It was a beautiful bright sunny day in July, as she got ready for a very important day of her life. At the beautiful home of her childhood in Atascadero, California. The place where she had grown up dreaming about this day: the day where she would marry him, and become the bride of his dreams. Except not quite knowing who he was yet!
On May 16 of last year, while attending a barbecue with a friend, she didn’t realize that’s where she’d find him. Or I should say where Erik initially found Melissa, since that was the moment she caught his eye from everyone else and he fell for her. Even though Melissa had a put a temporary ban on boys after recently getting out of relationship, Erik’s persistence and good nature convinced her that he was different from the other guys that she had met. So she decided to give him a chance. A chance in which he succeeded in convincing her that she couldn’t live without him and vice versa. That’s why months later, on a beautiful mountain top, when Erik asked her to be his for the rest of their lives, she was able to answer yes with her whole heart that she wanted to be his. Only his.
And that is why their friends and family gathered on this day. To witness the union of two hearts becoming one in purpose and love. At the home where Melissa had always dreamed of this day in her life, where she could give her heart fully to that man of her dreams: To Erik.
In preparation of the ceremony: 
My very favorite moment from the ceremony: Melissa with the two special men in her life.
After the ceremony, checking out the new rings on their fingers:
Later on that afternoon, Melissa and Erik took me to some beautiful spots that they discovered for the pictures of the two of them. Since I had never been to this area of California, I was excited to shoot in new spots that captured their style. The first location was in Santa Margarita by the cutest little shops.
This next location was actually on the same hill and property of Erik’s dad’s beautiful home overlooking San Luis Obispo! It was completely stunning, but having Erik and Melissa there made it even more breathtaking and spectacular. Yeah I actually really love this old decrepit truck – I wish I could have taken it back to Utah! :) Doesn’t Melissa and Erik make it look wonderful?
Once we got back home, I begged Melissa and Erik to let me model them in front of the Oleander bushes in her yard right before the dinner. Seriously I could shoot in front of this bush ALL of the time and probably never get sick of it! They are that beautiful, don’t you think?
L.O.V.E. these two pictures of Melissa
I seriously think Melissa’s dad is the coolest! And he gave the sweetest/funniest toast. 
I don’t think first dances will ever get old for me. I just love the emotion and moments that happen with those we love the most.
THANK YOU so much Erik and Melissa for having me come all the way out there to fun California to document your wonderful day! I was so happy to get to meet Melissa, (who is just as sweet and as nice as she looks!), and who married my handsome cousin, Erik! These two are absolutely perfect for one another, and it was great to witness that in person.
Thanks for stopping by everyone and letting me share this beautiful California wedding! Have a fabulous day!
