Terra and Craig - Rancho Valencia

Last April, I met Terra and Craig at the Bridal Bazaar in Del Mar, and then they sent me an inquiry through my website a few weeks later - for their August wedding. As Terra put it, "my cousin forced me to go [to the Bridal Bazaar] and meeting you was the best thing there!"

Since we only usually get a few minutes, at best, to chat at the Bridal Bazaar, we knew we wanted to sit down soon to really talk about their wedding.

When we met, they let me know that they were very emotional about their relationship, so didn't see themselves able to actually speak during the wedding, and were very grateful to have found each other. It was not a first marriage for either of them, and that really led to such gratitude for finding this perfect match for them! The focus was to be "fun, family, and friends" and we talked about ways to incorporate others. They also were very liberal politically, and were not religious-focused at all. If anything, it would be more Buddhist and spiritual, not traditionally religious.

From the first time I met them, I knew that I was going to enjoy working with them - and to helping them celebrating their fun and loving relationship!

So, what did we create together?

First, it was important that they honor and acknowledge their mothers, so we did so with a beautiful thought, and then Terra and Craig went together to each of their mothers with a gift for them. Next, we included three readings, and all were read by friends - one a piece written by the bride herself, another "Poem Number 45" by Pablo Neruda (read by the friend in both English and Spanish), and the last "Love" by Roy Croft.

Their vows were unusual and beautiful - and absolutely perfect for their beliefs and priorities in life:
"The vows Terra and Craig will be making today are statements of not only their commitment to each other, but to those they love, and for the world they leave their sons."
• By your actions and words, will you be a voice for peace and advocate for a healthy planet? [We will]
• By your actions and words, will you cherish and nurture your friendships; honor and be watchful for your parents; love and embrace your collective sons? [We will]
• By your actions and words, will you build a Terra-and-Craig-centered relationship, will you find humor and playfulness in living life together, and will you be present in this partnership and love each other with warm and compassionate hearts? [We will]

Plus, as always, I included stories about them and their relationship from the homework assignment they both did for me - and so many of their friends and family members commented on that piece of the ceremony.

We then ended the ceremony with a modified announcement, which they wrote: "Family and Friends, I present to you Terra and Craig, lovers and friends, husband and wife."

Terra and Craig were a ball to work with, and the joy they experience being together comes through in every part of their being! I loved being a part of celebrating this relationship! Thank you, Terra and Craig, for that honor! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together!

Check out the gorgeous pictures below from Kim Bales Photography.
Thanks to the other wonderful professionals!
Wedding Planner:  Jenny Minns - Luxe Special Events
Florist:  Alyta Milana - Jolie Fleur