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

Bucks Lake Ca, Wedding photographer: Raye+Colt Piccinini

Raye + Colt

This love story starts from an overheard conversation between sisters. Colt’s dad was working out at his gym when he overheard Raye and her sister Sami as they were working out and talking politics. When Colt’s dad overheard Raye, he knew he needed to tell his son right away. Colt’s dad recognized right away how great Raye would be for a son and once he got home he told Colt about this girl.   Soon thereafter Colt found Raye on Instagram and sent her a message. After a bit of back-and-forth to match schedules, the two finally went out on the first date. They shared the evening chatting over dinner and then had a little adventure around Lake Tahoe.  

     From that night these two have become inseparable. They have a mutual love for adventure and both of them expressed that the other is their favorite person to explore with. Colt and Raye have had many adventures some on their own and some with their family. Some of their great adventures were when they traveled the west coast visiting lighthouses. They started in Washington and worked their way down to central California. On their second lighthouse adventure, they picked up the route where they had left off and they started at Point Arena Lighthouse and they worked the way south. When they hit San Francisco Covid-19 had canceled some of their plans so they had to adjust their timeline by a day. The couple made their way to Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Colt had been doing some studying to find the most beautiful lighthouse of their trip to be the setting for his proposal. When they pulled into the parking lot Raye Says  “This is the ugliest lighthouse we have seen on our whole trip.”  As if Colt’s nerves weren’t already high. They just peaked… As they walked the boardwalk they recognize the backside wasn’t so grand but when they made it to the front it was actually quite perfect. Colt set up his phone on the tripod as he had done many times before, but this time he got down on one knee and asked Raye to be his wife.  (Yes, He got the shot!)  Raye was so surprised and said yes!

            When looking for a wedding photographer Raye found us online and we were a bit of a blind date. It was a little bit different never meeting them in person. They were planning their California wedding from Tennessee. The wedding was held at Buck’s lake California so we decided camping would be the best lodging for us. As it turned out that our campsite would be right across from Colt and Raye’s family. We had met Colt’s mom at the ceremony location (The family’s cabin) when we stopped by to see the lighting and get ourselves familiar with the area.  When she got to the campground she made sure to extend an invitation to us for dinner through Sami, Raye’s sister. We were pleased when we were greeted by the whole family with a warm welcome on Friday evening.  So far this is the best “blind date” we’ve had.  Jena and I officially met Kolton and Ray for the first time and it only made us more excited for the following day! We made small talk with the family learning about a family tradition where Raye’s mom (Billie) ties on permanent anklets to commemorate important trips and occasions. Colt and Raye’s Wedding anklet would be yellow.  After gratefully filling our bellies and meeting the family Jena and I returned to our campsite. We played a few games of dice before making our way to bed. We made our decision to retire early due to a bear that had moseyed back behind our site roughly 50 feet away from us. During the night the bear returned twice to attempt to steal our food from the ice chest. (Safe to say Jena and I had a restless night)  when we woke up we found the ice chest on its side unopened with big Bear claw marks in the dirt next to it.

Across the camp, the Bride and her girls were all doing yoga to start off their day. Props to them because it was COLD. (I failed to mention earlier that the temperature dropped down to the 30’s… ) While the bride and her bridesmaids went into the tree pose, Jena and I were huddled up around my camp stove before making the decision to go into town to get thicker sleeping bags. (We were not prepared for this brisk morning in late July.) On the drive, we appreciated the forest and all of the beautiful light coming into the many mini meadows. When we arrived back at the campsite we had 45 minutes to get ready before the work day started.

Jena and I made our way to the cabin where Raye was getting ready. She was mostly ready when we arrived with her hair and make-up done by her sister Sami. She was so chill that they nicknamed her bride-chilla. The girls all enjoyed some pizza and just relaxed together. (Just as wedding days should be) Jena and I started our morning capturing Raye’s details with a sixpence in each shoe representing her parents.  Each coin was made in their birth years. A new teardrop ring Colt had gifted Raye. She also carried a pendant of her grandmother that had a blue bead concluding the tradition. Raye’s gown was unlike any we’ve seen before it had many layers that rippled at different lengths. When Raye stepped into her dress it was perfectly clear this dress was made for her. Matching her natural beauty this dress amplified her radiance.

We shot a few bridesmaid photos before going to the ceremony and I loved that Raye included her mother-in-law and her mom in these. All of the bridal party was made up of Colt and Raye’s siblings. They are all pretty tight-knit and it was awesome to have family be such an influence. (If you can’t tell we adore this entire family) By this time Jena had gone over to Colt where he was ready on arrival. He was calm, not an anxious nerve to be seen. Jena snapped a few photos of the guys and of course Colt with his parents. Raye gifted Colt a pocket knife which he kept with him all day.  Soon the shuttle with guests started arriving at the ceremony site.  Where there were refreshments provided as they waited for the ceremony to commence. Raye and the bridesmaids made their way to the dock. Where we all climbed aboard her aunt’s sailboat. This was my first time ever on a sailboat and I was not disappointed. I was taught how to read the wind on the water and what that meant for sailors. This ride made for many beautiful images. It was so fun learning and experiencing something new. It was also neat to see how second nature the activity was for Raye and her family. As we made our way, Raye caught the attention of the entire lake. With booming horns, and congratulatory whoops and hollers this bride made an epic entrance. Seeing the sailboat Colt tucked himself away in his family’s cabin. The guests and the family watched the bride sailing in. When she arrived the officiant asked all the guests to find their seats. Once on land, the bride went up into a separate part of the cabin to wait for the ceremony to start.   The ceremony started by honoring the grandparents of the couple as they made their way down the aisle. They were followed by Colt’s dad escorting Raye’s stepmom.  Followed by Raye’s mom and stepdad.  Then Colt and his mom made their way down the aisle with a quick squeeze and a peck.  The bridal party made their way gracefully down the aisle and behind them came the couple’s dogs poppy and grizzly accompanied by three adorable young ladies.  Then Raye and her dad made their entrance, they glowed in the sunlight and walked eloquently down the aisle.  Colt stood there looking at his bride swaying a little and fidgeting, but so abundantly happy. The ceremony was beautiful with the lake as a backdrop and being among the trees, everything felt right. Mike the officiant did an amazing job speaking while simultaneously signing during the ceremony.  The couple exchanged their heartfelt vows both humbled and excited for the adventures they will face together.  Soon the couple would share their first kiss and they had an encore for their friends and family to capture. After the ceremony, we snapped a picture of the couple and their guests.   The shuttles arrived to start taking the guest back to the reception.  We took this time to do family photos and the bridal party photos. 

After all the formal photos were done I rode back with the bridal party on the couple’s boat.  Colt and Raye are such sweet people and they were surrounded all day by other like-hearted individuals. The reception was hosted at the Lakeshore resort. The Bucks Lake community is very kind and neighborly, they all take care of their own and this was seen throughout the day. From the care and hospitality of the shuttle drivers and the staff at the resort, this wedding went off without any issue. The couple was soon introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Piccinini they came in with a classic entrance with Colt showing off his bride with a twirl.

After a welcome toast, the tables were excused for dinner, on their way they could stop for a quick picture and a hug with the bride and groom (this was such a great idea.)   After everyone got their plates then the bride and groom grabbed theirs and sat down for dinner. Dinner was delicious! Once all we’re done the couple cut the cake for dessert.  Raye and colt cut their cake with Raye’s saber from the US Coast Guard. (Oh yeah, our bride is an officer in the US Coast Guard talk about impressive.) Raye’s aunt made all of the delicious cakes with a wide variety of flavors.  Following the cake cutting were the toasts. Colt and Raye kicked it off by opening their bottle of champagne with her saber. This was such a fun idea! Leading the toasts was the best man, Colt’s brother.  He had been planning and practicing his speech “a lot” and he nailed it! His speech left me with a quote “They say to find whatever sets your soul on fire.  You two are an inferno.” It was a brilliant statement that seemed to ring true for the couple.  Up next was Sami who delivered a beautiful toast bringing tears to many with her heartfelt sentiments of Raye always being her best friend and how happy she is that Raye and Colt have each other.  Raye’s stepdad followed by reminiscing about when Colt came into Raye’s life and how his big heart brought home a puppy and his love for vehicles brought home a lot of projects. All the while sharing his heart and time with Raye building a lot of memories.  Then it was Todd, Colt’s dad’s turn. The man who made this match. He shared the story about the gym previously mentioned. He also shared a golden nugget that “Love is like a rock crawler.” He said something along the lines of; You go out and take it on a rough trail and it may break, but it’s worth fixing. You may leave it in the garage and it’s running fine but you could always put some time and work into it to make it better. Love takes work but, Love will take you to new and exciting places. He said it so much better, but the sentiment stuck with me, and I love the truth behind the metaphor. After Todd’s toast, the couple invited their parents up for a toast of their own. To thank them and all the family and friends for all their hard work, support, and making the trips to be there on their wedding day.  But, the couple had a few surprises for their guests. Their first surprise was that they had been married already for two years. Due to Covid and all its chaos they wanted to secure their future together.  Finally, the second surprise was that Colt and Raye are pregnant and were a few months along. The family was ECSTATIC. Raye’s mom jumped for joy and cried in her daughter’s embrace. Colt’s mom standing next to him hugged him and rested her head on his. The rest of the guests buzzed with happiness. After the celebration of the news, the couple shared their first dance. Choreographed to perfection the two floated on the dance floor. Raye being a dancer sure taught her groom a few new moves. Raye was briefly joined by her mom on the dance floor sharing a fun dance that gave the ladies a special moment to remember. Raye danced with her dad who would keep her close and then spin her out. It was perfection. Colt would then bring his mom out to the dance floor. They started out with a fun little jig and then slowed it down a bit for a heart-to-heart moment that many teared up too. The evening continued with Raye’s grandfather dancing his socks off and all the guests joining in. This wedding was a destination wedding for most and every last guest seemed to make the best of their time. It was such a pleasure working with so many AMAZING people.

 Colt and Raye, we are so grateful you found and chose us to be a part of such a magical day. We appreciate the kindness and love we were treated to.  We hope that you enjoy reliving your wedding day through our lens.

 Cheers to many years of adventure and happiness.

Vendors

DJ- Mark at A Big Ticket Sound Experience

Brides Dress Miranda Marie Bridal in Olive Branch MS

Grooms attire The Suit Shop

Cater Lakeshore Resort

Ceremony Venue Private Estate

Reception Venue Lakeshore Resort