“May all those that enter as guests today, leave as friends.”
Every story has a beginning, but putting this blog in my head I gravitate towards starting from the evening of their wedding reception. As a San Francisco and Sonoma Wedding Photographer I have photographed many weddings and receptions and one of the things I love the most about weddings is seeing how unique each and every one is….I cannot get enough of it and Chelsea and Reijo’s is one of them!
From the moment guests arrived to their wedding, they were greeted everywhere by friends and family along with their entire wedding team, wedding professionals and yes their friends who all made this day impeccably memorable and FUN! I am so excited about this one that I can’t wait to share all the little details that weren’t so little, and of course the photos of their amazing day! Mainly what grabbed me was the extent they went through to include everyone in this day and to make sure every single person there felt their value! I know that for myself and my team, we were taken back and the level of acknowledgement, and gratitude show to us not only by Chels and Reijo, but by everyone who was there! BLUSHING!
Here are just a few of the notes from their gorgeous wedding programs, already this bride was thinking of making sure her guests took in this entire day and experience. This is unique in the sense that most brides are the center of attention, this couple made sure everyone present was the center of attention. You will just have to see for yourselves.
Chelsea and Reijo met in grade school in 1994, 20 years ago
Why this location/setting? Reijo grew up in and around the FAHA. His family is from Finland and he has always taken great pride in his heritage. The Finnish community at FAHA accepted Chelsea (whose not Finnish), also with loving arms.
Chelsea’s bouquet is fashioned with lace from her mother’s wedding dress, also around her bouquet are her grandmother and godmother’s rings in loving memory
Reijo himself, designed and laser cut all of the directional signs
Chelsea’s dress is a Vera Wang
Father of the groom became “The Rev” or “Rev T-diddy” and officiated the wedding
The wedding procession “Canon in D”, is a personal and special recording by the couples dear friend, Shaun Sargent,whom recorded it especially for this moment
The couple married under a breathtaking and gorgeous 100-year old oak tree
The cocktail hour is adorned with memories of some of their guests lives. Message from couple: “we are honored to be surrounded by our role models in marriage as we embark on our own journey”
You see? Congratulations to this fab couple! I look forward to staying in touch, we are definitely friends now! Now without further ado, meet them and experience their day, it was no ordinary day!
Vendor and Team Credits:
Venue – Finnish American Heritage Association
Day of Coordinator- Jill Collins
Catering – Elegant & Easy Gourmet
Gown – Vera Wang
Floral Designer – Flaxx Floral Design
Cake – Staphanie Orphal
Desserts – Sinful Sweets
Rentals: Big4Party
Event Rentals: Wine Country Events
DJ – Scot Murdoch
Photo Booth – Entourage Events
Love notes from the bride! Thanks Chels!!!
I truly am blessed with the BEST job in the world! Clients now friends! I am honored to have been invited into your wedding day!
