Jessie and Joey’s Wedding in the Redwoods | sweetnessandlightphoto.com

Joey and Jessie are that uber-happening couple who know where the cool kids like to party. Okay, but seriously, they’re more than that. Jessie is a consummate animal lover and Joey, ever the empath, sends her random photos of fuzzy kittens or bear cubs just to brighten her day when she’s a little down. Now that’s love. A Match Made in Oakland

After being introduced by mutual friends, Jessie and Joey had their first date in true Oakland style on a cocktail tour around Lake Merritt. With each drink, they learned new things they loved about one another and six months later moved in together. Later on a trip to Washington D.C., Joey picked his moment to get down on one knee and propose to Jessie in front of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, one of her favorite childhood experiences.

I’m certain the friends that introduced them are now sipping a celebratory matchmaking cocktail. *pat on back*

The Big Day

Before the festivities took place, the bride and groom prepared for their big day separately with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. Hair and makeup artist Kristin Coleman gave Jessie a classic look with nude lips and curls that framed around her face. The bride looked stunning in her strapless Ania Bridal dress and satin beaded belt. Not to mention the black fingernails were a nice rebel touch.

A Ceremony in the Redwoods

This rustic wedding took place in the beautiful redwoods of Los Gatos. The venue, Nestldown, provided a space for the reception that was lush with ferns and trees. Succulents with white and purple flowers by Huckleberry Karen were used to add color to the bouquets, aisle, and surroundings.

As the couple said their vows and stood in front of their loved ones, Jessie kept a collected coolness and smiled coyly. When the bride and groom said I Do, the group stood and celebrated as the newlyweds shared their first kiss as man and wife.

Party Like a Rockstar

After the ceremony, the group retreated indoors to the warm and inviting hall, complete with wooden beams and high ceilings. It was a perfect environment for an intimate wedding such as this. The bride and groom cut their cake made by Studio Cake and clinked glasses filled with wine that was carefully selected by Jessie, a Culinary Institute-trained sommelier. The party rocked out to jams by DJ Elite Entertainment as I made my exit. It must be said that this event could not have gone on so flawlessly without the skilled wedding planning work of Lauren North from Glow Event Design.