“I couldn’t see myself without Sue, I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life. That’s how I knew I wanted to marry her.”

Tayler and Sue’s The Ranch House Ojai wedding was a wildflower lover’s dream–the garden setting of The Ranch House gave this wedding beautiful, vibrant colors, and sunset coming through the trees was absolutely stunning. Complemented with the florals, this Ojai wedding was as radiant as Sue and Tayler’s love!From Sue & Tayler…

“We were really inspired by the wildflower fields in Ojai and wanted to use that theme in our wedding. Many of our guests came from out-of-state, so we wanted it to really feel like a California wedding.”The ladies got ready at the Capri Hotel in Ojai, which lent itself to the outdoorsy-California vibe of the day. The vibrant pops of color of the florals were perfect against The Ranch House’s lush greenery.“We chose The Ranch House for our wedding day because we absolutely loved the whimsical vibe we felt when we first visited the venue. We knew we wanted something outdoors with a garden feel, and this was the perfect fit! The staff there is also a dream to work with and they really made us feel at home for our special day.”The blue in the guys’ suits looked fabulous against the greenery at The Ranch House Ojai wedding.Even the smallest details did not go unnoticed–including Tayler’s and the groomsmen’s floral ties!From Sue…

“As my “something old,” I wore a ring that was given to me by Tayler’s mom. It was her moms before, and has been in the family for decades. It meant a lot that she wanted to give it to me and I wanted to be sure to include it in the ceremony. “What was the couple’s favorite part of their The Ranch House Ojai wedding day? From Sue…

“My favorite part of the day was the kiss at the end of the ceremony! I was really nervous to read my vows out loud in front of everyone, and it just all fell into place when the time came. We both loved dancing, too — it’s so fun to get everyone together on the dance floor and just enjoy the rest of the evening!”How did Sue know Tayler was ‘The One’?

“Tayler and I always have fun together and we understand each other. He is my best friend and I wouldn’t want to share my life with anyone else.”The ladies looked absolutely stunning!What does Sue love most about Tayler?

“I love that we make each other laugh. Tayler is so positive and he always looks at the bright side in any situation. He is the most genuine person I know. I’m looking forward to facing life with him by my side.” What does Tayler love most about Sue?

“I don’t know what to say to this. I love Sue’s personality, I love being around her and that I can be myself when I’m around her. I love how pretty and smart and funny she is. She always keeps me on my toes.”What are the two most looking forward to as a married couple? 

“We are most looking forward to being able to start our lives together and seeing where this adventure takes us!”Congratulations, Tayler and Sue! A beautiful day and night that’s bound to be followed by lots of love, adventure, and laughs!

 

Wedding Professionals:

Getting Ready location: Capri Hotel

Venue & Catering: The Ranch House

Photographer: Karen D Photography

Hair & Makeup: Brianna Stewart-Olcese

Transportation: Jump on the School Bus

Bridal shop: BHLDN

Veil: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie

Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger

Groom & Groomsmen ties: Blumen Fashion

Wedding bands: Robbins Brothers

 

“I knew early on that Kiriana was the one, but I couldn’t choose where to propose – So instead I bought Kiriana a special bracelet and then a charm in every location that we visited over five years to eventually spell ‘Marry me?’ (which Kiriana caught onto and figured out pretty early on). That way I didn’t have to choose, and spread the proposal from New Zealand to the Amazon rainforest and from Paris to the Galapagos Islands.”

If that’s not the perfect combination of romance and adventure, I don’t know what is! Kiriana and Jack’s Rotorua New Zealand wedding was straight out of a fairy-tale book. The details at their Rotorua Redwoods Under the Sails wedding ceremony were absolute perfection, the Redwoods Forest and Treewalk divine, and the Skyline Rotorua wedding reception venue completed the day with just the right amount of adventure–a gondola and luge ride to welcome everyone in to a night of dancing and celebration! This was definitely a wedding day to remember, and I am so honored Jack and Kiriana chose me to capture their wedding day.We began the Rotorua New Zealand wedding day with Jack’s getting ready photos.  Up next was Kiriana’s getting ready photos.Kiriana gave all her bridesmaids matching rings.The wedding ceremony was held at the Redwoods Under the Sails Venue, which was perfectly selected not only for the theme of the day, but was brilliant in allowing an outdoor wedding to continue, regardless of Mother Nature’s rainy plans for the day!Kiriana and Jack included two colored ribbons on their wedding arch to represent their fathers who weren’t able to be with them. The duo’s ceremony consisted of lots of laughter, tears, and love.“Kiriana had two lockets on her bouquet which included photos of her father, nana and poppa who weren’t with us for our wedding day.”Why did Kiriana and Jack choose the Rotorua Redwoods Forest and Skyline Rotorua for their wedding day?

“We wanted to share our special day in the venues of Redwoods and Skyline, as we both love the combination of nature and adventure. The outdoor venues provided the perfect combination of natural New Zealand beauty in an environment we absolutely love, in addition with an opportunity to share adventure and fun with all of our guests being able to have a gondola and luge ride. Kiriana had always wanted to get married in a forest, and as soon as we saw the venues we knew they were perfect for us.”The wedding party matched Kiriana and Jack’s fun and adventurous personalities, and everyone’s outfits stood out wonderfully against the Rotorua Redwoods Forest.What were Jack and Kiriana’s themes or inspirations for their Rotorua New Zealand wedding?

“Outdoors, adventure, fun, nature (and some sneaky Twilight, Lord of the Rings and Game of thrones themes!). I always wanted to be a princess on my wedding day, but I didn’t want to be too over the top so I felt like this was a good in-between. I felt like a woodland princess!”After the ceremony and wedding party photos, we proceeded to take photos at the Rotorua Redwoods Forest Treewalk, comprised of suspension bridges allowing people to walk through the redwood trees, while suspended between 20 and 40 feet up in the air. Add that to the list of unique wedding photos locations!How did Jack propose?

“I knew early on that Kiriana was the one, but I couldn’t choose where to propose – So instead I bought Kiriana a special bracelet and then a charm in every location that we visited over five years to eventually spell ‘Marry me?’ (which Kiriana caught onto and figured out pretty early on). That way I didn’t have to choose, and spread the proposal from New Zealand to the Amazon rainforest and from Paris to Galapagos Islands.

On Valentines day, exactly six years from the time I asked Kiriana to be my girlfriend, I drove her to seven special locations in New Zealand and gave her a photograph and the charm from each country. Our final stop was the back of my parents’ farm where I proposed to her at the location where I first asked Kiriana to be my girlfriend.”Kiriana’s wedding bouquet was a perfect combination of wild and classy, colorful and elegant.How did Jack know Kiriana was ‘The One’?

“Kiriana is the only person who complements all of my strengths and weaknesses, is the perfect combination of gorgeous, crazy and loving, and pushes me outside my comfort zone to make sure I experience life to the fullest.”The gondola ride up to the Skyline Rotorua wedding reception venue offered gorgeous views of Rotorua, even on a rainy day.How did Kiriana know Jack was ‘The One’?

“Jack is the only person I have met who is the same amount of crazy and quirky as I am. We have the same passion for adventure and for discovery. Jack has always given me the confidence and motivation to chase my dreams. We have a lot in common, but enough differences to continuously be pushing each other outside of our comfort zones to try new things. Jack is my best friend and I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without him.”“Its really hard to choose which the most unique part of the day was, but I think it must have been luging down to our reception. It was so much fun, and something that took the nerves away before we walked into the Skyline Rotorua wedding reception. It was also something fun that our guests could do too!”What was the couple’s favorite part of their Rotorua New Zealand wedding day?

“From the start of the ceremony to the last song of the reception, every single part of the wedding was wonderful, it would be impossible to pick a favourite part. But my favourite part definitely wasn’t when my driver got lost on the way to the ceremony!”Jack and Kiriana continued their forest theme with appropriate moss, pine-cones, wood, and greenery decor at their Rotorua New Zealand wedding reception.What are the two most looking forward to as a married couple?

“The rest of our lives together; supporting each other to grow our careers, start our family and share in endless adventures in New Zealand and around the world.”The couple continued to enjoy their Rotorua New Zealand wedding and danced the night away along with their guests, while enjoying the sounds of the band!Stay tuned for photos from Kiriana and Jack’s Day-After wedding photoshoot!

Wedding Professionals

Getting Ready Location: Wylie Court Motor Lodge

Ceremony Venue: Redwoods Under the Sails Venue

Reception Venue: Skyline Rotorua

Photographer: Karen D Photography

Hair & Makeup Artist: Face Me Makeup

Florals: Bloom Art

Officiant: Natalie Barrett Celebrant

Band: Hatchton

Wedding Cake: Sweet Bites Cakes

Wedding Cake Decor: Little & Friday

Cheese Cake: Kāpiti

Bridal Shop: Felicitys Bridal

Wedding Gown Designer: Stella York

Bridal Shoes: Shoes of Prey

Groom’s Shoes: Number One Shoes

Wedding Rings: Hart Jewellers LTD

“We worked together for two years and started dating after the first year.  The kids speculated we were a couple but we kept it cool.”

How did Paul propose?

And how did the two meet?

“Suzy and I met in Oakland, California.  I was in the Americorp working for a non-profit called Playworks and Suzy just received a R.D. License and took a part-time job with ADA called Energy Balance for Kids.  We were paired up to bring exercise and nutrition to a low-income school in the Bay Area.  I would provide the physical activity and Suzy would bring nutritional knowledge to the kids.  We became a great combo, changing the culture of the of school, to the point where the students became confident in their physical abilities and new nutritional knowledge.  I turned a recess of dangers, fights and segregation to a united, fun, safe and playful recess.  Suzy was able to make fruit and veggies cooler than Cheetos and pizza.  We worked together for two years and started dating after the first year.  The kids speculated we were a couple but we kept it cool.”Paul and Suzy’s Hendry’s Beach engagement photos were perfectly located to fit their unique passions. From Paul…

“For the engagement photo session we wanted to keep it local in Santa Barbara and at a place that we go to all the time, and most importantly, allows our dog, Dexter, to roam around. He is everything to us and without him there with us it would have felt like we were missing an important piece. We also love the beach, the sunsets, and the islands in the background.”The colors at Suzy and Paul’s Hendry’s Beach engagement photos turned absolutely magical, with a variety of golden, purple and pink hues. And what are they most look forward to at on their wedding day?

“Seeing family and friends and just celebrating with them.  We have people coming from far places to be here on our special day.  I look forward to the dancing, all the great laughs and seeing my beautiful bride.”Suzy and Paul’s Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara wedding day is just around the corner! Let the countdown begin!

“Six years later and many laughs, talks, and adventures together, we cannot wait to tie the knot and share this experience with our family and friends!”

We took Kevin and Jessica’s engagement photos at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. Although it definitely was not a warm day (!), the sun was shinning, and the laughs were rolling. From Jessica,

I found both of their laughs to be absolutely infectious!

With its’ many nooks and crannies, we found lots of different spots to take photos during Kevin and Jessica’s Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens engagement photoshoot.I asked Jessica and Kevin what they’re most looking forward to on their wedding day,

“Kevin and I are most excited for having all of the people we love most in one place. We cannot wait to get everyone on the dance floor!”Their Santa Barbara Women’s Club wedding is bound to be filled with love and laughter!

“I knew you were the one the moment I met you. There was something about the way you stood up to me and looked me in the eye. Confident, independent, beautiful.”

Some couples radiate love, affection and ease, and Robby and Nicole definitely fall into that category. Their entire day seemed effortless and full of emotion, and not just from the happy couple–every single person in attendance was clearly so joyful to partake in celebrating Nicole and Robby’s Glen Annie Golf Club wedding. The day was a joint effort by so many people…From Nicole, “Our wedding was about more than just us. We wanted our friends and family members to know how much they have contributed to our relationship over the past seven years, and we wanted to convey a sense of community togetherness throughout the entire weekend.”

We started off the day with getting ready photos at Nicole’s parents’ home where she grew up. Being able to incorporate items and locations with meaning gives these details a much more personalized feeling.

We decided to utilize all that the Glen Annie Golf Club has to offer by having Nicole and Robby’s first look there.When I asked Robby what some of his favorite things about Nicole are, he replied “I love how she appreciates the small things in life, and that I can always make her smile.”The two had written notes to one another to be read at their Glen Annie Golf Club wedding venue. More from Nicole…

“We have been through a lot during our seven years together, and writing notes to each other has always been our way of capturing a moment in time, and expressing our love for one another. Letters helped us stay connected during periods of our relationship when we did long distance. They helped us say things that were hard to express out-loud even when we lived together.

For the thirty days leading up to the wedding, Robby wrote me a letter every single day that I would open in the morning with my coffee. It was hands down one of the most romantic things he’s ever done for me. The day of the wedding he gave me the final letter, and I wrote one to him as well, capturing a moment in time forever and giving us both a portal to recapture the feeling of that day over and over again.”

“Nothing, not even first look photos, can take away from the weight that comes with the moment you see your future husband standing at the altar. Walking down the aisle was one of my favorite moments – it all became real right there, in that instant. I don’t know that it had hit me until I looked up and saw Robby smile at me, that he was going to be my husband. How’d I get so lucky?!”It’s the small gestures that make all the difference…Nicole started tearing up as she was reading her vows. Robby didn’t miss a beat and grabbed her hand to show his support and affection.“Some of the themes we incorporated were adventure, the great outdoors, and our experiences with our close friends and family. We tried to convey that in our handmade centerpieces and decorations.”

We got two chances at sunset photos–the first while the sun was beaming through the oak tree by the dinner area, and then the second a little later, when the sun was setting over the hills. Some of the special and personalized pieces included in the duo’s Glen Annie Golf Club wedding were Robby’s grandmothers ring, a close family friend’s pearls, Robby’s dad’s cufflinks, and ‘new’ earrings from the 1930’s gifted to the bride from the groom.What are the two looking forward to?

“We are looking forward to building our future together and leaning into the dreams we have lightly discussed and fantasized about.”Congratulations, Nicole and Robby! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, support and romance!

Wedding Professionals:

Venue & Catering: Glen Annie Golf Club

Photography: Karen D Photorgaphy

Hair & Makeup: La Rouge Artistry

Florals: The Twisted Twig

DJ: Gavin Roy Presents

“We met at a party I hosted for new graduate students. Katie walked in and my heart literally started beating faster. I then introduced myself and felt butterflies and instantly fell in love with her.”

Katie and Kyle’s Boulder, Colorado wedding portraits were a breeze to capture. Katie grew up in Colorado and has family there, so the two decided to tie the knot in her hometown, and anyone who knows me knows I can’t refuse an excuse to travel! It was a laid back evening, with a perfect sunset to top it off. 

We drove up towards the mountains from Boulder, Colorado, and stopped at one of the trails. The sun kept peering in and out of the clouds, giving us lots of variety and great photo opportunities. 

“We had a midsummers night dream/ fairy/ renaissance theme because we love fantasy. The theme was inspired by my dress. The sleeves reminded me of fairy wings. We jumped on that theme because it was a great excuse to buy lots of stuff at the Renaissance festival. Who doesn’t want an excuse to splurge on crowns and a sword? It also meant the year leading up to the wedding we had an excuse to go to every Ren Fest within driving distance.”

“The dog is our baby, so of course she was included. Plus, she’s damn cute.”

How did Kyle propose?

From Katie, about how she knew Kyle was ‘the one’…

“Kyle and I were best friends but were dating other people. We’d go on dates, then meet up with each other to gossip about those dates. It was my mom who knew before I did. We were chatting on the phone and she was like “you keep talking about Kyle- why don’t you just date him?” and I was like “I honestly would, but his family seems kinda nuts, I don’t think I want to set myself up for that kind of drama”. And she said “Honey, if I had let crazy family drama stop me I never would have married your father”. How much my family loves Kyle should also be added to the “what I love about Kyle” list. My mom decided she loved him just from hearing me talk on the phone about him!”

What does Katie love most about Kyle?

“I love Kyle’s resilience, his work ethic, his generous spirit, his sense of play, his healthy attitude towards the people in his life, the way he treats me, how much kids and animals love him, his cooking… gosh there are a lot of things, I can’t even list them all.”

What does Kyle love most about Katie? 

“I love everything about Katie. How does one pick the “most” thing.”

We were nestled in a valley for these Boulder, Colorado wedding portraits photos, so we headed out of Boulder so we could capture the sunset with the Rocky Mountains in the background. 

What is Katie most looking forward to as a married couple?

Congratulations, Katie & Kyle! Can’t wait to see your family and love grow!