E + T || Los Altos Hills Wedding

I had the privilege of spending the day with my sweet girlfriend, Tara, from Tara Marie Photography at a local wedding. She was kind enough to let me tag along, teach me the ropes, and let me shoot along side during most of the wedding event. I'd be lying if I said I didn't fall in love and can't wait to do it again. 

This backyard boutique wedding had such a great vintage and personal vibe. The bride's grandma's house served as the venue, and her dress as the bride's wedding gown. It was such an intimate gathering-- to be witnesses of their love and celebrate long-standing family traditions. 

Congratulations to a beautiful couple and another huge thank you, Tara, for generous and making it look easy. ;) I've got a lot of work cut out for me ahead.

Jessica + Kevin

I've known Jess since 2002 when we lived on the same floor in the dorms. She was living with Amy {pictured below with her hubby Jon}. So funny how us NorCal peeps gravitated together while going to school down south. The three of us have had many adventures together, shared many honest heart talks, and been the best cheerleaders for each other. I've mentioned them before here and here. And even though time passes and family/work commitments fill up our focus, we have still remained present in each others' lives. And I'm so very grateful for them.

Jess and Kevin got married at a family friend's house right against the lake. It was breath-taking. Jess was gorgeous and the ceremony was entertaining and endearing.

The ceremony was officiated by Jess's bosses: Jerry and Kimberly Deerman, who are the head pastors of the church she works at. Jess has been there since she graduated UCLA so it was very special for everyone involved. Many many people had been waiting for these two to meet and marry. ;)

Some of the sweet details...

Loved being able to celebrate this sweet friend!

On the Lake

Saturday morning was spent in bed and having a lazy breakfast out on the porch. We were visited by a little caterpillar that dropped down right on W's plate.

I really wanted to go out on the lake, but since we had Vesper, it limited our options just a bit. We packed up our lunch and found a boat rental place. We snagged a paddle boat, loaded us and our stuff and paddled out onto the lake.

The weather was perfect for sunning and having a picnic lunch. We relaxed while Vesper napped in the wrap. The water looked so inviting. I kept telling W that I was going to jump in. I kinda have this fear about water you can't see well in. It freaks me out a little bit. I probably spent the next 10 minutes talking about how I really wanted to go, but was too scared. I finally just went for it and nothing got me. ;)

W went in after V woke up and we were both cooled down for the rest of our time out. It was so so so relaxing.

Afterward, we headed home for naps, a little happy hour, and prepping for the wedding. 

Road-tripping North

We left on Friday late-morning to Lake Almanor for a wedding of a dear, dear college friend. I dropped the boys off at my parents {so so thankful they let us so we could get north before dinner!!!}, picked up W, and started our 4+ hour adventure. There was a great deal of this...

and this...

With a little of this thrown in between.

We made it to Lake Almanor in the evening and settled into our house. We did the VRBO {vacation rental by owner} route with a few other couples attending the wedding. It worked out so perfectly. Great location within the Lake's country club, spitting distance to the lake and short drive to the wedding site. Lots of room. Vesper got her own "room" by way of pack n' play in a giant walk-in closet in our master. It also included all the extra perks that a house brings: access to multiple bathrooms, lovely porch for breakfast, full kitchen, and living room area with comfy sofa. We were instant fans.

We made dinner and walked down to the lake to eat...which may or may not have been on private property...

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing, visiting with another couple staying with us, and figuring out our plan for the next fews days.

Michelle + Scott

Over the weekend, we went to my cousin  Michelle's wedding. My 4th "cousin's wedding" I've attended thus far, and the most marvelous to date. 

These two are just the kindness, most sweetest people. A great reminder that it's always worth holding out for the one who will put you first. Beautiful things will happen when you do.

We first "heard" of Scott {who we somehow jokingly referred to as Steve} during our Milwaukee trip to another cousin's wedding. Michelle was just gushing over this new guy. Then we met him at Ezra's second birthday shin-dig and could see firsthand what the hype was all about. :) They both stayed later at my parents after the rest of the guests left and Scott was so genuine. We could tell right away that he was a keeper.

And now here we are celebrating them! 

The wedding was small, simple, and so gorgeous. I loved the cozy feel and the flowers were amazing.

Every girl should sport a giant flower that's bigger than your own head at some point in life, right?! Check.

{It's so nice to clean up every once and awhile. In an attempt to copy an up-do from pinterest, I learned that W is very hairspray savvy. He even learned how to put in a bobby pin or two.}

Besides all the cute little details at the reception, I also loved that they served J. Lohr wine!!! The wine I fell in love with during our Cambria trips. Scott happens to work there, so I'm hoping for some future discounts. ;) Right, Michelle?! They are big winos so the theme was threaded throughout the reception.

Her dad's speech was the sweetest ever. I definitely teared up several times. He even brought a few favorite show-and-tell items from her childhood--her elephant slippers and bike bell.

Such a joyful night! I'm so excited for Michelle and Scott as they start this wild, crazy and adventurous journey of marriage together! We're only five and a half years in, but I have learned that it grows and strengthens you in ways you could have never foreseen on your wedding day. Here's to living out your wonderful story that God has already written for the both of you. Love you guys!!!!