Sometimes you meet a couple….and there is just this magical goodness about them, that you just cant quite put your finger on. From the very first time Erica emailed me..I knew I just had to have her:) She was this spunky little burst of personality…and had this infectious radiance about her when she spoke of her fiance Karl..and their adventures together. You all know..Im a sucker for the “Story” in every couple…Jason sometimes tells me to stop interrogating people when I first meet them..because I ask SOO many questions right away…I guess it can be intimidating:) But I am just a Nicholas Sparks kinda gal…and every detail that leads up to chance meetings…fallin in love beneath the trees….marriage and babies…is worth knowing to me:) While Erica and Karl have quite a story…the “Proposal” chapter is my favorite…..here is a little snippet from Erica..
The Proposal.
“In January of 2010, Karl and I went to a local jewelry shop to look at a ring I had seen and fallen in love with a few weeks prior. The owner of the shop kindly came out to speak with us about the ring. After talking for some time, he mentioned a “high-tech” scavenger hunt that The Vault (a jewelry shop)was going to put on. It was to be held on February 13, 2010. The clues were to be delivered via text message, and the participants were to use nearly any mode of transportation that was not motorized (i.e. walk, run, skateboard, bike, etc.). The prize: a diamond engagement ring. He advised that we apply for the scavenger hunt, and if we won, perhaps he would allow us to trade in the prize ring in for the ring I wanted.
To apply, couples had to submit a short story about themselves and their partner. The day before Valentines Day the scavenger hunt took place. For 2 hours and 15 minutes that day, Karl and I rushed around Santa Cruz on our bikes, being sent back and forth with each clue we received, obtaining as many points as we could. When the time was up, 300 couples piled into a local restaurant; sweaty, exhausted, and hopeful that they would hear their name at the top of the winners list.
Winners 2 through 10 were called up by name, receiving a variety of prizes. To recognize the first place winner, the announcer read the story that was submitted by the participants. It began with “Hello… Karl and I………” We had won!!! We had miraculously won the scavenger hunt and were about to receive first place prize; a diamond engagement ring! With tears rolling down our cheeks, and trembling hands, we walked to the front of the crowd to accept the ring in disbelief. Standing at the front of the crowd, all eyes were on us, including my mom, little brother, and a few friends throughout the crowd. We hugged, kissed, cried and laughed, all at the same time. And in that surreal moment, Karl bravely got down on one knee and proposed.
It was the most amazing day of our lives.
And of course, the inevitable… we traded the ring we won for the ring I had fallen in love with.”
They got married on a sweet sunny day in September…that was filled with more family, friends,DIY projects, and beautiful moments than a girl can ask for:) The table numbers were a collection of vintage clocks that Karl’s father had collected over the years prior to his passing, and an Oreo cookie and milk bar in memory of her father’s parents who years ago had also passed. But in the end, the focus of the day was about uniting their lives as one…and becoming their own little family of two. Erica + Karl….ahhhhhh! We just love you guys. Cheers to your adventures to come! XOXO
Ceremony & Reception Location: Hollins House at Pasatiempo
Floral Arrangements: Fiona Floral
Photo booth: Magnolia Booth
DJ: Nick Handley
Hair: Laina Welsh
Cake & Cupcakes: Edith Meyer
Dress: Victoria Nicole Style #616 Champagne Satin & Ivory Lace
Brides Shoes: Something Bleu Bow-Topped Slingbacks in Ivory
Bridesmaid Dresses: Butter by Nadia Signature Jersey in Black
Groom’s Suit: Jack Victor/Men’s Warehouse
Groomsmen Suits: Kenneth Cole/Men’s Warehouse
ETSY VENDORS:
Mustache Letterpress Coasters: Etsy.com Seller: ruffhouseart/ Crepe Paper Carnation Poms: Etsy.com Seller: TreasuredEditions
Garter: Etsy.com Seller: PoshBridalCouture/ “Drink Me” Straws: Etsy.com Seller: bbond0520
Elizabeth & Berg tied the knot in a darling little town in California called Murphys. Larraine Winery had some of their favorite wines..and is pretty much the most gorgeous little property..it was an easy decision to visualize their “I Do’s” nestled between the vineyards ..overlooking the sunkissed valley below. Elizabeth is a crafty soul..and it was very important to her to do lots of DIY goodies because she was SO thrilled to marry Berg ..that she wanted to put together something that would reeeeaaallly express their feelings for each other. She wanted it be stylish, very personal, sweet & shabby chic… and most important, FUN!FUN!FUN!
Just had to grab a quick pic with the sassy bride before I either fell in the pond or…or put my trainwreck “reception hair” up in crazy bun by hour 8 of the day:)
Some little girls lay in their beds at night and dream of someday becoming a professional ballerina, a veterinarian, a dancer on the Mickey Mouse club, a doctor, a teacher, movie star…..anything and everything that meant they are “30 flirty and thriving”..{Yes-13 going on 30 quote for you movie goers out there:} While Mia had dreams like this for her own…her biggest dream was to be a wife. I have known Mia for about 10 years now..and I think she has been praying for her future husband for all her life. On the day of their wedding, Mia gave Drew a husband Journal that she has been writing in for several years…pouring out her heart for the one she had been holding out for all these years….what a treasure, right??? You can read a little more about Drew & Mia from their engagement post…to hear more about how they have know eachother since they were kids:) PRECIOUS! We have such a soft spot for Mia and Drew..we keep trying to convince them to move closer to us in Sacramento so we can spend more time with them!! Totally not gonna happen..since they are all cozy in their newlywed cottage in the bay area…but a girl can dream right? Mia and Drew..cling tightly to the words that you spoke to eachother on your wedding day. In a world that has made vows and promises seem nothing more than empty, fleeting words…..CHOOSE to LIVE those promises. Commit each and every day to serving and loving one another. CHOOSE EACHOTHER each and every day…LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!
xo!
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