“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” – John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

From the second these two walked into the cafe where we met, I loved them. I love how tenderly they speak to each other, the way they look at each other, how they finish each other’s sentences, that he’s in a rock and roll band, and even how they met on OKCupid! On their first date Gillian was on a liquid cleanse and couldn’t eat, but thankfully Jon didn’t mind one bit. Instead of dining, they walked, talked, and fell in love. I love that.

For their first look, we decided to do it on the balcony of her mother and stepfathers bedroom where Gillian had gotten ready. It was priceless. I took Jon out on the balcony and told him not to turn around and to wait for the love of his life. He did. It was adorable watching him fidget and squirm while butterflies did back flips in his stomach. Gillian approached, then reached down to touch Jon’s hand. They hey saw each other, smiled, kissed and began to look at each other. I mean really look, all while I’m snapping away behind the camera with tears streaming down my face, the first time of many that day.

The wedding took place at Gillian’s mother and stepfather’s gorgeous property in Los Gatos. The entire place was sprinkled with an assortment of vibrant flowers. They were to die for! With 130 of friends and family present, Gillian stepped out into the yard and began the journey down the aisle. She looked stunning and comfortable in her J Crew wedding dress, Toms shoes, her mother’s pearls, hair done by Melanie Hegna, and makeup by Jody Bowen. By the time Gillian reached Jon, who patiently waited in his Burberry suit, I don’t think there was dry eye in the house. Debra, Gillian’s aunt and fabulous officiant, was inspirational and did a beautiful job telling their story and creating a ceremony that was perfect for the couple. Gillian and Jon finally said I Do, exchanged their beautiful rose gold wedding rings, and took their first steps as man and wife.

One of my very favorite parts of a wedding day celebration is the speech. What a roller coaster of emotions!  You laugh, you cry, you usually cringe a time or two, but most importantly you get to learn more then you ever could’ve dreamed about the awesome couple you are there to celebrate. The speeches at Gillian and Jon’s wedding were no exception. Let’s just say I was happy Michelle, my 2^nd photographer, was there because I was enamored with every word I heard from the beautiful poem Jon’s family read and the touching moments Gillian’s family shared. My favorite was learning that instead of washing his jeans, Jon freezes them. Yes, you read it right. He freezes them. Like I said, I love them!

This wedding was picture perfect and could not have gone smoother without the help of wedding coordinator Alicia Falango of Alicia K. Designs. During the reception, guests enjoyed food by Roti Roti Gourmet Rotisserie & Catering, Soleil Wood Fired Pizza, and cupcakes by Kara’s Cupcakes. The party danced the night away to the tunes by DJ Melanie of Beats By That Girl and the lighting, done by Illusions Lighting Designs, gave each photo I took an added spark.

Jon and Gillian, thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful wedding! Your sweet love is tender and inspiring. I can’t wait to hear all about your honeymoon full of romantic adventures in France and Spain and a life of happiness and fond memories.

xo

• Weddings