On Labor Day weekend, Paul and I headed to the Santa Cruz area to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Bart and Veronica. I have like 15 stories to share about this wedding and SO MANY GREAT PHOTOS, so feel free to pull up a chair and pour yourself a cocktail/cup of tea (depending on time zone, obviously).
First things first : the only thing I like more than a satisfying final book of a seven book series that I have dedicated my life to is a great wedding. And the only thing I like more than a great wedding is great photos. This weekend had two of the three.
Another funny story : Bart and Vern hired Geoff and Lisa, the husband and wife photography team that shot my wedding (and engagement and headshots) over the past few years. Geoff and Lisa are friends of ours now and it was SO fun to see them in action again (and with new and improved photography equipment! Geez!). I love watching hard-working, talented people find success and it's been so fun to follow The Goodness over the years.
Another funny story : above is Bart and Vern at my wedding in 2010. I don't what we thought would happen back in those days, but I know for sure their path took a better and different turn then we expected.
Not funny, just a story : this wedding was held outdoors at a winery that is owned by Vern's parent's friends. It goes without saying that the space was gorgeous but it was much improved by all the color Vern brought in. An explosion FOR SURE. I couldn't believe all the bonus touches and details.
I know, right?
An awkward story : I feel like it's important to mention I did NOT wear my watch and fitbit down the aisle. I did, however, tuck the fitbit tracking sensor into my bra (like a crazy person) in order to take advantage of all the dancing steps that were sure to occur. It probably wasn't accurate, but it was more accurate than leaving it in the hotel, so that's a win. (And a #protip for you fellow fitbit lovers who also need to dress up on a rare occasion.)
Another funny story : I got to meet the original Ellerie! My daughter, Ellerie, is named after this little girl Ellerie (who is giving me flowers in the photo above because I have a baby named Ellerie!)! Three years ago Vern told me about her family friend who had just had a daughter and named her Ellerie. I practically shouted "HOW DO YOU SPELL THAT?" then promptly emailed Paul, who was deployed, and told him I had named our un-born, un-conceived, possible future daughter. (See aforementioned crazy.) It was so fun to meet the "original" Ellerie (the wedding was held at her grandparents' house) and I'm only sad I didn't have "baby Ellerie" to introduce to her.
Short story : don't worry, we watched the "first look" from the window like complete creepers.
Shorter story : cute baby!
Another funny story : we rode up to the ceremony like the classiest group of bridesmaids & brides ever in a convertible beetles. I mean really. (ps : I have no idea what that Washington State flag is doing there, I know FOR SURE I had already pulled it down once before we drove up.)
Truly deserves it's own book : look at the ribbon backdrop. I can't handle it. Also v's laughing here because like a pro she mangagned to throw a joke into her "repeat after me" vows.
True story : at the reception we took "shots" of Moonshine Cherries which really are just as awesome slash terrible as they sound.
Quick tanget to the story : I am in love with this photo of Paul and Kyle and can't wait to see this hilarious buddy comedy/bromance about crime fighting wedding attendees when it goes directly to DVD next fall.
Losing the story theme : we also took an obscene amount of photos in front of the sunflowers at magic hour because, duh.
…seriously, duh. My only regret about my own wedding is that ten years prior we didn't plant sunflowers that would grow be taller than us in front of the Citizen Hotel.
The real story : veronica is the sixth of my eight close college girlfriends to walk down the aisle (we're celebrating the seventh in early October) and every wedding we go do is like a mini-reunion. We're semi-dreading the days when we're all hitched and have to come up with other reasons to get blowouts, buy dresses and see each other. (I mean, besides football national championships.)
The end : I love these girls. I love when Paul's not deployed and we get to go to weddings together. Bart & Vern, you're our favorites. Check plus on a great party and check plus PLUS on a long life full of love.
All photos used with permission by The Goodness (and Veronica, of course). Here is my (unsolicited and un-sponsored) plug: Geoff and Lisa are awesome and the real deal if you're looking for wedding or family photography in Northern California. HIGHLY recommend. [insert thumbs up emoji here.]
note : silk chiffon bridesmaid dresses are j.crew, these are my shoes & this is my arrow bracelet. vern's lipstick is stila beso and her shoes are prada.
enJOY it 
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