Cambria Pines Lodge Wedding in California | Jenn and Stuart
Jenn and Stuart’s wedding at Cambria Pines Lodge in California was special for many reasons, but particularly because their two children, SJ and Benjamin, were part of the day. Both boys were dressed in suits and ties – which was absolutely precious!
How Jenn and Stuart Met: From College Sweethearts to Lifelong Partners
Jenn and Stuart met on their first day of college at Chaminade University of Honolulu. “By the end of our first semester, we were best friends and did everything together. After about a year and a half later we became more than friends and started dating,” said Jenn.
Stuart proposed on their five-year anniversary at Big Bear in California. The couple wrote, “Stuart proposed on Loving Day. What makes this date so special is that on Loving Day (June 12), it became legal for interracial couples to be married. Later that night, Stuart decorated the cabin with rose petals and surprised me with a proposal. I cried happy tears and of course said "YES!"
A few months before the wedding, I photographed their engagement session at Leo Carrillo State Beach. I loved how adventurous these two were, running into the water and laughing the whole time!
After over five years together and two kids, the couple was excited to tie the knot and celebrate with friends and family at Cambria Pines Lodge!
Wedding Morning Highlights: Champagne Pops and Getting Ready
The couple chose Cambria Pines Lodge because, they said, “we fell in love with it immediately, even though it was a rainy day and it was outside. The atmosphere speaks to who we are as people I think too.”
The morning of the wedding started with Jenn getting ready in a cabin with her bridal party. Jenn had her hair and makeup done in a simple updo by Blush and Bangs. While they were still dressed in their pajamas, we headed out front for a champagne pop. The first bottle wouldn’t open, and they had to switch to a different bottle mid-toast, which resulted in tons of laughter. After the champagne spray, she zipped up her dress from Ever After Bridal Boutique with the help of her bridal party.
Stuart finished getting ready in his suit from Giorgio Rossi and fed baby Benjamin out of a bottle. Then, he came over to the cabin to have a First Look with Jenn in front of the green ivy.
A Heartfelt, Family-Focused Ceremony
After the first look and a round of wedding party photos, it was time to tie the knot. At the end of the aisle was a white gazebo decorated with pink and white flowers. The ceremony was family-focused all around. A photo of Jenn’s late mother was in the front row, symbolically reserving the seat for her. The couple’s son SJ was the ring bearer, and baby Benjamin was carried down the aisle by Stuart’s dad. Stuart also pushed his grandfather in his wheelchair down the aisle, bringing him into the procession as well. Important family members wore leis brought by guests from Hawaii.
Stuart’s cousin officiated the ceremony and Jenn and Stuart shared heartfelt personal vows. Then, they had their first kiss and were pronounced man and wife!
As the guests headed into the venue for cocktail hour, the couple and I got in a car and zipped off to the beach for photos at a spot the couple had picked out earlier. I got some photos of them by the windy cliffside with the grass blowing all around them. The white dress and dark gray suit contrasted perfectly with the dusty coastline. Then, we headed back to the venue for the reception!
Hawaiian-Inspired Wedding Reception at Cambria Pines Lodge
The venue was decorated with flowers, plants, and leis from Hawaii, showing the couple’s connection to the island. Cambria Nursery and Florist did a great job of bringing the Hawaiian spirit into the day! The couple did a choreographed first dance and cut their pink and white cake from Cake Cathedral.
Wedding coordinator Jade Preciado kept everything smooth and on track. “We just want the day to be fun and relaxing, even though I know weddings have a reputation for not being that,” said Jenn before the wedding day. “I want to appreciate every moment and be a part of every moment instead of worrying about nonsense.”
The dance floor was rocking, thanks to the DJ from Epic Entertainment! They brought out a limbo bar, with everyone trying to one-up each other to get lower and lower. The kids were having tons of fun too, and had a game of chase around the tables.
Venue : Cambria Pines Lodge
Coordinator : Jade Preciado
Florist : Cambria Nursery and Florist
MUAH : Blush and Bangs
Bridal Attire : Ever After Bridal Boutique
Groom Attire : Georgio Arossi
Bakery : Cake Cathedral by Jenny Perello
DJ : Epic Entertainment
This entire day was filled with just so much fun! and it was an honor to photograph these two and their families on their special day! Check out some other California blogs.
xx,
Jennifer Lourie
