Mike + Kristin got married at the gorgeous Oak Farm Vineyard & Estate last month and we felt so grateful to take part. Unlike most couples that we work with, we had never met (or even seen!) either one of them before their big day. It was almost like a blind double-date that you know will last 9 hours, but not. lol In typical blind date fashion, we tried to see if we could find them on social media (that’s what every normal person does right?! lol) Get this….neither one of them partake in either! We couldn’t even FB or IG stalk! Ha!
Fast forward to wedding day and you can imagine my delight when I arrived to the home of Kristin’s father, Steve and saw the gorgeousness that was awaiting me. Kristin was sitting there in the makeup chair with her flawless skin and infectious smile. I let out that first date sigh of relief. She was friendly and warm, but cool and calm all at the same time. You see, although it was one of the happiest days of her life, there was definitely something or more specifically someone missing that day. Sadly, Kristin had told me in one of our phone chats together, that her Mother had passed. As someone close to my own Mother and as a Mom, myself…I couldn’t begin to imagine the emotions she was feeling, but in knowing that… my heart genuinely hurt for her. On a day where there are a multitude of emotions under much easier circumstances, she was able to stay strong and get through it. Although I obviously never had a chance to meet her Mom, Diann, I’m sure it’s safe to say she would have been extremely proud at what a beautiful bride and loving wife Kristin was on her wedding day and will be in her marriage. Emotionally speaking, Mike + Kristin have already probably been through more than most couples because of the loss they have had to deal with and it showed. Their bond was undeniable. It was at times an emotionally intense day, but it was also extremely genuine, gorgeous and love-filled one as well. Her Mother may not have been there in physical form, but her beloved self was definitely there in spirit. Truth be told, even my eyes didn’t escape getting teary at times. As I drove home that night, I thought about how although I had started the day with what were essentially strangers, I left feeling like I had just spent my day with a group of cool, old college friends. It was a emotional day, but a fun one as well.
Thank you so much for having us and we send you the utmost best wishes on a lifetime of continued love, respect and admiration for one another. Congrats!
Special thank you to: Jody Atkinson for assisting us on this beautiful day. Love you, friend! 🙂
Bridal Dress: Maggie Sottero
Groomswear: Joseph A. Banks
Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell + Jenny Yoo
Floral Design: A/Z Floral Design http://www.azfloraldesign.com
Cake: Frosted Flour in Lodi, Ca http://www.frostedflour.com
Music: Ryan Hernandez + Koz (acoustic) http://www.ryanhernandezmusic.net
Cover Me Badd (Cover band) http://www.covermebadd.net