Shane and Brad - Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula
Now, they are in the Los Angeles area, I'm in San Diego, and they are getting married in Temecula. Where to meet? Originally they were heading down here for other meetings, so we were set up to meet in Solana Beach then, but that fell through. Well, by chance, a week later, I was going to be heading up to the racetrack in Fontana to cheer on my husband as he races his car. So, we met up in Ontario on a Sunday morning for coffee and our first chat. I totally loved this warm, fun couple from the start!
First, we had to figure out ways to satisfy both families, and not make them feel uncomfortable with anything we were doing. But most importantly, we had to stay true to this couple and their beliefs, as that's who we were there celebrating! So, when we met, we chatted about all sorts of ideas and things we could do. I loved the relieved look on Shane's face, in particular, as she realized that we could actually make this happen in a way that worked for all. They booked me on the spot!
So, what did we end up creating together? It was really love-focused and did not really have traditions from either religious tradition, as, in the end, Shane and Brad didn't feel that was true to them. We did include a unity candle, and we had a wine blessing, but the explanations around both components were not religious ones at all. We included the readings "Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog," "The Art of Marriage," and the "Eskimo Wedding Vows" - but just as components of the ceremony, and not for others to come up and read. They wrote their vows together, and repeated them to each other. We asked a question to her father after he brought her down the aisle. They chose to end with the kiss, and to leave the introduction of them as newlyweds for later. And, as always, I shared stories about them, taken from the homework assignment they each completed (separately) for me.
Shane and Brad had their cocktail hour first, which I love, as it not only ensures that everyone is there by the time the ceremony starts, but the families and friends are already starting to meet and mingle before we even get going. They also did their pictures first - it not only allowed them to use daylight hours in the vineyard, it definitely results in them being calmer when the ceremony comes around, I have found. These gorgeous photos are from Justin Hulse of Hulse Photography. He clearly captured how much fun these two have together, and how much they enjoy being together! As always, Jennifer of Amore Events made it a smooth event and very easy for me to just worry about doing my part!
And, one of the best things - not only did Shane and Brad love the ceremony and what we created together, but both of their families enjoyed it and continue to rave to them about it to this day! Yay! Success!
Thanks again, Jen, for bringing this terrific couple into my life, and thanks so very much, Shane and Brad, for allowing me the honor of being part of your wonderful celebration!
Venue: Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula
Wedding Planner: Jennifer Molloy of Amore Events
Photographer: Justin Hulse of Hulse Photography
Videographer: Rollie Carillo
Entertainment: Michael Mastromatteo of 2 Grand Entertainment (on piano)
P.S. Here is the review that Shane was awesome enough to write for me on WeddingWire and other sites, so you can hear it from her perspective: WeddingWire Review
