The first time I met Kathryn & James was when they arrived at Paicines Ranch after they went dirt-biking in the neighboring biker paradise of Hollister Hills. We went out to one of my favorite sunset overlooks to shoot their engagement photos and I got to learn their sweet love story. A year prior at Christmas, James created a book with each page dedicated to a reason he loved Kathryn. The final page read “Will you marry me?”
This horse-riding, outdoor-loving, ranch girl excitedly said yes! I would like to think all of their goats, horses, and dogs were cheering with hooves and paws in the air as well!
January would mark 10 years together from that first time she asked if she could sit down on the couch next to James at a friend’s house, where the story began. January would also be their wedding month, and the 19tharrived with beautiful clouds and a warm winter day. Just perfection!
The day unfolded with laugher and love. Kathryn’s sense of humor was contagious and we dreamt up a “first look” that had James being blindfolded and having his best man standing there instead of Kathryn. The look on James’s face was priceless! The real “first look” was incredibly beautiful and I let them just be present with each other.
The ceremony quickly approached the procession began. Kathryn’s grandmother, Gram, had passed a few weeks prior, so her mom walked the urn of her ashes down the aisle. You could feel Gram smiling down that entire day. James stood beaming as his soon-to-be wife walked down the aisle with her father glowing next to her. He read his heart-warming vowels and Kathryn followed up by unrolling a SCROLL of her vowels. These two were constantly making each other giggle—I loved it! The two newlyweds kissed and bounded back down the aisle.
After a brilliant and dazzling sunset, these two were ready for Kona Jerry’s delicious BBQ. Before dinner, I witnessed endearing toasts full of love. James’s brother, Blake, had everyone laughing when he said “I never thought my brother would marry a women who worked so closely with horses but he always did appreciate a girl with a stable job.”
Everyone feasted on Kona Jerry’s delicious BBQ but saved a bit of room for SweetFix Creamery’s outstanding ice cream. It had been a tradition for James to make Kathryn a “boyfriend special” sundae for days that were a little long or hard. The tradition continued, just with a new name, “the husband special.” What a delight to watch him make her a ice cream cup with all the fixings!
I couldn’t be happier for these two and the incredible life they have ahead! These two have such sweet hearts that are so genuine, kind, and loving. They were just so grateful to us and to everyone around them, their joy radiated and made their wedding SO amazing to photograph!
Kathryn and James, thank you SO MUCH for allowing me to capture your day, and enjoy all of these favorites!
Kathryn + James’s Review:
“My fiance and I most likely will never be able to use another photographer after having Alicia and Keith do our wedding. Alicia was with us every step of the way and beyond exceed any and all expectations we ever had. She and Keith were a huge part of how successful our rehearsal and wedding day went, and people are still telling us how great they were at the wedding! Everyone was in love with them and their powerfully positive and loving energy that they bring, and they were open to anything that we threw at them!
They are worth every penny and more for all the support and talent – they provide top of the line pictures. I cannot recommend them enough and we love them!”
Venue: Paicines Ranch
Floral: Kukka Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Krystal Beeler of Southern Roots Hair Salon
DJ: DJ Pete Fonseca
Catering: Kona Jerry
Dessert: SweetFix Creamery
Photographer: Chasing Chickadees
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