Felton Guild Wedding Photography- Stephanie & Mike!

Felton Guild Wedding Photography! Be sure to check out the amazing list of vendors that worked on this wedding at the bottom of the post!

Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyOn a gorgeous July day in a Redwood Grove at The Felton Guild, Stephanie and Mike tied the knot amongst family and friends!  Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyOnce guests followed this little path past the chalkboard, they entered upon a little wedding heaven!  Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe sun was perfectly shining down through the tall trees, highlighting all the special touches Stephanie and Mike created to make their day unique!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyStephanie’s sister, Cara created all the flower decorations for the wedding, she did a stunning job!  It’s no wonder as Cara and her husband are the owners of two very successful garden store/nurseries, DIG Gardens in Santa Cruz and Hidden Gardens in Aptos. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike’s mother created these beautiful sun charms by hand to accompany the individually wrapped succulents as the wedding favors.Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyPictures of Stephanie and Mike through the ages hung from the trees for guests to enjoy. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyTaaaa DAAAAA!!!  Look at that dress! Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe bouquet was sensational, so interesting and unique with a color palette that perfectly matched the wedding!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyLet’s jump to the groom, they never get to go first! Mike was tucked away from the bride in a little room, perfect for guys that don’t need to fuss with getting ready stuff! Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike did a great job with his details…Santa Cruz Wedding Photography…but his soon to be brother in law perfected them!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyWith all that extra time guys have they got to pal around and have fun!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike’s Mom pinned the boutonniere on him and it was such a tender moment.  These two have a very close relationship, it was beautiful to observe. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyMikes’ sister, beaming at her brother looking so dapper!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyIn the ladies quarters, Stephanie was working on her letter that she would read to Mike during the ceremony. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyStephanie’s Mom did the honors of zipping up the dress!

Her sister Cara helped with jewelry.

Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyStephanie and Mike decided they wanted to do a “first touch”, where they would not see each other but they would have the opportunity to connect before the ceremony.  It was incredibly sweet and emotional!!  Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyFinally the moment had arrived!  Guests entered the enchanting space to the sounds of violin playing.  Everything was perfect!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike was escorted by his mother.Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe ring bearers and the flower girl waited in the wings for their turn!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyHow adorable!!!  Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyEnding with the beautiful flower girl who perfectly laid the path of rose petals for the bride. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyStephanie was escorted by her mother. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike’s mother did the first reading.Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding Photography

Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyThen Stephanie’s mom. Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyHonestly, how cute?  They were both perfect angels throughout the day!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyStephanie read her letter to Mike first, everyone was listening with full hearts and tears in their eyes!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThen Mike read his letter that really brought the emotions of the wedding to another level. It was so refreshing to hear a bride and groom speak so openly about their love for one another.Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike’s tears rolled down his face bringing smiles of joy!  Everyone loves when a groom wears his heart on his sleeve!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyThey then locked up their letters to each other for safe keeping to read one day down the road!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyExchanging of the vows and rings.Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThen the moment everyone is waiting for- KISS THE BRIDE!!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyWhoot! Whoot!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe newlyweds were then surrounded in a sea of hugs from their bridal party!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySister love!!!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyMarried!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding Photography

What a stunning couple!  As beautiful as it was to photograph these two in this venue, it was time for the celebration!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyGuests left special advice on the Jenga pieces, such as this woman’s advice “Shut up and say thank you!”Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe photo booth was an incredible set of moon and stars, custom made just for them by their friends!!  Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyFace painting for the little kids and big kids too!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike welcomed the guests and even played a little trivia game with them all!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThen the maid of honor told stories that had everyone laughing and also tearing up as she toasted to Stephanie and Mike!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyMike’s best man along with the officiant had everyone cracking up accompanied by the Star Trek theme!Santa Cruz Wedding Photography

Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyIt was time for the newlyweds to have their first dance. They started slow and then ended things with twirls and a big dip!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe band, The Blue Tail Flies, great friends of the couple, started playing as the sun beagn to descend on this perfect warm summer’s evening!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyEveryone had so much fun dancing!!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyLike all the other details of the wedding day, the cake was a thing of beauty! Almost a shame to cut into it!!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe kids though were eagerly awaiting a slice! Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyIt was then time for the traditional garter and bouquet toss!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyThe party continued under the twinkling stars!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographyGetting ready for her tryout with the band!Santa Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographySanta Cruz Wedding PhotographyWhen we left the wedding, Stephanie and Mike were still laughing and smiling, dancing into the night! We wish you the same joy for the rest of your marriage! Congratulations!!!

I’d like to extend a hug thank you to talented Nicole Cross for collaborating with me photographing this wedding!

Vendors:
Site: Felton Guild Weddings
Caterer: Sebastian at Oak Tree Ristorante
Flowers:  Dig Gardens
Cake: Heather’s Patisserie 
Band:  The BlueTail Flies
Jewelry: Amy Burgess Jewelry
Hair & Makeup: Virginia Meyers an Independent Cosmetic Professional
Rental: A Festive Affair Party Rental
Menus: Crescent Moon Paper Co. 
Dress: Novella Bridal
The Photo booth was hand made. The moon was done by art teacher Nicole Bommarito.

 

Susannah Gill is located in El Dorado Hills CA. She photographs weddings, families & babies in Tahoe, San Francisco, the Bay area and is always looking to travel! Phone:1-916-936-7363 Email: susannah@susannahgill.com