Joel Osteen has said, “Bottom line: God will not allow any person to keep you from your destiny. They may be bigger, stronger, or more powerful, but God knows how to shift things around and get you to where you’re supposed to be.”
Some things and some people are just destined to be together. This is the story of Courtney and Corbin.

The two grew up in the same town, both played competitive sports, and went to rival high schools. They knew of each other, they were even friends on Facebook, but life and relationships kept them from being anything more. Both went off to college – Courtney to UNC for soccer and Corbin to Nevada and Utah for football. Since the two “kept in touch” or rather followed each other on Facebook, they were able to see one another excel in college athletics, and eventually “watch” as they were both signed by professional teams.

Then fate intervened…

Back at home, Courtney’s father urged her to continue training at a local gym. Turns out, she would be training with the NFL combine guys. Turns out, Corbin was there too. And turns out, as fate would have it, Corbin trained Courtney – and he put her through what was some of the most grueling workouts she had ever done. She took it like a champ – he was impressed. They’d flirt. They’d push each other to do better.

Then one day, fate intervened. Corbin texted Courtney and neither of them could deny that they had feelings for one another – regardless of how much they tried to ignore them – then history began. All because of a little (or not so little) text message.

A year later they were engaged.

A year later they were married.

What will next year bring?

“You make loving you easy
You make loving you all I wanna do
Every little smile, every single touch
Reminds me just how much it all makes
Loving you easy.”

This right here.

After their grand confetti exit out of the hotel, Corbin and Courtney spent a few minutes outside (selfies with HLS may or may not have happened) they circled back into the Grand Ballroom. Nearly all of the guests had left and the DJ cued up a song. Corbin escorted Courtney onto the empty dance floor – and no one else existed.

This moment.

So intimate. So pure. So perfect.

While planning, Courtney was clear on her vision – white, cream, and gold. Luscious white flowers, subtle gold accents. Helping her was her mother, her mother in-law, MOH and sister Rachel, and the visionary Christie, from Christie Rose Events, along side Emilie and Tamara from the Fairmont.

As guests entered the cocktail hour, they were greeted with flowing champagne in the Fairmont’s terrace room. Highboys were beautifully draped and guests mingled with one another before being escorted into the historical Venetian Room where Tony Bennett first sang, “I left my heart in San Francisco.”

Once the doors of the Venetian Room opened, the mesmerizing scent of gardenias filled the air. In the center of the room, a large floral “L” easily caught everyone’s eye – definitely one of the many highlights of the evening. On numerous, sequin-draped tables, champagne tagged with guests names were handed out. After the quick stop, guests were then guided to the Grand Ballroom by a candle and gardenia lined walkway.

Black and gold framed signs welcomed guests into the large white doors of the ballroom. The sight was jaw-dropping to say the least. Having miss-matched tables of rectangles and rounds, with various white textured linens, set the scene for the breathtaking view in the Fairmont’s Grand Ballroom.  A deeper look at the tables, you’ll see alternating gold-rimmed, glass chargers and custom round menus, complete with the guests name. Uplighting and curtain draped walls created a soft, elegant feel that drew the eyes in. A variety of high and low centerpieces were eye-catching. Orchids, roses, and gardenias made the room smell beautiful and the candles gave each table a romantic touch.

A guest count of 400, most would feel overwhelmed or even a bit crowded. That wasn’t the case with Corbin and Courtney. The ballroom felt grand, yet intimate. The custom monogramed dance floor in the center made sure that no one was too far from the couple and encouraged people to get up and dance… And they did.

Thank you to my beyond amazing second shooters, Renee Boccasile and Ruby Claribel who both helped keep me sane and shared the duties of the day, not to mention, took amazing photos too! This post and the gallery would not be beautiful with out you.

Thank you to my wonderful wedding day assistants, Laura Ahmed and Julie Nash who helped all of us carry gear, light stands and graciously refilled water bottles!

Thank you to all of the vendors who made the day possible for Corbin and Courtney. It was truly perfect in every way.

Ceremony: Grace Cathedral

Reception: The Fairmont Hotel, San Francsico

Wedding Coordinator: Christie Rose Events

Florist: Ornamento

Bridal Gown and Veil: Vera Wang, San Francisco

Second Bridal Gown: Theia

Bridal Shoes: Kate Spade

Tuxedo: The Black Tux

Bridesmaid Dresses: Natalie Deayala

Invitations: Aerialist Press

Videographer: Matter Video 

Linens: La Tavola + Wildflower (cake table)

Cake: Inticing Creations

Music: Band, The 415s + DJ, DJ Cams

Signage Design (black signs only): P27Creative from Etsy