Yep. This happened. There are a few places on Wedding Photographers' "bucket list" locations- and shooting a wedding in the Redwood Forest was definitely one of mine!! So when my dear friend Jenna asked me to document their wedding in California- my jaw hit the floor- and then I'm sure I gave her an inappropriately long hug.
These two are just the best couple-- I mean it. Over the last couple years I've got to know Chad a bit too- and I just love the way that they treat each other- and have such a cute life together! I was more than honored to document their Wedding! I got to know Chad a bit more when we did our Engagement photos last year too! You can check out their photos from that, Right HERE! One of their images also made it pretty far in an international Photo contest last year as well! Their cuteness is official :)
As for the wedding day, it was a whirlwind for me! Since I shot this wedding alone (no second shooter), I spent the morning going back and forth between Bride and Groom, etc! I loved this though because we got to include a bit if the Ocean in some shots as well! Chad and his guys got ready at a Beachfront house in Crescent City, so we got to use that area for some of their portraits! As for Jenna, they got ready at the Reception venue, Woodmore Gables, which was a adorably charming home right off the Smith River next to the Redwood Forest.
Once the gals were ready, we all headed over to the Grove where the Ceremony was taking place (Organ Donors Grove in Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park). I love that this was such an intimate, small ceremony-- just immediate family and close friends-- I feel like a really large guest list for a ceremony location like this would take away some of the magic and charm of the forest! Maybe I'm wrong- but it just felt so genuine and touching.
Of course after the Ceremony, Jenna and Chad and I ran about the forest to get some couples portraits! It was magical, that's all I can say. Chad said that he wanted some "jesus light" shining through (it was a cloudy day for much of the day- so we weren't sure!)- lol- luckily the Sun came out to play at just the right time....and I think we nailed it ;)
The Reception went off without a hitch back at Woodmore Gables, and everyone enjoyed the view, company, food, and some good ol' fashioned attempts at the Dirty Dancing lift. All in all, it was an amazing wedding and experience-- I'm so thankful I got to be a part of it!
(A note on Chad's Red shoes-- I loved this. I asked him what the significance of the shoes was- and he told me (I hope I'm getting this right!), an older gentleman (Chad is very nostalgic at heart!) had once told him that every gentleman should own a pair of Red Shoes- and that was that. I'm sure there's more to it- but I love that he respected this mans thoughts from another generation, and took it to heart!)
CONGRATS again you two-- love you!!
