It’s been a busy few weeks but I’ve really wanted to post about some of the great weddings I’ve shot lately. First there was Linda and Neil’s with Julie Cheshire. Linda and Neil are an absolutely adorable couple who got married at this great location at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, CA.
Her bridesmaids showed up and all got ready in the golf course locker room, which we had all to ourselves. The girls wore cute jewel-toned green strapless dresses and the flower girl wore an adorable green and white wreath of flowers. I’m not quite sure how all the girls knew each other but they were so chummy. They seemed like they had been best pals for years. And Linda looked fabulous. She was the absolute antithesis of a bridezilla. She was sweet, happy, down-to-earth, and a genuinely nice person. And believe me, wedding day stress can bring out the worst in people but she took it all in stride, even when we were initially locked out of the golf course!
But the ceremony was fabulous. Linda and Neil have two fluffy, white dogs that carried their rings down the aisle. The little ring bearer held the leash but the dogs were obviously in charge of direction and led him almost around the aisle even with a horde of people calling to the pups from the front. It was really cute. A family friend was the officiant and, though he got nervous and almost wed them before the candle ceremony, it was a very touching ceremony.
The ceremony was perfectly timed at sunset and cast a beautiful golden glow over everyone. And I almost forgot to explain why this site was amazing… The little white gazebo where they wed was perched atop a cliff overlooking a river and the mountains. It was like something out of a fairy tale. It was literally only a few feet away from the edge and looked simply magical at sunset. We rushed to get group pictures afterwards and then we had a few minutes for Neil and Linda alone for the grand finale of a purpley pink sky. They were really just so in love and perfect together. .
The reception was fun too. The bridesmaids even began singing along to the couples first dance. The toasts were hilarious, with several people claiming to be the reason Linda and Neil ended up together.
The best part of the whole day was Neil’s surprise to Linda at the end. Neil had been in drama through school and had acted and sung in musicals. Despite apparent begging, Neil had never sung for Linda. Well, after the bouquet and garter toss, Neil pulled her into the center of the room and had her sit down with all of the guests gathered around. One of the groomsmen pulled out a guitar and Neil began serenading Linda to his own personal version of the Plain White T’s “Hey there Delilah”. He had been practicing it at night and even after the rehearsal diner the night before the wedding. He had somehow been able to keep it a secret from her all this time. Neil’s song was “Hey There DeLinda” and talked about how they met, how happy he was with her and how he hoped to give her a wonderful life from that day forward.
It was a great way to end the night. Here’s to Neil and Linda, a beautiful couple who I hope will have their happily ever after.
Hey there Delilah
I’ve got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I’d write it all
Even more in love with me you’d fall
We’d have it allOh it’s what you do to me
Oh it’s what you do to me
Oh it’s what you do to me
Oh it’s what you do to me– Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
