Sara + Calvin | Sophisticated Handcrafted Wedding

When Sara met Calvin in their high school band class, she felt the Holy Spirit drawing her toward the boy with long hair and pink shoes who played the drums. They started dating their sophomore year, and the night Calvin officially asked Sara to be his girlfriend, Sara's friend asked, "You aren't going to kiss him?" Sara turned in her tracks, found him, and did.

They felt called to marriage early on, and Calvin later proposed after a boat ride alongside the cliffs at California's Channel Islands. Calvin joined the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, in the spring before their wedding.

From the Wedding Coordinator: Sara and Calvin's wedding was centered on family in so many ways: the bride got ready at home, they chose the same photographer who'd done Calvin's sisters' weddings as a family tradition, and there were kids dancing and running around everywhere.

Their families were joyfully involved with preparations, as well. The morning of the wedding, Sara's dad brought a moving truck over with supplies and many family members came to help set up. We started with an empty park, and in less than two hours we had set up tables, chairs, tablecloths, and centerpieces for 180 guests. The father of the bride hand-sliced the wood used for reception decorations and centerpieces, and the bride cut out and assembled the dozens of tiny hearts she made into streamers for the gazebo.

That afternoon, Sara's dad and stepdad walked her up the aisle together. I could seriously feel the joy radiating from the bride and groom when they arrived at their reception!

Photography: Leif Brandt Photography | Dress: David's Bridal | Church: St. Margaret's Catholic Church, Oceanside, CA | Reception Venue: Heritage Park, Oceanside, CA | Catering: Bekker's Catering | Day of Coordination: Now That's a Party | Rentals: Allie's Party