Michael and Nicole are sweet as mint chip ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies. These two are simply adorable together and I was honored to photograph their wedding in September.

Their day started off getting ready, seperately. The boys played basketball, while the laides chit-chatted and got their hair and make up done.

Both groups were driven seperately via limo to the chuch downtown. St. Mary’s Catholic Church is this beautiful, quaint church nestled in downtown Walnut Creek, just blocks away from Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co. It was here, in front of the church that Nicole’s father, with tears of joy, awe, and happiness in his eyes, saw Nicole for the first time in her beautiful gown.

 

Nicole and Michael waited until she walked down the isle at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to see eachother – and what a sweet moment it was.

Nicole and Michael are a dream.  Their love for one another is palpable and real. These two are connected at the hearts and connected at their soul. It was never more evident than it was at their reception – on the dance floor! Dancing hand in hand, singing together and just enjoying one anothers comapany along with their amazing party! Nicole’s attention to detail and incredible finds, at the right time, truly made the night memorable. Always on the look out for signs, nic-nacs, vintage boxes and anything in yellow and red, Nicole, her mother (and admittidly about 3% help from Michael) the tables and decor at Mt. Diablo Ranch in Walnut Creek was beauiful.

Guests were greeted at the ranch with beautiful floral arrangements, a guest table adorned with images of their parents and grandparents on their wedding day, sweeping white fabric over the door enterances and a custom, wooden guest book!

Guests tables all had unique floral arrangements and elements.  Tables varied in size and decor. No two tables were alike! My favorite part of the tables were definately the numbers.  Each number represented an age and was coupled with a picture of the bride and groom at that age! Table 3 had a picture of when they were… three! Table 16… you guessed it! Pictures of when they were 16! This element got people up, out of their seat and walking around and mingling with other guests.

The bar… ’nuff said!

Once the sun went down and dinner was served, handmade, custom ordered ice cream sandwiches were made in leiu of the traditional cake. Mix and match, guests were able to choose the type of cookie and ice cream for their sweet treat!

How adorable is this coffee table!? I just love it – and that sign!

The first dances were sweet and loving.  Nicole and her father’s dance brought tears to my eyes. Something very unique that Nicole and Michael wanted to do for their guests during these dances, was to invite others onto the dance floor about 2 minutes in.  During the father/daughter dance, other father’s and daughter’s were invited to dance together and the same was done during the mother/son dance. Such a sweet sentiment.

Nicole and Michael, you two are truly made for eachother. You two have been blessed with an eternity of love, happiness and endless joy.

XoXo – Karey

 

Vendors:  Ceremony Venue, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Walnut Creek;  Reception Venue, Mt. Diablo Ranch, Walnut Creek;  Wedding Planner, Carolyn Sheperd, Wedding Shepherds; Florist, Sunshine Flowers ; Catering, Roli Roti (rotiserre chicken, tri-tip, salads, bruchetta); Ice Cream Sandwiches, C.R.E.A.M.; Linen Rentals, Chairs for Affairs; DJ, 21st Century Sounds; Brides Dress, Blossoms; Bridesmaid Dresses, Genisee’s Bridal; Jewelry, Francesca’s; Hair Stylist, Ashlee Rossi and Cheyanne from Sola Salon; Makeup, Make up by Adele Nader; Men’s Suits, Kenneth Cole, purchased from Macy’s; Invitations, Etsy; Addititonal details, DIY; Hazy Lane Studios Assistand: Monika of Monika Greenaway Photography; Colors, Goldenrod Yellow and Grey with red accents; Theme, Rustic, Shabby Chic