2020 will go down in history as the year when everything got picked up, tossed around, shuffled a bit and redistributed. Weddings were being cancelled or postponed and scheduled again, and again. But it was also an opportunity for couples to realize that perhaps they really were happy with a simpler, smaller wedding, a time for them to enjoy just their immediate family, or maybe just the two of them, me and a photographer to capture the day. I love all weddings but I have to say I have a special spot in my heart for intimate little elopements. So here are a few of the weddings I had the honor to perform, and couples I had the pleasure to get to know during the year of the pandemic!
Brittany and Rob had originally hoped to marry in Mt. Shasta, a place of great meaning for them. But here in California, not only did we have a pandemic, we had some terrible fires, that led to terrible smoke and Mt. Shasta was a mess. At the last minute they wisely decided to change gears and we met over on the coast at a tiny little B&B, overlooking the ocean. This couple met in yoga class; Brittany was the teacher and I found myself resonating with their approach to life.
Since we were also still in the midst of a pandemic, I kept a safe and respectful distance from them during the ceremony and loved watching their happy faces. Brittany put together her flowers herself and a friend was our photographer and the witness for their marriage license. The coast was clear, quiet and peaceful and it was a fabulous get away for them, and for me!
We could not have asked for a prettier day or a prettier and more intimate spot. Brittany had also baked an adorable cake and afterwards the 4 of us enjoyed a slice and watched the waves crash. We all agreed it was a perfect way for them to begin their married life.
Backyard weddings also became quite popular during 2020 with parents lending their backyards as well as their catering and coordinating skills to help their children have the wedding of their dreams. Many couples also simultaneously zoomed the ceremony to all the friends and family who could not be there, but though the wonder of technology, they could feel as if they were and could offer their best wishes to the couple afterwards. Danielle's parents offered their yard and all the parents took care of the food, keeping guests spaced and safe while also feeling a sense of community.
Edlyn and David married in her parents' backyard, although it was actually right before the pandemic shut everything down. We stood right around the beautiful pool on a February afternoon and I read their ceremony which contained more than a couple Harry Potter references. The backyard was full of family and there was the biggest Filipino feast following the ceremony.
Always one of my favorite moments of the ceremony. And no one fell in the pool! Photographer for their photos Lily and Lime
And of course, there were plenty of Yosemite elopements, 8 in total for 2020 that didn't end up getting bumped. Gina and Brennan enjoyed a quiet fall afternoon ceremony with just me and their photographer Patrick Pike. The park was fairly quiet and just stunning.
Don't you love Gina's adorable little jacket?
We had a lovely little celtic hand tying, laughed and cried through their vows, and enjoyed the scenery.
All Gina and Brennan's wedding, courtesy Patrick Pike
"I wasn't too excited about a ceremony originally, because I'm introverted, and the plan was to go to City Hall by ourselves before having a reception. But the plague happened, and all our plans were upended. So we decided to have an elopement with just an officiant and a photographer/witness. Cindie sent us a questionnaire to fill out beforehand, and she wrote us a very personalized ceremony that absolutely captured our relationship. She was helpful during that time, too, as somebody who had done so many weddings, and provided useful info, as well as a calming presence. I'm so happy we found her for such a meaningful moment." ~ Gina
Toward the end of the year, Placer County opened up for outdoor weddings and Kaitlin & Ryan were able to have a beautiful wedding at Forest House Lodge. You can check out a sweet video of their ceremony on my "Videos and Reviews" page.
Their vows were uniquely theirs. Ryan made us all laugh several times with his quips although there were definitely moments when we teared up. I quoted Kaitlin's favorite author and we honored all their family. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony and I was delighted to be part of it.
Photographer for Kaitlin & Ryan's photos Pislar Photography
"My wife and I were so thankful Cindie married us. She did such an amazing job with writing the ceremony script (handfasting) which had a lot of warmth, love and laughter. And definitely some tears. Cindie has a remarkable presence about her who really made the ceremony special. We highly recommend her to marry you and your partner, you won’t be disappointed." ~ Ryan
And sometimes you just have to abandon the resort wedding you had planned, and opt for a gazebo wedding at the Davis Arboretum, with only your (masked) family in attendance. Kelly and Brandon decided to do just that. Sweethearts since college, I was happy to finally make their dream come true.
Kelly opted for the most perfect dress for this simpler ceremony, so elegant.
"The search for the perfect officiant seemed to be very much like speed dating.. Extremely uncomfortable! That is.. until we met Cindie. She put us at ease immediately. The first time we met, we instantly clicked during the consultation. We wanted our officiant to feel like an old friend that we could just chat with and someone who was authentically interested to learn little details of our relationship and what we envisioned for our ceremony. She helped guide us through the process, sent regular check-ins, and made some great suggestions whenever we were unsure of anything. She put together an amazing opening and weaved an elegant story that was tailored for our audience. Lastly we definitely appreciate her patience with us as a couple that was impacted by COVID closures and as we navigated the uncharted waters of multiple postponements. She was there for us with incredible patience and flexibility. We had a small elopement ceremony and our guests were extremely complimentary of how Cindie conducted everything. I think like many weddings they typically see it performed by an outgoing friend who got the certificate online and is typically their first time officiating. If you want a professional officiant go with Cindie. You will not regret it." ~ Brandon
It's really amazing how the simplest of touches like lots of flowers and smiling family and friends can create a most wonderful wedding day. Thanks to our Photographer for all Kelly and Brandon's photos Jennifer Clapp Photography
I have to close this post with one more Yosemite wedding. This is Leslie and Marc's ceremony up at Taft. If you have seen other photos of mine from Taft you know how incredible it is and that you need to hike out to that incredible point. This is Marc walking with his daughter Cali and Leslie with her Maid of Honor, also named Leslie, who helped her carry that big dress!
During our ceremony, Cali was in charge of bringing us the rings. And then I had the 3 of them hold hands and commit to some family vows. My heart was so touched as Cali cried and was so emotional during that time. What a sweetheart.
Afterwards, the 3 of them shared a special moment together. It was so very sweet to see how happy they all were in that moment. Leslie and Marc came from the east coast to marry in Yosemite. They had to postpone the wedding once because of the fires, so we were all excited that they made it and had the most wonderful time in the park. Big thanks to our photographer for all Leslie and Marc's photos Sabrina Kaye Photography
These are just a few of the delightful couples I had the pleasure to get to know last year. It was so fun to share adventures with them and tell their wonderful love stories. Cheers to all of you! More blog posts coming with more 2020 weddings. And cheers to all the 2021 couples waiting with fingers crossed! May this be your year! xo
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