"Dan and I have been married for 15 wonderful years. We have been inseperable since the first day we spent together in April 1996! We married March of the following year and in 1998, we welcomed Aaron into our family. A couple years later, in 2000, Alyssa graced us with her presence! Through the years, we moved many times, finding new adventures along the way and becoming a closer family because of it. We have dinner together every night, enjoy each other's company immencely, and love watching the kids run at their track meets or perform in their school or church plays. Aaron enjoys praising the Lord with his guitar on the worship team at church, and Alyssa loves to love on her dog, Maya, and win first place in the 1500 meter run. It's our faith and walk with our Lord Jesus Christ that has kept us so tightly knit together. We give all glory and credit to Him for allowing us to be faithful to one another all these years. Dan and I are more in love than ever before! And not only have we been partners and parents, but true best friends. We are looking forward to many more years and adventures together!"

The first portion of this blog is dedicated to Anca and Dan's beautiful love. We were able to squeeze in a mini "15-Year Anniversary Session" while Aaron and Alyssa were distracted by their snacks, haha. I witnessed Anca and Dan's interaction first-hand, and Anca is right in saying that they are more in love now than ever before. It was so awesome to see that after 15 years of marriage, they were having so much fun together and just loved being in each other's arms. The second portion of the blog is dedicated to the Tivadar family. First of all, this family is HILARIOUS. They are such a goofy bunch. I was laughing the entire time behind my camera at all the fun behind-the-scenes stuff going on. Just a few hours with these 4, and I was already placing them on top of my "Coolest Family" list. With parents as young and energetic as Anca and Dan, one would only expect that their children would also be full of vibrant life and personality.

Below are a few of my favorite shots from their Session in beautiful San Clemente, California. Congratulations Anca and Dan on 15 years of marriage! May God bless you both with many, many more!

Blessings,

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
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 Closer to Love, and a link to
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Thank you. 

Below are some of our favorite photographs from Charlotte and David's Big Day. Enjoy!

Blessings,
 

 "A father's love, a wedding dance
New Year's dreams, a toast with friends
A soldier coming home from war
The faith the hope of so much more
A brand new life, a mother's prayer
Shooting stars, ocean air
These are things that make us feel alive
These are the times that make us realize... Life is beautiful"
The Afters: "Life is Beautiful" 

Venue
Villa del sol D’oro 
Sierra Madra, CA

Dessert bar
Cake Creamery
http://cakecreamery.com/ 

Videography
New Classic Films
www.newclassicfilms.com

Photography
Closer to Love Photography
www.closertolovephotography.com 

Classical Guitar
Brandt Jacobus –Guitar Ambiance
www.guitarambiance.com 

Custom Designed Wedding Dress Rental
Shinbu Bridal

Groom’s Suit
Theory
www.theory.com

Bridesmaids Dresses
J.crew
http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp

Hair & Makeup
Hills Beauty Club
http://hillsbeauty.com/

Table Decor
Ribbons & Rust
http://ribbonsandrust.com/index2.php#/home/

Florist
Cerritos Hills Florist

Linens/Chivari Chairs
Lindburgh

Dinner Buffet
Santa Anita Catering
http://www.sagardens.com/

FROM THE BRIDE:
We first met in Seoul, Korea in 2009. Even now, it’s still mind boggling to us that we were both born and raised about 15 minutes away from each other in SoCal but bumped into each other 4,500 miles away in a foreign country. Before we knew it we were best friends and in love, ready to explore an inspiring and vibrant city together. When we got engaged in Seoul, we had been living abroad for over three years so it was no question we would hold the wedding back in California where all our close friends and family were. 

We consider ourselves to be a pretty low-key and practical couple (i.e. sent our save-the-dates and invites via paperless post) and naturally we wanted to be conservative with the wedding budget. We were also really excited to be reunited with our friends and family so we put priority on the elements that would ensure everyone had a great time. A few must haves on our checklist: an open bar, photobooth photos (a memorable party favor), and good food!

Dave let me take the lead on the décor, which I was thankful for because I always had a thing for vintage anything and he was very supportive of the direction I wanted to go. When we stumbled upon our venue Villa del sol D’oro we didn’t have to look further. It was a gorgeous vintage home, rich in colors, architecture and history. It only took a few burlap runners, a beautiful collection of antique vases and simple flowers to make our reception absolutely stunning!

We didn’t really have a specific color palette, though I was open to a lot of pastels and pursued a more wildflower type of feel. The bridesmaids were stunning in their j. crew soft chiffon grey dresses and nude pumps, and the groomsmen looked sharp in their black suits and light grey ties. Dave chose to stand out as the groom by wearing a fitted navy Theory suit, which was romantic yet casual. I was also really happy with my dress. It was really elegant and couture, especially when I added a black sash during the reception.

Putting a wedding together in seven months and halfway across the world was a daunting task. We literally were in town for a week to pick out the venue, dress, caterer, etc seven months prior and a week before the actual wedding to tie the loose ends, so if you can imagine-- it was a bit chaotic. 

We were incredibly lucky to have known and picked professional and talented vendors who were very supportive from day one. From skype sessions to allowing multiple changes in our guest count very last minute, we were overwhelmed by their kindness and effort that made an internationally planned wedding possible.

Everything fell into place beautifully (weather included)! We truly had the time of our lives celebrating our union with the people we love. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Now we’re back in Seoul and relishing in the fact that we never have to plan another wedding again. :)

Tomorrow this incredible couple will tie the knot, and Natalia and I are beyond excited for the opportunity! We cannot thank Sun Young and Albert enough for flying us all the way across the country to document the biggest day of their lives - we are humbled, honored, and beyond thankful for the opportunity. We are still in unbelief about it all! We can't believe we're in NEW YORK! Are you kidding me!? Wow!

Ahh, there's SO MUCH more that can be said but I'll have to save it for another time:) Without further ado, here are Sun Young and Albert's CENTRAL PARK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS! Enjoy:)

Blessings,
 

"Above all, love each other deeply..."
1 Peter 4:8

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
 Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by
 Closer to Love, and a link to
HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or

HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEBLOG.COM.
Thank you. 

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
 Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by
 Closer to Love, and a link to
HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or

HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEBLOG.COM.
Thank you. 

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my
Spirit, says the Lord."
Zechariah 4:6 

Blog: GaridBeeler.com
MNL: Monday Nights Live

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
 Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by
 Closer to Love, and a link to
HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or

HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEBLOG.COM.
Thank you. 

Below are a few snapshots from the beautiful ladies we captured for The Rico Collective's portfolio. This was our first time shooting under studio lighting and we were so excited for the opportunity. Happy Friday!

Many Blessings,

"Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Corinthians 16:14

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
 Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by
 Closer to Love, and a link to
HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or

HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEBLOG.COM.
Thank you. 

Below is just a glimpse of their Wedding Day through some of our favorite photos captured. Enjoy!

Blessings,
 

"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can
floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the
wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised."
Song of Solomon 8:7

Vendors:

Venue:  Pageo Lavender Farm (owners George and Patty Kaper) www.pageolavenderfarm.com

Caterer:  Friend of the family.  Does not own a business

Photographer:  Closer to Love Photography :)

Videographer: Groom's Uncle

DJ: Bobby Sanchez - djbobbysanchez@hotmail.com

Florist: Natalie Souza @ Oak Park Group Floral Designs (ph- 209-499-1428)

Photobooth: Platinum Photobooth www.theplatinumphotobooth.com

Cake: Pam Vieira - (ph- 209-988-5085; email: pamvieira62@gmail.com)

Desserts:  Friends and family

"Life is Sweet so Grab a Treat" signage Block Party www.facebook.com/#!/Blockpartydecor

Dress: Davids Bridal www.davidsbridal.com

Brides Shoes: Collin Stewart www.victoriassecret.com

Brides Necklace: Pier 1 Imports  www.pier1.com

Brides Bracelet:  Charming Charlies www.charmingcharlie.com

Brides Garter and headband:  Made by Bride

Bridesmaid dresses:  Various brands, they picked out themselves and I don't know where they purchased them!  I do know that the Maid of honor (strapless lace dress with ribbon sash) was wearing a dress from "Cache" www.cache.com

Officiant: Josh Garrett (Friend of the Groom)

Decorations: Made by bride and friends

Linens and Cutlery/plates: Grand Events in Modesto Ca. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Events/168124629867555

Personalized mugs for Groomsment:  Things Remembered in Modesto Ca. www.thingsremembered.com

Bridesmaids gifts: gift certificates for "The Spa" www.thespaofturlock.com

From the Bride:

When we began planning our wedding we knew we wanted an outdoor venue for both the ceremony and reception.  We live in a farm town that has many nice outdoor wedding venues and many kind families that rent out their homes and properties for such occasions.  Pageo Lavender farm is in our opinion the most beautiful venue in our area, so it was a no brainer picking this spot for our wedding in April!  Travis always encourages and supports the artist in me so he pretty much let me take over and do whatever I wanted. He knew that I would come up with something unique to us both.  With such a beautiful venue we knew we wanted everything pretty simple, no need to take away from the already gorgeous scenery all around us! The basic theme of our wedding was rustic, vintage and romantic.  With the help of my mom and a couple of girlfriends we handmade all the decor for the wedding. I wanted lots of contrasting textures which is why I went with a burlap and lace theme decor. My friend Marisa and I spent countless hours decorating a couple hundred mason jars with burlap, twine, and vintage lace that my mom had been collecting from her Aunts and Grandma's over the years.  The mason jars we used as vases for the floral arrangements which were done by my cousin Natalie at Oak Park Group Floral Designs (209-499-1428). We knew we wanted peonies and ranunculas but pretty much let her do her thing and I can not even explain how completely in LOVE with the flowers I was.  I was blown away by how gorgeous they were and what an amazing job she did on all of the bouquets and boutineres.  She has got some serious talent!   If only flowers would last forever!  :-) Over the Ceremony/Dance floor we had paper flowers that I made using a Martha Stewart tutorial which you can find on her website, they are cute and simple to make using ordinary lunch bags!  I am obsessed with burlap so we decided to have white linens with burlap overlays.  All of the bunting for the bar and guestbook table I made myself with burlap and twine, which I stenciled with white acrylic paint.

Travis and I LOVE food so we knew we had to have something delicious to eat.  We had a friend of my Aunt's cater the event and she did not dissapoint.  She had a mediterrean style chicken with olives, capers and bayleaves,  rice pilaf, a delicious green salad, fresh grapes and rolls. 

In lieu of a huge wedding cake we decided on a dessert bar.  Our friends and family contributed homemade treats to the bar, and my cousin Pam made a cute little wedding cake for Travis and I to cut.  The signage on the cake bar "Life is sweet so grab a treat" was made by my cousin Summer Jimenez, who owns "Block Party"  (http://www.facebook.com/#!/Blockpartydecor)

Being a photographer myself, the photographer was one of the most important parts of the planning process for me.  I wanted someone that had a similar style to the decor and feel of the venue.  I chose Closer to Love photography because I knew Sammy and Natalia would be able to capture the wedding just how I remember it.  Sammy and his second shooter Nick were awesome to work with and made my whole wedding party feel totally comfortable in front of the camera.  

Our DJ, Bobby Sanchez is a good friend of ours and hands down one of the best DJ's in our area.  We were so happy to have him.  The music was perfect the entire night and he successuflly kept all of our guests on the dance floor to the very end. (djbobbysanchez@hotmail.com)

For wedding favors we hired a photobooth company called "Platinum photo booths"  ( http://www.theplatinumphotobooth.com/) The staff there is great.  And their photo booths are totally customizable to your wedding theme.  They even make a scrap book for you as the night progresses with all of your guests photos and spots where your guests can write a personal message.

I purchased my dress at Davids Bridal, my shoes were Collin Stewart purchased from the victorias secret catalog.  I got my cuff bracelet from Charming Charlies, and my necklace from Pier 1.  I made my garter set and Tulle headband.  My make up was done by the very talented Elizabeth Vasconcellos at "Makeup for Me" (elizabethamiller@sbcglobal.net)  The bridesmaids dresses were from all over.  I just had the girls pick out whatever dress they wanted as long as it followed our color scheme which was creams, beiges, and taupes.  The tuxes were from a local family owned store here in Turlock called Camara's. 

Linens and cutlery were from "Grand Events" in Modesto California 

The minister was one of Travis' long time good friends Josh Garrett which was really special and personal for us! 

The Grooms personalized mugs were made by "Things Remembered" in Modesto California

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
 Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by
 Closer to Love, and a link to
HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or

HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEBLOG.COM.
Thank you. 

Their Wedding was  simply: perfect. Keirsten dreamed of it snowing on her Wedding Day, and she got just that! It made for an amazing day and an abundance of memories that I know them, along with all their guests, will remember for a very, very long time. We are honored that they chose us to document such a perfect event!

Keirsten and Jason have a beautiful - and I do mean, BEAUTIFUL 12-month old daughter, Reese. On every table at the reception, there was a photo of Reese, ranging from 1-month to 12-months (there were exactly 12 tables). Also, there was a Noah's Ark theme of salt & pepper shakers on each table, adding on to the childlike pureness of their daughter Reese. There is so much we can say, but ultimately, photos will speak louder than words.

Keirsten, Jason, and your entire families: Thank you for welcoming us into your lives with open arms. Keirsten, your dad is one of the nicest people we have ever met. He called us as soon as we landed from our flight to make sure we arrived home safely. That pretty much sums up your entire family. Caring, loving, and looking out for one of their own. We felt like a part of your family:) May your little family of 3 grow into much love and a liftetime of happiness. Thank you for the honor of being a part of your Big Day. We are forever grateful.

Without further ado, may I present to our readers our very first snow-filled Wedding, Keirsten and Jasons Park City, Utah Wedding Day... Enjoy!

Blessings,
 

"A joyful heart brightens one’s face."
Proverbs 15:13   

Vendors:

Photographer – Closer to Love :)

Venue – St. Regis, Deer Valley, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1588

Florals – Artisan Bloom, http://www.artisanbloom.com/

Cake – Snow Park Bakery, http://www.deervalley.com/dining_shopping/snow-park-bakery.html

Invites – Beacon Lane, http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeaconLane

Dress – Watters, http://watters.com/

Shoes – Jimmy Choo, http://us.jimmychoo.com/en/us/page/home/

Hair – Sara Sullivan

Makeup – Diane Semanik, http://www.dianesemanik.com/#!__makeup

Band – The Groove Merchants, http://www.groovemerchantsutah.com/

DJ – Don Woodbury Productions, http://www.utahdiscjockey.com 

From the Bride:

Jason and I love Park City.  It is definitely our home away from home.  We knew we wanted to get married at The St. Regis the first time we went to the resort during one of our trips to Park City in January of 2011.  We could not have made a better decision on the venue. The amazing staff at The St. Regis took care of our every need and want before we even knew what we needed or wanted. I loved the idea of any early spring wedding and hoped for snow, lots of lush beautiful flowers and glowing candle light. The color palette was an easy choice.  I love black and white graphic elements and the blush pink seemed like the perfect spring compliment.  I worked with Jessica from Beacon Lane to design our custom invites and they turned out exactly as I’d hoped.  The combination of black and white stripes and blush lace captured the mix of old and modern we were looking for.  The invites then became the inspiration for most everything else.  The wedding was incredibly personal as we put a tremendous amount of thought into every detail.  Jason honored his Scottish heritage by donning a custom kilt and his groomsmen all donned pink bowties to honor my color palette J Our escort card table was dressed in crisp black and white striped linens and filled with cans of champagne and stripey straws that told each of our guests where they would sit for dinner.  We repeated the striped linens on our cake table and sweets table,  The sweets table was a highlight for many of our guests as it was overflowing with tasty treats from the St. Regis as well as favorite candies.  The tables were illuminated by taper and votive candles and adorned with vintage milk glass and mercury glass vases that Kellie from Artisan Bloom beautifully filled with lush arrangements of peonies, parrot tulips and hydrangeas.  We framed photos of our beautiful daughter Reese in “monthiversary” onesies and used those for the table numbers.  Amazingly enough we ended up with 12 tables so our guests could walk from table to table and see a picture from each month of her first year! We couldn’t see ourselves hosting a traditional sit down dinner so we did Action Stations that included our favorites: sliders, short ribs, even gourmet tater tots. We really wanted to sit with all of our guests so we saved two seats at each table so we could eat one course with each table. After dinner, our bestest friends took the floor to honor us with the most heartfelt and loving speeches that only lifelong friends could give. After that it was time to dance! The Groove Merchants were awesome, the most energetic and fun band I’ve seen - they had all our wedding guests out on the dance floor the entire evening.  And our DJ Don Woodbury kept the party going after the band made their exit.  In order to make sure no one went home hungry after all that dancing, we served a “midnight” buffet of mini pizzas, chicken fingers, French fries, and of course the famous Utah fry sauce. The day would never have been possible good friend and guardian angel Patrick, who did anything and everything to make sure it was the best day of our lives.  

We are still smiling when we think back to our wedding day .  A freakish spring snow storm during our ceremony left the mountains and us sprinkled with snow and set the tone for a magical evening.  Someone told us if rain on your wedding day is supposed to bring good luck than snow must bring great luck.  We feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have found each other and to have been able to share such an remarkable day with so many loved ones.  It really was the perfect day and if we did it over again, neither one of us would change a thing. 

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,
 or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as
 Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by
 Closer to Love, and a link to
HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or

HTTP://WWW.CLOSERTOLOVEBLOG.COM.
Thank you.