k + j wed in a redwood forest! bodega bay, california. {creative california + boston wedding photography.}

I met Kris + Jason downtown Iowa City (where Kris + I went to school together) on a snowy night, and over a cold winter brew we got to talking about their wedding.  They were newly engaged, and both very excited about the planning.  My eyes got wide when they began to describe their wedding, and you will soon see why.  …and on that snowy Iowa evening the lovely match was made.  It was unlike any wedding celebration I have documented (and I have seen my fair share of weddings!)  They met working on the west coast, and Kris’s engagement ring is actually an abalone pearl Jason found while diving!  It is one of the most unique rings I have seen.  Not to be outdone, Kris’s dad (a dentist) actually made their wedding bands; they are just beautiful!  -  And almost didn’t make it to the wedding.. but that’s a whole different story!  Words really cannot do this amazing weekend justice, so I will stop with the words, and let the photos speak for themselves…   Enjoy !   (Also, view their engagement session 1 here, and the 2nd installment of engagement photos, as well as their underwater wedding photo booth!  Head here to view their full wedding gallery.)

I love Jason’s custom scuba fin cufflinks!

Isn’t she just breathtaking?  I loved the lace detail on her dress, and the simplicity of her jewelry.  And wait until you see the back of her hair! “In gratitude to Nathaniel A. Griffith for these redwoods planted from 1883 to 1933.”  The space was phenomenal. Amazing flowers and plants everywhere thanks to Flora Grubb.  Gorgeous work, ladies! Jars for drinks. I could not get enough of their darling details! They had lots of games and toys on all of the tables in painted minnow traps – super cute and entertainment galore!  Goodies included Go Fish, Kermit the Frog Magic 8 Balls, kazoos, faux mustaches (oh YES!), silly putty, and pinwheels to name a few. First look in a redwood forest?  Sounds alright, I guess.  I mean yes, please!!!  Just look at this adorable stone bench we found! Wonderful Cali sunlight <3 Kris made all of these beautiful seaweed presses by hand – super cool, right??  She was even so sweet as to mail me a few – I can’t wait to hang them in our house!  They also had this sweet sign to direct their guests, and to show where they have lived in the past.  I love this idea!  You could keep it for a garden in a future home, and you could keep adding to it. The grapes were in season! As it turns out, mustaches were also in season.  Wedding time!  Each guest that attended their wedding was given an abalone shell (seen below right) to bless and place into a big glass jar for them to keep.  It was so perfectly Kris + Jason, and it was one of my favorite parts of the ceremony. They also hung authentic antique fishing buoys which were a neat addition to the outdoor backdrop. This next little guy was hands down the most excellent ring bearer to exist on this planet.  I’m sorry, but just LOOK at him!  He was Carabiner Man, and had the rings clipped to him on one of his many carabiners.  He also sported neon green high tops, and a cape.  A CAPE!  He wins.  They exited with huge grins on their faces, singing along to Octopus’s Garden, down to the last verse:

“We would be so happy you and me
No one there to tell us what to do
I’d like to be under the sea
In an octopus’ garden with you.”

I was tearing up – it was incredible, and I loved every second.

The new Mr. + Mrs.! Then the fun got serious. Kris’s maid of honor, Melissa, made this Scrabble keepsake box with words meaningful to Kris + Jason.  I thought it was a great idea also. This is a throwback to our childhood – love it! Everyone made a label for their own jar and reused it all night to make the night greener. What?  I AM smiling! A wonderful way to end a wonderful day!  Kris + Jason, I will remember your redwood forest wedding forever!  I’m so honored to have been a part of it – it was such a treat to get to document!   Big Hugs,  Laura  (Don’t forget, if you want to view the rest of their wedding images and/or order prints, head here!)