrusted the wedding to us. We also chatted a bit more with some of the guests and moved around shooting candid moments of all the fun that was happening.

As the last light was slipping away Jena and I packed up the gear to head out, during this time the couple invited us over for a s’more around the campfire across the street. This little after-party was filled with chatter, music, and fun. The couple roasted a marshmallow together and shared a s’more. The day was winding down, and what better way to end the night than with all the people you love around a campfire.

Marie + Gareth, your wedding was incredible, filled with fun, love, and jam-packed with beauty. We are so honored to have been a part of your wedding day and we hope that you enjoy these sneak peeks!

Cheers to many amazing adventures together!