I love the infectious joy in these surprise proposal and engagement photos from Taken By Light Photography. New Yorkers Brandi and Everett just recently got engaged and tied the knot in a secret ceremony at San Francisco’s City Hall, and it’s clear from the pictures, that they are a perfect match. Check out this adorable couple and their sweet story below!
When Everett was asked to fly out to San Francisco for a few weeks on business, he asked his love of seven years, Brandi, to join him. Once the trip was set, the couple hatched a secret plan to have a hush-hush civil marriage ceremony at City Hall once they arrived in town. Brandi began to search for photographers who would capture their wedding ceremony, and settled on Taken By Light Photography. Everett then contacted them on his own, employing their help to also capture his surprise “official” proposal to Brandi at the Coit Tower.
When Everett dropped onto one knee, the crowd was unable to contain their excitement, and a very surprised Brandi was smiling, laughing and crying – all at the same time.
After Brandi said yes, the couple ventured out into the city for their engagement session. One of Brandi’s requests was to find a location with “lots and lots of bricks,” so the couple and their photographer journeyed to Fort Point, near the Golden Gate Bridge. I love the way the images turned out!
Che and Paul of Taken By Light Photography say that Everett and Brandi were a joy to shoot, filling the entire day with laughter and smiles. The couple danced – and even sang – their way through the photo session. Too cute for words! Congrats Everett and Brandi, and thank you for sharing your story with us!
Victoria and Drew’s early summer wedding on Washington’s stunning Orcas Island, captured by talented Seattle-based photographer Jenny J, was a true Pacific Northwest celebration. Relaxed, rustic and outdoorsy, I am charmed by the country-feel of this sweet Real Wedding!
The Goals: For Victoria and Drew, the most important aspects of their wedding day were the location and the music. They wanted their big day to have a woodsy, vintage feel to it, so they chose the old-fashioned, quaint Victorian Valley Chapel for their ceremony, where every wedding is still lit by candlelight. The reception was held at Odd Fellows Hall, a historic dance hall with tall ceilings, an outdoor deck and a waterfront view of the Sound. It’s a location that is quintessentially Northwest in its design and style.
The Design: The emotional wedding ceremony was “short and sweet”, presided over by a Buddhist officiant who recited both a Celtic psalm and a poem written by William Blake.
Victoria chose a wedding color palette of gray, green and ivory, with a few bright pops of purple in the flower arrangements. Keeping with the rustic country feel of the wedding, flowers and centerpieces were kept casual and organic, in vintage wooden boxes. Guest’s place cards were made from distressed paper tags, tied with green ribbon, and table numbers were made from vintage playing cards. As evening set in, hanging lanterns and string lights lit up the room, along with twinkling tea-lights in mason jars.
Their raspberry-filled wedding cake was decorated with sprigs of ferns and pine needles and topped with a ceramic wedding topper found on Etsy. An image of a bride and groom with owl and antelope heads–the perfect choice for this couple’s woodsy Pacific Northwest theme!
The Style: Victoria’s bridal style was soft and feminine with bohemian-inspired touches. Above all, she wanted her look to blend with the beautiful natural elements on the island. Clad in a romantic and floaty Vera Wang dress, Victoria accented her look with a hair wreath by Patina Floral. Bridesmaids wore gray above-the-knee dresses from Nordstrom Bridal Boutique, accessorized with old-fashioned pearl necklaces to give their look a more vintage feel. The groom and his groomsmen were casual but stylish in their J.Crew suits.
The Moments: Victoria and Drew entered their reception to “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns and Roses, a unique way to kick-start the party portion of the evening! They followed it up with a romantic first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young. Toasts from their wedding party throughout the night were “more emotional than we expected them to be…it was hard not to cry!”, says Victoria.
The couple spent the rest of the night dancing to great music and playing in the photo booth set up by Jenny J. It was filled with wacky props like mustaches, glasses and more–a big hit that everyone loved!
The Pros: To learn about all of the incredible wedding professionals who helped to make this wedding a reality, please visit ourReal Weddings section.
Thank you so much for sharing your charming Pacific Northwest wedding with us Victoria and Drew!
As an award-winning catering company (and talented Junebug member!) Lisa Dupar Catering is known for their exceptionally delicious and successful events. The team’s extensive knowledge and professional expertise allow guests to have a complete dining experience – from the first sip of wine to that last bite of dessert. Lisa’s food is truly inspired culinary art, and her own sweet Southern hospitality makes her a joy to work with.
Lisa recently let us take a peek inside her recipe box, and she shared her favorite seasonal recipe for an outdoor summer wedding. Lisa loves the Oregon Pink Shrimp and Shaved Fennel Salad not only because it’s tasty, but because the Oregon Pink Shrimp is also one of the only completely sustainable pink shrimp industries in the world – a fact we can definitely get on board with!
Oregon Pink Shrimp and Shaved Fennel Salad
Serves 6-8
6 Cups of Oregon pink shrimp (fresh if you can get it, or defrosted and drained)
1 Cup EACH of finely diced celery, diced fennel, and diced dikon radish (or red radish)
3/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Mayonnaise
6 Tbs. of chopped fennel greens (fronds)
1 Tbs. chopped fresh tarragon
3 Tbs. Dry white Vermouth (optional)
3/4 Tsp. “New” Bay Seasoning from World Spice, or Old Bay Seasoning
To finish the salad:
Make sure the shrimp is completely defrosted and drained of any excess water.
Mix all ingredients and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve with two leaves of iceberg, one leaf of radicchio, and little spring Easter radishes.
Note: This dish should be made fresh right before serving or the vegetables will lose their crunch if it sits too long!
Lisa also recommends choosing one fun cocktail for your wedding or celebration, that can be served in a champagne flute or beautiful pitcher, and accompanied with lots of fresh fruit garnish. The Purr Razz Sparkler sounds heavenly!
Purr Razz Sparkler
3/4 oz. Pur Geist Raspberry Vodka
1/4 oz. Chambord
Fill the champagne flute with Moscati d’Asti (about 4 oz.)
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