This wedding at Twin Cities Church in Grass Valley was so beautiful to photograph.

Their Story: Claire and Cody

They were the sweetest, and most patient couple ever.   He was in the military living on the east coast, while she was here in Northern California with her family.  They didn’t want a first look before their ceremony…  In fact, the moment she walked down isle was the first time they would be seeing each other in three whole months!! They were the sweetest, and most patient couple ever.   He was in the military living on the east coast, while she was here in Northern California with her family.  They didn’t want a first look before their ceremony…  In fact, the moment she walked down isle was the first time they would be seeing each other in three whole months!!

The Ceremony: Twin Cities Church

The moment was perfect.  Before the ceremony, the minister explained to their guests what a special moment it was, and asked everyone to put down their cameras in order to be fully present and witness their ceremony (something Andy and I will surely do for our ceremony)…. In all my years as a wedding photographer, this was the very first ceremony where every single  guest was totally present, and not one person was fumbling with a camera or phone.  It changed the texture of the air.  There is something so powerful about witnessing a moment in person vs. behind a camera.   As a photographer, I know this first hand.   And as her father walked her down the isle, and she saw her future husband for the first time in months, the new couple was totally and fully supported by their family and friends.

As always, both Andy and I cried.

The Vendors

Wedding Ceremony Location: Twin Cities Church
Reception Venue: St. Canice Center
Wedding Photographers:  Melanie + Andy Melanie Soleil Photography
Wedding DJ: Greg Whatley Mountain Event Productions
Wedding Caterer:  Emily’s Catering and Cakes
Bridal Hair + Make-up : Simply Hair
Dessert:  An Honest Pie Truck

Check out their engagement session here.