I don't know where to start this blog post because it sits so closely to my heart I'm afraid I'm going to gush personal memories from childhood. You see, my sister, Alexandria, married her fiancé last week in Lake Arrowhead, California. When Alexandria first introduced Martin to us, he was a co-worker of hers. They took to sharing lunch regularly and soon enough their hearts became one as they split sandwiches and burritos. For the past six years, they've remained by each other's sides and persevered through good times and bad.
When Alexandria announced her engagement, I was beyond thrilled. She has the kindest, biggest, sweetest soul and I wanted nothing but life's shimmering beauty tossed at her in buckets of love and grace. Martin and Alexandria asked me to be a guest at the wedding, but when they admitted they'd like for me to document their wedding day, I happily agreed.
Their day was nothing short of perfection. In its simplicity, it was gorgeous. In its honest vow to commemorate their love, it was raw. It was beautiful. I was honored to be a part of it.
Martin and Ale, I couldn't be happier for you. During the ceremony, I put my camera down for a moment. I wanted to sit in the forest and be with you, in the moment. Dad asked you to say your vows and I cried. Tears of joy, hope, and love. Thank you for being the best sister and brother-in-law I could ask for and I wish you the best as you make the world a better place. Much Love… j*
Alexandria and Martin worked with a modest budget as they planned their wedding, but together they used their creativity and found ways to make their wedding perfectly their own. Alexandria found her wedding dress at a consignment store for $40…it was SO her! She also spent time personalizing wedding details, like handcrafting every invitation. Talk about dedication…
Alexandria had a tough time finding the perfect shoes to wear, but I scoured the web and came across these Chinese Laundry shoes…I secretly wanted them for myself, not gonna lie. But JD said the sisterly thing to do would be to gift them to the bride. AUGH! 😉
While we helped Alexandria dress, JD and my brother Sebastian documented everything…
I can't say enough nice things about Martin. I mean, any guy that can rock a top knot is ace in my book!
I recommend a First Look to all my brides, my sister included. This portion of the day is dedicated solely to the bride and groom…and it focuses on the marriage, not just the wedding. Martin's reaction melted my heart…he was extremely happy to marry my sister…
My sister's full name is Alexandria Lavender (our mother was a hippie), so she incorporated lavender into her wedding decor. She slipped pieces of lavender into her My Olivia Nelson headband…loved it!
The only thing Martin and Alexandria wanted was to marry in the forrest…
I love that they were willing to climb hills in their wedding attire for scenic pictures! 🙂
Alexandria, just like my mother, is a hippie at heart and wanted to relax in the forest for wedding photos…I couldn't have been happier!
It's a confirmed suspicion: my father has a soft spot for Alexandria…he can ever say no to what she wants and usually completes her every request with a kiss…
Alexandria spent months handcrafting her wedding decor and it was lovely to see it all come together…
The night before the wedding, she foraged the forest for decor and assembled a wreath, as well as collected twigs and branches for her marriage circle. She wanted to be barefoot as she walked down the aisle and into the circle. (side note: yes, I wonder how we're related at all…we're as different as night and day, but I love it about her!)
She hand-painted decor and gifted blankets to guests in light of the chill…
My father married them under a canopy of trees…
Shortly after the ceremony, the intimate reception was held at the ever AMAZING Stone Creek Bistro…the service and food was downright perfect! They rented the entire restaurant, so the evening was spent enjoying friends and family…
I'll end this post with two photos from their First Dance…
Happy Thursday!
