There’s no better reason for a reunion of close friends and family than a wedding. It’s even better if you set that wedding at the Rosewood Sandhill, nestled among Northern California’s Santa California’s sprawling Santa Cruz mountains.
Emma and Scott’s wedding accomplished relaxed-traditional in a way only a California wedding can. Letting the stunning views take center stage, the bride dubbed the wedding style “clean and classic.” Rattan frames on the tables offered an organic, laid-back texture next to airy tufts of white florals by Maiden Flora. Friends and family traveling to celebrate the day–classmates from Notre Dame, East Coast family, and more–were met with blue skies that perfectly complemented the tablescapes.
Among the first in their group of friends to get married, Emma and Scott wanted to make the day their own while paying special tribute to everyone who had a role in their lives and relationship.
“If I could relive the day over and over I would,” Emma said. The couple took advantage of the opportunity to spend the entire day with one another and with friends. “Everyone got ready together in the morning–the bridesmaids, groomsmen, plus ones, everyone worked together.” When everyone you love has arrived at the same venue, why wait until the ceremony to see each other?
Emma’s college roommate Mary, now lovingly nicknamed “Reverend,” officiated the wedding.
“When we were trying to figure out who we wanted to officiate the wedding, we wanted to find someone who knew both of us–before we were dating and throughout the entire relationship,” Emma shared. “It was very special to have our friend get to do it.” It was an added bonus that the couple now gets to say that “Mary married us.”
Emma and Scott took dance lessons to prepare for their first dance, which turned out to be one of Emma’s favorite memories from her wedding day. A secret bar menu offered signature add-ons to drinks that were nostalgic nods to close friends. Despite trying to narrow it down, the cake-loving couple offered four different cake flavors from Icing on the Cake. And finally, they ended the night with a nod to their alma mater, Notre Dame.
You know it’s a successful wedding when a bride shares that there’s nothing she would change. “I wanted to keep it fun!” Emma said, in recalling what inspired her as she planned the big day. And because of this sentiment, she and Scott created a memory that they’ll always cherish–and so will family and friends.
