Backyard Vacaville Wedding from Marin Kristine Photography

Navy and pink is such a classic combo. It has its roots set in the land of prep but with the addition of hand-crafted details coordinated by 2Chic Events & Design and some groomsmen who weren’t afraid to don polka dot socks, this combo was kicked into whimsical overdrive. And we haven’t even mentioned the cakes; a table of pink and blue confectionery treats created by Sweet Cakes by Rebecca that almost deserve a post all their own. They are the definition of too pretty to eat and fit right in with this sweet backyard affair captured by Marin Kristine Photography and Rebecca Wilkowski Photography . You can find even more right here in the full gallery.

From the Bride… We met in high school when I was a freshman and Jon was a sophomore. And after over six years of a long-distance relationship spanning between California and Oregon, Jon moved home and proposed while we were on vacation for my 22nd birthday. Our first step in planning was deciding to have our wedding at a close family friend’s home. Dan and Sue graciously offered their property as our venue as soon as they heard of our engagement. Their beautiful home is set in the hills of Vacaville. Dan pays attention to each detail of their home, which is evident to everyone who steps onto their property. When we discussed what we wanted our special day to feel like, we decided we wanted our guests to feel as though they were going to a laid-back party, celebrating the start of our new lives together and the love we share. From the claw foot tub with cold drinks upon arrival, to the hand written seating chart and personalized centerpieces, we wanted our guests to know that our hands touched every aspect of our wedding. We collected mason jars and wine bottles for months and created each centerpiece arrangement by hand. My mom and bridesmaids helped with everything. Becca and Nichole from 2Chic Events pulled our vision together perfectly the day of the wedding. Everything was where I pictured it would be, and she made sure we were stress free and able to have fun.

Something we both strongly believed in was making sure we found the perfect photographer to capture the memories of our special day. We are one of those couples that take pictures of everything. I blame it on our long-distance relationship. From the moment we met Marin Kristine, we knew she was the one. Her bubbly personality puts everyone at ease. She pours so much love into what she does, and we could not have chosen anyone more perfect to capture what we tried so hard to create. 

From the Groom… For as long as I can remember I have known that I was going to marry Cara. I know it may sound cliché, but she truly is my soul mate and I could not be happier that I was going to marry my high school sweetheart. When it came time to start planning the big day, I was a little unsure of what to expect. One thing we both really wanted was to have a long engagement. By doing so, we were able to figure out what we truly desired and make sure every detail was a representation of us. The best part of the planning process for me was the cake tasting. I’m not much of a dessert guy, but the hour we spent sampling and combining different options was great. The endless options led to us having four different cakes that were to die for! The best surprise Cara had for me on our wedding day was making the cake we cut into my favorite type of cake: funfetti. I think I asked her 50 times for funfetti as our main wedding cake and she kept saying no. I later found out that she had been planning with Hector and Rebecca from Sweet Cakes by Rebecca to surprise me all along!

I spent months trying to find the perfect wedding day gift for her. I went to Tiffany’s and found some beautiful fun jewelry, but I knew one thing would tug on her heartstrings like no other. I searched until I found the perfect gift, an autographed Brian Wilson “Fear the Beard” baseball from the World Series. Although I am a Dodgers fan, I have learned to love and embrace Cara’s die-hard love for the Giants. Overall, we put a lot of love and detail into our wedding. When it was all said and done, I know all our hard work paid off. All we wanted was for everyone to have a great time and enjoy themselves. As the night progressed, the dance floor stayed packed with wine and champagne bottles continuously being passed around, so I think we succeeded. It was beautiful from start to finish and with help from our amazing team, our dream became reality.

Wedding Photography: Marin Kristine Photography / Second Photographer: Rebecca Wilkowski Photography / Wedding Venue: The Home of Family Friends in Vacaville, California / Floral Design: Stems / Wedding Coordination: Becca Smith of 2Chic Events & Design / Catering: Robin Perry / Wedding Cakes: Sweet Cakes by Rebecca / Cake Topper: Better Off Wed / Wedding Invitations, Escort Cards, Signage + Programs: DIY by the Bride & Groom / DJ: Blain Davis of Sundance Kid DJ / Margarita + Daiquiri Machine: Sweet Springs Rentals / Chair, Table + Linen Rentals: Bright Event Rentals / Restroom Rental: United Rentals / Table Décor: DIY by the Bride / Head Table Glassware: Waterfall Designs / Seating Chart: South House Boutique / Parents’ Handkerchiefs: Embroidery by Linda / Photo Booth: The Magnolia Photo Booth Company / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Custom Dress Sash: Darla’s Blooms / Bride’s Bead Bracelets + Twist Bow Ring: Tiffany & Co. / Bride’s Earrings: Her Mother’s / Bride’s Necklace + Pearl Bracelet: Her Grandmother’s / Bride’s Wedding Band + Engagement Ring: Gabriel & Co. / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka + TOMS / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy / Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Tissage / Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger / Groom’s Cufflinks: Tiffany & Co. / Groom’s Wedding Band: Triton / Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan / Groomsmen’s Attire: Tommy Hilfiger / Key Bottle Opener Favors: Weddingstar