"When we got engaged, we both decided we wanted our wedding to feel like a private party. For our guests to step away from the world and into a gorgeous backyard garden. We found that in Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo, and knew right away that it was perfect for us. It had everything, including a built in dance floor, amazing catering, and gorgeous landscaping. We really felt like it was our own world for the day. As we began to plan and add in more details, we discovered our grey and yellow theme evolved into a tree theme as well. So we had a thumbprint tree guest book for everyone to 'leaf' their mark, and we get to look at it every morning in our kitchen. It is such a great keepsake. :) We had birds as our cake toppers that my mom made by hand, and used part of my christening gown as the veil! One of our favorite moments would be my sister's (and maid of honor's) speech. She surprised us with a recording of a song she had written just for us, and had our DJ play it as her speech. It was amazing. We had no idea she had written us a song, and it was such a wonderful surprise. We've always been so close growing up, so naturally she knew she would get emotional during her speech. This was the perfect way of saying everything she wanted to say to us, and giving us 'our song'. We listened to it on our Honeymoon on the way to our hotel. I still tear up every time I hear it. One of the funniest moments would be when my husband Jamie was dancing with his mom. We picked out 'You'll be in my Heart' by Phil Collins. About 1/3 of the way into the song they both busted out into spins and really dancing. There were so many great pictures of them laughing and just having a great time, it was such a funny and happy moment. :) Our day turned out to be perfect, despite a sweltering heat wave (one of the reasons we didn't have the guys wear jackets), we had great food, dancing, and laughs with our family. We spent a great deal of time on our music selections and wanted to make sure everyone would get up and dance the night away. A few of our friends may have tried to reenact the Dirty Dancing lift :) I look back now and couldn't imagine changing a thing. Like our pastor, Dean Merrill said during our Ceremony; the most important thing to do today is Make Memories."
-Bride & Groom
Photo credit: Ashleigh Jayne Photography
VENDORS:Photographer: Ashleigh Jayne // Venue: Maravilla Gardens // Cake: Frost it CupcakeryDress: Casablanca Bridal // Flowers: Belle of the Ball Designs // Invitations: Vanessa at VO Handmade // Makeup: Kiss the Bride // Hair : Sarah with Heaven's Salon Wedding Fans: Hand painted by Natty Michelle on Etsy // Shoes: Bride: Steve Madden Grooms Tux: Men's Warehouse // Grooms Shoes: Vans // Groomsmen Suits: Friar TuxDJ: Earl Henry at Musically Yours DJ // Videographer: Aqua Vivus // Centerpieces: Save on Crafts // Bridesmaids Dresses: Allure Bridesmaids
