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!

Planner/Coordinator: Jessica Williams at Craft and Copper

Hair stylist: The Hair Co - Janessa Cripps

Floral: Little Red Hen - Angela Carter

Caterer: Chef Joe at Highlands Ranch Resort

Cake/Dessert: Upper Crust

DJ/Band: Night Owl Media

Bride’sl Dress shop: AE Bridal

Invitations/Paper goods: TheKnot

Design/Decor: Bride+ Little Red Hen

Merlo Park, Stirling City Ca Wedding Photographer: Michael + Hailey Skytte

“The couples who are meant to be are the ones who go through everything that’s designed to tear them apart and they come out even stronger.”

This statement holds especially true for Hailey and Michael. They give off such a low-key, relaxed vibe but they have been through a lot in their journey together and have forged a bond that is unbreakable as a result.

May 28th, 2022 was crisp and dewy as there had been rainfall the evening before but everyone was excited for the wedding ahead and no clouds could dampen their spirits! When we arrived the bride was busy arranging the floral arch at the ceremony site. Time was of the essence and Jena and I were more than happy to jump into action to assist so Hailey could begin working on her hair and makeup. While we worked on florals, a few friends of the families also came to help out and the four of us girls had a blast listening to music and arranging flowers together! Everyone was so caught up in how much they were enjoying their activities that they barely noticed the hours going by; in no time, the floral arch was complete and it was time for Jena to meet up with Michael because it was his turn to look sharp in front of the camera. During this time,  Michael gushed about how excited he was to see his bride. He spoke about how he was focused on being in the moment and taking his time to live each second of the day. He was so excited to marry the woman of his dreams he didn’t want to waste any time fussing over getting ready— he had a wedding to get to! However, by looking at the photos you wouldn’t be able to tell that there was any rushing involved- he looked stellar; the epitome of a classic, handsome, and stylish groom.

Back at the venue, Hailey was having her hair done by her stepmom, Shanelle, in the bridal suite. They both have a wicked sense of humor and there was a lot of laughter in the room! Meanwhile, Hailey’s mom Shar, was everywhere! She was like Wonder Woman in the background making sure everything was perfect for her baby girl on her big day.

Hailey was literally shaking with excitement while getting ready and even had a few sips of Champaign to calm her nerves. She wore a gorgeous unique lace gown with a form-fitting silhouette from Unforgettable Boutique which was just breathtaking on her. Her bracelet was a gift from her mother. Some of the more sentimental touches were a tiny bluebird pin that was attached to her bouquet it is an heirloom passed down by the women in her family as well as a lovely gold ring. Hailey and Michael chose not to have a bridal party which created a beautiful moment for her mother to be the one to help Hailey into her dress. After this intimate moment with her mom, her grandmother pinned her blue bird before she went to the chapel for the first look with her dad. There is just something about a father seeing his daughter “all grown up” on her wedding day that creates a connection between the two that is so incredibly wholesome.

When Michael returned to Merlo Park, he and Myron their officiant took a special moment for a prayer at the chapel. It was a  beautiful moment to be amongst the trees in the quiet where they could reflect upon all they had to be grateful for this day and every day. They also took an extra moment to remember those who were with them in spirit. After closing out their prayer Michael was ready to greet his guests.  The seats were filling and the guests were dressed in shades of purples and creating a lovely compliment to the couple’s perfect day.  The music cued and soon the procession started.  Michael ushered his mom and Hailey’s mom to their seats and patiently waited for his bride to make her way through the woods.   Hailey was a vision.   Her father held her steady and walked his little girl to her new beginning.   Once Hailey reached the end of the aisle her stepfather joined them and linked arms with her and both her dads gave her away.  Michael was beaming with joy, he was smiling so big we couldn’t take our cameras off him.   We knew that Hailey would want to remember that handsome grin for the rest of her life.   The ceremony was beautiful, Hailey’s stepmom shared a bible verse before Myron lead everyone in a prayer.  The couple chose to perform a cord tying ceremony to signify their union.  Hailey and Michael shared their personal vows while all of their guests quietly wept with joy and pride.  Hailey and Michael exchanged their rings of sapphire blues and sealed the ceremony with a kiss!  As the guest trickled down to the reception they stopped along the bridge to feed the rainbow trout.  We quickly managed the family formal photos and excused everyone to join in the cocktail hour.  We took Hailey and Michael to the top side of the park where they could share a quiet moment together.  We took a note from Michael and really lived in the moments for these portraits.  We had plenty of time and the couple was relaxed and bringing their modeling “A” game! When we finally made our way to the reception the couple was soon embraced and swept away by all of their lovely guests.  Jena and I took this time to capture candid images of the guests and of the details.  We even enjoyed a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade a labor of love from the bride and groom.  (Yummmmm!)

Soon the bride and groom invited everyone to the dance floor as they shared their first dance, Michael picked out their first dance song when he was working on a fire and every time it came on it brought Hailey closer to him. The song was Cover me up by Morgan Wallen and the moment was emotional, beautiful, and fun.  Hailey was joined by her father as they danced to Zoe Jane by Staind a song I had yet to hear at a wedding but was perfectly fitting at this moment.  Michael’s mom joined him with the classic Mamma’s don’t let your babies grow up to be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson swaying and singing along the pair giggled.  Hailey’s mom then joined her baby for a dance to My Wish by Rascal Flatts where there were tears in nearly every eye watching.  It’s moments like these where you may not know the mountains they’ve climbed but you can feel the monument at the moment. This wedding had these moments tucked in their vows, dances, and toasts that brimmed with deep happiness and love where without warning the moment would overflow and take its audience by storm.  Hailey and Michael were surrounded by loved ones.  But how could you meet this couple and not fall in love with their golden hearts?! We sure “CAUGHT A VIBE”. The toasts further proved the richness of their character and their devotion to one another.

Jena and I feel so lucky to have gained Hailey and Michael as friends and we cannot wait to watch the rest of their lives unfold and see all their adventures.

We hope you all enjoy reliving this amazing day!

Cheers to many years!

Vendors:

Venue: Merlo Park

Hair: Shanelle Dolan

Catering: Jalapeno City

Curros: OG Curros

Dress Boutique: Unforgettable Bridal Boutique

Grooms Attire: Men’s Warehouse

Chico Wedding Photographer Blog

As I deep dive into making my photography business full time I am learning so much. I am learning that my website is sometimes difficult to navigate. So it’s time to give my website a little revamp. I’ve learned that I need to guide my users to the product they are searching for. This blog is to be specifically dedicated to wedding photography and associated wedding insights and blogs. Wedding photography is a passion of mine and I feel electric when I’m working at a wedding. It is a place where I feel confident and happy. It is a great joy of mine to capture weddings and create lasting memories and relationships with the couples I serve. I will be posting new weddings and highlights from previous weddings I think may be helpful to upcoming couples. I appreciate those of you who follow me in this journey in making my dreams become a reality.