Some weddings stay with you long after the last song fades. Alyssa and Ian’s is one of them. I first connected with them through Alyssa’s mom, Cyndie, who had heard about me through her best friend Michelle. Michelle’s daughter Keegan married at Paicines Ranch back in 2021, and Team Chasing Chickadees was there to capture it. From the very first conversation with Cyndie, I knew Alyssa and Ian’s day would be something special.
Their celebration began the day before with a traditional tea ceremony, a beautiful honoring of both families. Alyssa and Ian knelt together and served tea to each side, an intimate gesture of respect and gratitude that set the tone for the weekend. Photographing those quiet, meaningful exchanges felt like a gift.
The next day, Sand Rock Farm’s whimsical redwoods provided the perfect setting for their vows. The day was unusually hot for Aptos, pushing into the 90s, but spirits were high and everyone rallied with laughter and fans. Ian’s mom, Linda, even fanned me during family formals (thank you, Linda—I’ll never forget that kindness).
The morning unfolded with tender first looks. Alyssa’s dad’s jaw dropped the moment he saw her, his eyes glowing with pride. Then came Ian. Alyssa cheekily grabbed his butt before he turned around, and when he did, his jaw also hit the floor. Honestly, how could it not? Alyssa radiated joy like a Greek goddess, and Ian looked at her as though he’d won the universe.
Their ceremony, tucked beneath the towering redwoods, was nothing short of magical. Just as their friend began officiating, chestnut-backed chickadees filled the air with song, as if nature itself wanted to serenade them. After exchanging vows, they bounded down the aisle to cheers and confetti, the joy practically bursting from them.
Alyssa and Ian poured so much of themselves into their day. Their cats, Luna and Momo, made their mark with signature cocktails named in their honor and the most adorable signs. Instead of a bouquet toss, they did a plushie cat toss. Whoever caught it would be the next fur-baby parent, and my heart just about exploded at that level of creativity.
And while the details were stunning, what stood out most was how much of it was the work of family and friends. The core crew proudly calls themselves “The Queen Bees”—Cyndie, Michelle, Laurie, Kari, and “the stinger,” Al—and they absolutely outdid themselves. From trucking in furniture to handcrafting all the décor and florals, the Queen Bees and the entire family poured their hearts into making the day look and feel like magic. Every corner held a personal touch, and everywhere I looked I could see the love and effort that brought it all together.
Dinner by Five Star Catering was phenomenal, and the sweet cake cutting ended with just the tiniest dab of frosting on Ian’s nose. Their first dances were full of grace and joy, and Alyssa and Ian’s in particular had everyone applauding. Later, glow sticks came out and the dance floor turned into a colorful swirl of friends and family. The night closed with their loved ones circling them as they danced in the center, the perfect metaphor for the love that surrounds them.
By the end of the night, I felt like an honorary family member myself (adoption papers pending). Their people, their stories, their joy—it’s why I do what I do. Alyssa and Ian’s journey, from that first college class at USF where Alyssa almost missed out by ghosting Ian, to a New Year’s Eve proposal in Japan, to this weekend of redwoods, tea, chickadees, and cats, is one of those “happy accidents” Bob Ross would smile about.
Congratulations, you two. What an honor it was to be part of your beginning as husband and wife.
Alyssa + Ian’s Review:
“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Alicia’s work warrants a whole essay! Incredibly kind, upbeat & professional, Alicia and Keith from Chasing Chickadees were my favorite people I got to meet and work with during the wedding planning process. With a love for her job (that almost rivals the love she has for her cat), Alicia went above and beyond to capture all the special moments of our wedding day. Despite the heat, Alicia and Keith ran up & down the entire venue all day- picking out the perfect spots for first-looks, getting ready photos, and sunset pics- even scaling the top of a building to get an overhead shot of me tossing my bouquet! My family and guests repeatedly went out of their way to tell me after the wedding how much they enjoyed having their photos taken by her. And that brings us to the pictures- honestly, it was a real challenge to pick which ones to include in this review because they were all stunning. Not to mention that she had them all edited and sent out in two weeks- this woman is a photographing/editing machine!! Finally, I think Alicia did something that only great wedding photographers can do: she made me feel truly beautiful as a bride. I am so happy I got to meet her and get to know her- she is a really special person. <3 -Lyss & Ian”
Venue | Sandrock Farms
Day of Coordinator | Designs in Bloom
Fresh Floral Arrangements | Designs in Bloom
All Other Floral & Decor | Queen Bees Enterprises
Hair + Makeup | Katrina Michelle
Dress | Claire Pettibone
PhotoBooth | Alyssa + Ian
Catering | Five Star Catering
Cake | Sandrock Farms
Photographer | Chasing Chickadees Photography
View the complete gallery.
One Comment
Thank you so much for letting me share in such a beautiful day. Alyssa is so special to us, and it meant so much to see her and Ian surrounded by so much love. Meeting Ian’s family was such a gift—they were warm and welcoming, and it’s clear how much love they have for him. And Cyndie, who has always considered us the sisters she never had, made the day feel even more meaningful. It truly was a celebration of love and family coming together, and I feel blessed to have been there to witness it. Love you guys!