She waited patiently. Well, somewhat patiently. Kristen is the type of girl who sets her mind to something and sets out to make it happen. Her career was built–and remains driven–by her vivacious personality, but her love life floated just out of reach, like an unruly dandelion in a patch of green grass. But there was one thing she was certain of: under no terms did she want to meet someone online.
No sir, no way. But the dandelion blew her to Tinder on a whim. Swipe left. Swipe left. Swipe lef…oh, wait. Swipe right.
While on a work trip in Africa, Eric and Kristen decided to Skype after their online introduction and in that moment, sparks flew across continents. Hours of conversations and hundreds of texts later, Kristen waited at the Houston airport for Eric to deplane.
Standing in cowboy boots and holding a sign, Kristen smiled when Eric read what she wrote: “Welcome Back, Eric. I've been waiting forever for you!”
Kristen and Eric, you are magical. There are no other ways around it. Your love is like the moon, keeping those around you happily in your orbit. You are magnetic and make people around you want to get even closer. Thank you for the honor of documenting your first day as husband and wife. I hope you continue to foster dandelions in your life because it keeps things beautifully unpredictable. Much Love and Appreciation… j*
A girl after my own heart, Kristen wore a pair of Valentino's because even a rustic, outdoor wedding deserves a little glamour.
I don't need to mention my love for brides who opt to dress outdoors, especially when they trust my suggestion. Kristen looked at me and simply said, “Let's do whatever you want!” And amen.
The bride dressed under the shade of oak trees surrounded by her closest friends and family. The light was just too gorgeous!
12 bridesmaids…all equally in love with the bride.
A good woman is always raised by an even better one.
So much excitement in the air…
Gorrrrrrrrgeous.
Kristen's nieces and nephews were more than excited to prepare her to walk down the aisle…
The groom was beyond happy to see his stunning bride…
Kristen and Eric planned a destination wedding in Sonoma, California. On a private vineyard owned by family friends, they committed their lives to each other…
Hilltop wedding dreams in Sonoma…
Perfect vows for a perfect bride…
Eric has a heart that glows…the sun just happened to match…
A bridal party never looked so good in Sonoma …
After a heartwarming and perfect wedding ceremony, the couple enjoyed sunset together…
Happily Ever After…
Golden sunset wedding photos? Yes, please…
Nothing better than a wedding day portrait…
Making their way down to the wedding reception…
Oh, yessssss….
Kristen is from Houston, Texas. This girl rocked this bridal portrait like a professional. It's in her blood.
Adjacent to Passalasqua Ranch vineyards is a forest of trees, which made a perfect location to dance the night away. Kristen emailed me and described her wedding as A Mid Summer Night's Dream meets Rock N Roll…and I was immediately smitten.
The owners of Passalasqua Ranch produce grapes for various vintners, which they proudly served…
Kristen's bridesmaids were not only gorgeous, but two actually catered the wedding. Yes, made the entire reception meal. SO impressive!
Toasting to forever…
Family-style dinner for a family-style love…
The personal touches to the reception and the attention to detail was impressive, but no one would expect less from Kristen, who enlisted help from her cousin to drive a trailer from Texas filled with hand-picked details for the wedding…
Strung lights? Check. Outdoor reception? Check. Sonoma perfection? Check and check.
The first dance…paired with Dancing Lady red wine. So appropriate.
The bride and groom had an impressive First Dance, but was made extra impressive by the totally unrehearsed twisting, twirling, and the epic air lift, a la Dirty Dancing. Patrick Swayze had nothing on you, Eric! 😉
Yes. Yes that is a cardboard cut out of the groom…thus proving his dedication to the dance floor.
Whiskey and singing = perfection.
These two never left the dance floor, thus ensuring an epic party in the forest…
An aura of love and support filled the forest and the trees even swayed in their happiness…
Good night, sweet forest, sweet Sonoma…
A verrrrry BIG thank you goes to the amazing team who brought this day to life…
Wedding Venue: Passalasqua Ranch – a private estate
Wedding Planner: Ashley of So Eventful
Makeup and Hair: Beauty by Melina
Rentals: Encore Event Rentals + Bright Rentals
Lighting: Got Light
Bar: Libations Unlimited
Photography: Jasmine Star
