If there is one thing that I’ve learned is that life is about timing, connections and family.

One night Andrew went out to a little pizza joint in Danville called Ascona’s (in fact, Andrew had been going there for years and years) with some friends. One of those friends happened to be Kelsey’s cousin, Alexis. Alexis thought it would be fun to bring Kelsey out with her.

They met.

Andrew was smitten from the get go.  Andrew later on called Alexis to see if it would be okay if he could take out her cousin some time. Naturally, she said, “Of course!”

After some courting, late nights and the meeting of the parents, Andrew made a plan. It was a good plan too. It was the last day of school (did I mention Kelsey is a teacher?!) and the ‘class’ slideshow began. Watching the show which Kelsey thought a parent put together, she didn’t see Andrew in the back of class. The slideshow began showing images of her and Andrew. Still, nothing. A few more slides in, thinking it was odd, she started looking around and saw – him. Dressed in a suit and tie, Andrew emerged from the parents in the back and got down on one knee and proposed.

She said yes.

Their day was filled with love, laughter and friendship. The ceremony was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of th Ascension.  With a full bridal party of 18 and the pews filled with friends and family the love for the two of them was palpable.  People flew in from all over the country to be there. Just beautiful!

Following the ceremony, everyone traveled to a private estate and vineyard in the Napa Valley.  There were stunning views of vineyards and rolling hills. Dinner was held in the wine caves on long sweeping tables which kept the converstation flowing and people mingling.  After dinner, the party moved to the back patio for dessert and some wonderful dance numbers (this included some Greek dancing and impromptu numbers such as “Proud Mary” by Andrew’s mother and aunts, “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles),” by Kelsey and her brother and even a fun take on, “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places,” where everyone swayed and sang)!

The party was awesome.

I couldn’t have been more delighted to capture their special day. Please enjoy the storytelling slideshow followed by my favorites.

About the day:

Colors: Neutral (fig inspired); Theme: Romance and love; Second/Assistant Photographer: Ashley Durham Photography from Colorado Springs, Colorado; Florist: Anne Mendenhall (roses, calla lilly, lisianthis, hydrangea, orchid – neutral colors and deep purples); Catering: Elisa’s Catering (chicken and salmon); Cake: Danville Bakery (Marble cake with raspberry cream cheese filling and butter cream frosting); Music: DJ Tasso; Favors: Murano Glass wine stoppers; Bride and Bridesmaid Dresses: Gesinee’s Bridal; Jewelry: Padis Jewelry