Real Weddings Magazine - Issue #27-F20-DIGITAL - The Best Wedding Vendors in Sacramento, Tahoe and throughout Northern California are all here

eal weddings
KELLY
& JOHNATHAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ERICA BALDWIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Kelly and John were a fast match, first meeting on a
dating app. They both quickly ditched the app knowing
they found someone special. As Kelly says, they were
two awkward people who managed to find each other
in a world of mundane dates and missed connections.
The beauty of their matchup in a place not meant for
magic came to a head on a day when John booked a
day of glamour for Kelly—an actual ruse for his plan
to propose. Once they were engaged, Kelly says they
decided they wanted “a big party to celebrate our
unique love and blending of our families.”
The elements of Kelly and John’s ceremony were
not only carefully planned but put into action with clear
intentions. Kelly explains, “The tea ceremony was to
symbolize sharing happiness in the simple everyday
things. The ring exchange symbolized the sun and the
earth and the universe as a wholeness and harmony
and union as a family.”
Their reception was no different, with personal
touches and welcoming practices woven throughout
the entire event. Guests sent in song requests along
with their RSVP, John designed board game-themed
table assignments and guests received not one but
two different wedding favors: cactus bottle openers
and mini potted succulents. The overall décor was
dedicated to their combined uniqueness, and even the
artwork curated for the reception. As Kelly explains,
“We commissioned a few of our artist friends to create
unique artwork of us as a couple to be displayed
throughout the reception.”
The personal touches did not stop at the décor,
though. Kelly says, “We are goofy, silly people and our
wedding needed to reflect that.” A photo booth, lawn
games and three signature cocktails dedicated to their
special day gave it a personal vibe as chill and fun as
the bride and groom themselves.
Although Kelly says the entire day is emblazoned
in her memory, she was particularly touched by how
much pride and joy their parents expressed at their
union. “More than anything our wedding just showcased
how inviting and fun we are, and how we are
fortunate enough to be surrounded by great people
who also share that energy,” she says.
Their love remains stalwart, the newly committed
status serving as a legal representation of what their
hearts and heads already knew. Though Kelly acknowledges
that there is always a possibility of bigger and
better things to come. “It’s still sinking in,” she says.
“The way we feel about each other has only gotten
stronger.” OO
—Abigail Blank
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