September 1, 2016 was the day we became one. Brandon and I went through many different scenarios of what we wanted to do for our wedding, but in the end the choice was clear and easy. In a sense, we eloped but had his parents and sister plus my mom there to bear witness to our union.

Prior to our actual wedding, we did a symbolic ceremony with my dad so he could "give me away". He was going through cancer treatment and was unable to fly to California for our actual wedding. (There are some photos of Ohio mixed in with the California photos - I promise California isn't that green!)

We decided on the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon, CA. It’s one of the many place Brandon took me to on my first trip to California. It’s a steep hike up a hill and then a plunging drop into a beautiful canyon that lay below, filled with the leftover remains of an old river bed. 

Our plan was simple, hike into the canyon and get married just as the sun was hitting the top of the mountains surrounding us. But with all plans nothing ever goes as planned. The morning of our wedding I got a call from Brandon saying that the canyon was on fire and we need to find a new place to get married. After an hour of trying to “figure” it out. We got word that the wind was blowing the fire in another direction and that they canyon was safe...for now.

Off we headed to the Wildlife sanctuary. We decided that we wouldn’t go into the canyon just incase the wind blew and flames arouse. To the top of the hill we hiked, our families, pastor and our cheerful gang of videographers and photographers.

There on the side of a hill we got married, vows were exchanged, a kiss was given and confetti was thrown (it was biodegradable, don’t worry, I care about the environment too you know!) We had a mini reception at Brandon's parents house with some close friends and family, it was simple and lovely! 

Many people ask me, especially with being a wedding photographer, if I missed having a big wedding, and to put it simply - no, I didn’t at all, we followed are hearts and took the leap, I am thankful we did, because it was perfect in every sense of the word. I think it’s important to honor your family, but in the end it’s your wedding day and you need to follow your heart and soul. Like I said before, I am so happy we did what we did. It was stress free (well, almost, fire … you know) full of love, and laughter.

My dress was made my the loveliest seamstress in Cambodia! I picked the fabric and drew a picture of what I wanted and she made it come to life! The floral crown was made by my mom the morning of our wedding from clippings of pepper tree out of Brandon's parents yard! 

Wedding Video By: Memo Collective // Abe and Rachel, the two behind the video are the most amazing humans! I am so thankful our paths crossed a few years ago and that they were able to help retell the story of our day for our families and friends who weren’t there at the wedding itself!

Photography By: Jenna Powers Photography // She’s my BEST FRIEND! It was so much fun having her there not only has a photographer but also as my honorary bridesmaid. She’s a total babe and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to document our day for us!