Mark and I were lucky enough to get to go to Bryan and Charmaine's wedding in California. It was a last minute opportunity that became available, and we had to juggle a few things but we are so thankful that we got the chance to go. I had only met Mark's aunt Barb and his Nana before from this side of the family. So it was so nice to finally get to meet his other cousins and his other aunt. The only one I have yet to meet is his uncle Rob and his family. Maybe someday. So we flew in the day before the wedding into San Jose and stayed with Mark's aunt Barb (mother of the groom.) Thank you Barb for your hospitality. Later I got to meet the cousins and aunt I just mentioned as they came into town.
Bryan and Charmaine's wedding was set up in the Santa Cruz mountains in the Redwoods at a place called Nestledown. OMG THIS PLACE WAS BEAUTIFUL. It was like a fairytale. They had a beautiful "barn" where the reception was going to be held, a little cottage that was all decorated inside made a great photo prop, as well as a train, old fashioned car, and little statues throughout the place. There was a lion, a camel, a bride and groom statue, etc. Little benches everywhere, and where the ceremony was held was absolutely breathtaking. It was by a pond with a fountain down a wooden staircase. BEAUTIFUL. They had a 50's themed wedding, and since that is my favorite decade I was stoked.
We arrived Friday afternoon to start taking pictures. We met the girls at a house that was set up on the hill. Charmaine looked stunning. She had two dresses. Her ceremony dress was a beautiful fitted full length gown with lace and a beaded belt, and for the reception she changed into a tea lenth puffy lacey sexy dress. Charmaine looked beautiful in both of them. Bryan and Charmaine had a large bridal party of 8 attendants, and they were wearing red and black. The girls dresses were perfect. They were fitted pinup like dresses and the boys wore black tuxes with red vests and than changed into white shirts with red suspenders. They had two flower girls WHO WERE FREAKING ADORABLE. Marley, and Cameron- we became little buddies for the day wore tutus. so cute. Their brother, Gabe, was in a white shirt with red suspenders. Everyone was so cooperative and so helpful that day.
The ceremony was so beautiful, and so touching. I think Charmaine was a little nervous, but that's ok who isn't on their wedding day. After the ceremony the guests headed over for cocktail hour where they could get a lemon drop, soda, some kind of alcoholic tea, or beer. They also could ride the train, play bocce ball, and eat cotton candy. After the bride and groom arrived on the train we headed over to the dining part of the event. They were serving hamburgers and hot dogs- perfect for the 50's diner experience. We watched some very emotional toasts. These two are so loved, its amazing. The toasts were heartfelt, funny, and there were lots of tears.
Next we went into the "barn" for the reception to really begin. This is where the dancing took place. Bryan and Charmaine danced to a beautiful slow song, and than broke out into a swing dance. What a cute couple these two are, you can tell they have so much fun with each other. They did a a great job on their dance. The weekend was so much fun and Mark and I are so honored and blessed that we got to join these two lovebirds for their special day. I'm so thankful that I got to meet the rest of the family (most of them anyway), and they all were so great to us. Welcomed me into the family with open arms. Thanks Casey for letting us use your room. :) The next day we went to San Fransico which was an adventure all in its self. Enjoy the pictures of the Walsh wedding. May these two live a long and happy life together.
