Christopher and Vanessa

And we’re on our way to glory.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that no matter what, love always prevails. Through the peaks and valleys of our lives, our existence carries on. And with those thoughts in mind, I wrapped up Christopher and Vanessa’s magnificent wedding. What better way to start fresh this 2022 than being part of such a fun, charming event?

With that preamble, you can imagine what kind of event was Vanessa and Chris’s wedding. The ceremony -held outside -featured rose petals everywhere, including the aisle where Vanessa walked looking stunning, but most of all, looking like a woman in love. And speaking about love, it was such a cute, fun moment, when Chris (as he was saying his vows) repeated the part of “I promise to love you.” The crowd laughed as the officiant pointed out how much he liked that part.

After the ceremony, Vanessa and Christopher were officially pronounced husband and wife; the crowd moved inside for the reception. 

There, the royalty-vibe continued, not only because the ballroom is stunning itself but also the tasteful decoration that adorned it. The sweetheart table was one of my favorite parts, with lots of white roses, candles, and breathtaking details. 

Now there’s time for us to spend

Let’s talk music.

The newlyweds chose the song “Pluto Projector” by Rex Orange County for their first dance. In this song, the author confesses his love for his significant other. He also is hopeful these feelings will last forever. The second verse of the song actually talks about marriage because Rex -in his own words -said he imagined himself in wedlock with his partner.

He calls for an encore on this life again. He also does not shy away from admitting his mistakes and failures while admitting that he can be a ‘boy’ in his thoughts at times. The song reaffirms that where there is understanding, compromise, and communication, “forever” is possible. And with such amazing lyrics, Christopher and Vanessa swayed, looking into each other’s eyes. 

The father and daughter’s song was no less emotional. Vanessa and her father danced Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. Carlisle, a contemporary Christian singer and author wrote this song for his daughter. He was looking at some family photos and suddenly realized his daughter Brooke was bound to leave the household in a few years. Bob Carlisle said the lyrics just “poured out” of him, and he immediately recorded the song. The melody and lyrics are not only about fatherhood but reflection and gratitude. Like when we look back and see we’ve done pretty good, despite all odds. It also triggers appreciation for time well spent. 

And if someone spent their time very well, were the guests at the wedding. Because once the lights were dimmed and the hip hop began, the dancefloor became a stage. 

A remarkable way to start my year. Christopher and Vanessa, I wish your journey together be as your wedding day did: filled with laughter, joy, and tons of love.

Grant and Shyanne

Once I stepped into the ceremony area, with the magnificent circular arch and the beautiful wooden and green deco, I knew Grant’s and Shyanne’s wedding would be fantastic -I was not wrong.

This thing called love.

One of my favorite things about this wedding was that the officiant was the father of the groom. How immensely cool is that? Every single word uttered by Dad was said with deep emotion and the highest sense of love. It was a fantastic experience. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The wedding procession walked down the gorgeous aisle, when suddenly! Oh! The family dog walked as well! I am a firm believer that a wedding should be the reflection of a couple’s personality -not following a script designed by a stranger. Grand and Shyanne nailed this part; everything about the wedding said a bit of them as a couple and as two people very much in love. 

Shyanne appeared, looking stunning beyond words, arm, and arm with her father. The song they chose for the grand entrance was “Can’t help falling in love” by Elvis Presley’s King of Rock. This song was included in the 1961 movie Blue Hawaii. The funny thing is that no one of the movie producers wanted to include it; Elvis insisted on recording the melody for the motion picture. Since then, the song has been featured in many movies, such as Coyote Ugly, Only Fools Rush In, and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. 

It was time for Shyanne and Grant to take the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. The song they chose was a lovely tune called “Butterflies” by Macey Musgraves. Macey was inspired to write this song when she met her future husband, Ruston Kelly. Macey confessed: “Everything from the lyrics down to the production really represents this floaty, dreamy feeling that I got as soon as he came into my life. I had just met Ruston, so my world had been completely flipped upside down, so this is a great sonic representation of that.” Ruston Kelly must’ve felt the same way as he proposed to Musgraves on Christmas eve.

I loved the way the songwriter expressed it because it was the same type of experience one got from watching Grant and Shyanne as they looked at each other’s eyes while dancing. As if they couldn’t wait for the rest of their lives to begin, but at the say, they wished to stop time and enjoy this dreamy feeling. And guess what?… the family dog was present at their first dance as well!

It was 6:30 pm, and the husband and bride took advantage of the golden hour to take some fantastic photos together. From that moment on, everyone dedicated themselves to having fun! The dance floor was packed and alive until the wedding day reached its ending. Family and friends said goodbye to the newlyweds as they marched away with Freddy Mercury singing “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” 

Grant and Shyanne, we loved being part of your wedding -may all the blessings and happiness accompany your journey as a couple.

Erik and Kinsey

I’ve found something real.

I had the pleasure to accompany Erik and Kinsey as they became Mr. and Mrs. Swanson -and boy! Did they do it in a fantastic way!

Erik and Kinsey chose the Safari Park, at the San Diego Zoo, as their wedding location. This is a terrific choice for couples seeking a unique celebration filled with romance, adventure, and one-of-a-kind landscapes. Erik and Kinsey’s guests will forever treasure this memory. Moreover, when couples book weddings at this location, they contribute to the support of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts. You get a memorable wedding day, and you help the planet -that’s neat!

Hold my heart til’ it grows old.

The ceremony began, and the wedding procession entered with a charming song called “Savage beauty” -by Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe (from Planet Earth II soundtrack). The beautiful bride then entered, arm and arm with her father; the song chosen was “Courage and Kindness” from the Cinderella soundtrack. You could say Kinsey is a modern-time princess who loves nature -a combination hard to top.

The officiant’s words were touching and emotional. My favorite phrase from the ceremony was when the officiant said: “A lasting love is rooted upon the fact that God loves you.” And, I couldn’t agree more!

Musical requests for the rest of the event varied, but the classics were ever-so present, with the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. And speaking of the Chairman of the Board, Kinsey’s father sang “The Way You Look Tonight.” I have to be honest, as I was told this was going to happen, I pictured an emotional but serious moment -I was wrong! Kinsey’s father’s unique voice surprised me, but I was also astonished by this moment’s great vibes imprinted in the ambiance. Everyone was dancing to the iconic song as Erik and Kinsey embraced each other and sang it along!

The whole wedding had too many terrific moments to recount them all! I don’t know what I liked the most, Whether Erik dancing with his two sisters or Grandma rocking the dance floor with her favorite song, “Low” by Flo Rida. One of the best wedding moments I’ve ever witnessed!

Everything about Erik and Kinsey’s wedding day matched. The flowers with the landscape, the music with the dancers, the decoration with the place. But most of all, the bride and groom matched each other. It is always inspiring, and never trite, to witness two people madly in love with each other, vowing to be together through thick and thin. It was an honor to be a part of your wedding. Best of lucks in this new stage of your life, and remember to always keep the music on your side!