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So many aspects of this wedding I love. This wonderful couple met in high school, went their separate ways, then rediscovered each other as adults. A beautiful love story.

Thank you to Arash of Rugger Productions Photography for capturing the day
Holly Kalkin for incredible planning expertise
DJ Earl Henry
Paradise Point staff for their help and support

ceremony long view

Paradise Point is just that – a paradise oasis in a paradise city

arch detail - flowers

Beautiful arch detail by Thistle Dew Floral thistledewfloral.com

bride - parents - holly

The bride is beaming as she gets ready to walk up the aisle. And the amazing Holly Kalkin always behind the scenes hard at work, even straightening the gown at the last minute.

bride smile

blue shoes

Look at these shoes! Sassy splash of blue.

bride wiping groom brow

A really sweet moment. I had given the bride a few tissue to dab at tears, and she used one to attend to the brow of her man (it was a VERY hot day!)

her vows

Sharing personal vows

with this ring

With this ring . . .

sand_vows

I brought a little paper weight from home to hold their vows at this breezy spot.

sand thumbs up

Unity Ceremony Blending of the Sands: colors of blue and silver to represent the ocean. And together they created this keepsake for their home.

signing license

Whom will you choose to witness and sign your marriage license!?

earl on dance floor

DJ Earl Henry is one of the best in the biz. Not only is he incredibly professional – I can always count on him during the ceremony – he’s a lot of fun, too, at reception.

sunset pic

A practically perfect day

 

Fantastic videography of the very touching wedding of Joe & Paige. I loved working and creating with these two – such a sweet and very-in-love couple 🙂

Thank you to Regan at reganelizabethfilms.com for your artistry.

Ceremony snippets throughout!

Recently I’ve been binge-watching Queer Eye (I’ve never seen it before! – came across it on Netflix), and yes admittedly weeping occasionally :-).

At the heart of the show, the Fab 5 are helping people reconnect with who they really are, that bright unique light inside, remembering their own story, and then taking that story forward in a new way.

I realize in many ways that is what my goal is when working with clients. With a wedding couple, my favorite part of the process is hearing their story, how they met, what made them fall in love. Then incorporating their love story in an authentic way into their wedding ceremony.

aquarium

At Birch Aquarium. Photo by ABM Photography

An opportunity to tell the story of their relationship, and then just imagine it forward into the adventure of their marriage.

When we really connect with who we are, what brings us joy, what brings us purpose – it becomes the essence of any relationship as well.

Even officiating memorial services – maybe especially so – talking with someone about their loved one who has passed is an opportunity to incorporate all the very special qualities of their beloved deceased, the special gifts they brought to the world. Their story of the impact they and their life had on others is the most important aspect of the service.

Rather than just go through the motions of a ritual or tradition, it’s so important to really connect with that part of ourselves, that light, and then have the courage to express it.

A garden ceremony for Emily and Christian’s beautiful June wedding at Rancho Valencia. It was a pleasure to officiate the wedding ceremony for this sweet couple! So kind and gracious, no wonder the benches were overflowing with loved ones.

Shoutout to wonderful collaborators:
Jose Villa Photography  – thank you for capturing these incredible images!
Brooke Kegan Events – absolutely on point in coordination, likeability, and professionalism.
Enchanted Evening Productions– provided beautiful live processional and recessional
music for the ceremony
Gorgeous florals by Sarah Winward
and of course the beautiful unique lush venue, Rancho Valencia

aisle florals

Bountiful florals highlight the aisle

arch

How much do you love the wooden benches!!

back arch

Stunning arch created by Sarah Winward

boutonniere

Perfect simple boutonniere

ceremony back view

Simple setup on the lawn

ceremony long view

Friends and family witness the I Dos

couple-tree

A fun sweet couple. The gorgeous trees on property make for a beautiful frame.

dress back frame

That dress!

violin

Incredible strings filled the air with beautiful music

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of performing the memorial service for an extraordinary lady. She had lived an incredible life – she was a seeker, teacher, and healer. And a writer of children’s books.

mothergooseNot just any children’s books. She re-imagined classic childhood tales and brought to them a new awakening for the next generation.

What an incredible legacy she leaves – her books will continue to touch and awaken generations to come.

 

 

 

 

At the service, her son read this beautiful piece from Wake Up Mother Goose:

love poem - matt-illustrated