Private Home Santa Cruz Wedding~ Leah & Todd!

I’m not even sure where to start with writing about Leah and Todd’s wedding. They are extra special to our family. Leah for 2.5 years was Jax’s daycare teacher. Leah owns an amazing daycare and now pre-school here in Aptos. It was Leah who helped us understand all of Jax’s milestones, growing pains and successes! Any question we had Leah answered with patience, grace and a well of information! During Jax’s time there, Leah and Todd were expanding their yard into a wonderful play area! Todd was doing all the construction on this and our tractor-loving Jax would watch Todd in awe as he turned up the ground with tractors and all sorts of machinery! Of course as a wedding photographer I watched their courtship and wondered if one day I would ever be lucky enough to document their love! Let’s just say I did a big happy dance when I found out that it was Greg and I that were trusted with the great honor! So it’s with a big smile that I write up their wedding day story that was so romantic and perfect!

The wedding took place at Leah’s childhood h0me, a beautiful house nestled into the Santa Cruz mountains. When we first arrived it was like out of a movie- there was so much happening! Tables were being set, flowers were being arranged, family was coming and going- so much energy! I loved watching as everyone did their part to make the day perfect. Leah and Todd’s wedding ended up being just as I imagined it, full of love, sweetness and fun!

Upstairs the ladies were getting ready in the master bedroom and there was lots of giggling and fun girl stuff going on!

Down below in the pool room the guys were getting ready too, though a lot less giggling!

What a great idea for a boutonniere!

Todd got lots of hugs from Mom!Surrounded by all her ladies, Leah got dressed into her beautiful wedding gown.

Leah’s Mom and her sister made sure everything was perfect!A touching moment between Todd and his Dad as Todd presented him with an embroidered handkerchief. Sometimes I wish the getting ready part of the day lasted even longer- so many wonderful moments happen during that time!Leah’s veil had a mind of it’s own!Outside on the lawn everyone was excited for the ceremony to begin!Leah came around the corner escorted her dad looking so stunning and happy!I love this moment! The setting sun made the whole setting even more magical.Both sets of parents were welcomed up to bless the bride and groom- such a touching part of the ceremony. Vows, rings, glances at each other- this wedding ceremony may have been short but it was extremely sweet!Sealed with a kiss……and married!Backlit by the late day sun, the bridal party looked great!Inspired by the youngest who threw up his hands, the whole party followed in suit. He looked on at them in amazement that they were doing what he was doing!
While family formals were being taken, cocktail hour was full of games and picture taking by the little ones! More on this later!

Frames hung from the trees for extra fun photos!Love that California light!We chased the sun up into the vineyards and it was just magical! Leah was such a trooper tromping around in her dress up there!The love between Leah and Todd was inspiring! Back at the house, a tent was set up for the reception and everything looked perfect!

All those eager little photographers I mentioned were trying to complete this list! Of course Leah would think to do this!Leah’s Dad started off the toasts!

Followed by Leah’s sister.And then one of Todd’s groomsman. Leah and her Dad then shared a father daughter dance while Mom looked on with a full heart!Todd and his Mom then entered the dance floor and had a touching mother son dance. It was then time for Leah and Todd to share their first dance as a married couple!And then the guests were invited up for a full-on dance party!To look across a crowded dance floor and see a son squeezing his Mama like that just about makes my heart burst! Look at that love between them! Pretty rings, yummy cake and a bouquet toss that luckily did not end up destroying a chandelier!Lucky Dad, he had two beauties to dance with!Reason # I can’t count that high anymore of why I love weddings. Weddings are certainly mostly about the bride and the groom but also family and friends. There was another mother/son dance that night and it was wonderful to watch. Leah’s Dad dancing with his Mom- so much love and happiness. Good thing this was my last wedding of the year, I’m not sure I can handle much more of my heart wanting to explode!Leah’s nephew can DANCE! He was leading everyone in dancing all night long- for one song his cousin came out to challenge him but hmmmm, I think the little guy had the best moves!One happy Mama getting a kiss sandwich from her sons!As if the dancing nephew wasn’t enough talent from the kiddos, his older brother all sugared up from the cake took the mic and started singing! What a team- one was singing the other was dancing- the adults just stood and watched in awe!To end the night, Leah and Todd passed out sparklers for a little bit of old-fashioned fun! What a great way to end an incredible wedding day!Leah and Todd we wish you so much happiness in your marriage! It was an honor to be there to document your sweet love. Thank you for closing out our 2015 wedding season in such a meaningful way!!!