Rebeca and Ryan went to prom together.

True story.

Her sister introduced them.

For years after high school, they remained confidants, friends and travelers together until one day, they realized they were in love and began to date. They are both kind, adventurous, loving spirits who wanted the feeling and focus of their special day to remain on their friends and loved ones who had joined them.   When they originally contacted me about photographing their wedding, they sent a wonderful email which said they thought I was just the person to capture their event in an organic, natural way.

The wedding was a three day event at Rancho Cicada Retreat in the Amador County wine country, in Plymouth, CA.  Rancho Cicada Retreat is unbelievably stunning and feels a bit like being at summer camp.  With lush lawns, overhanging trees, a babbling brook and all their friends camping onsite, the event was exactly what they intended it to be: exceedingly comfortable, rustic, simple and sweet.

Rebeca and Ryan were the first clients to book me for the 2014 summer and as such, they contracted me to be their Amador Wine Country wedding photographer before I found out that their wedding was on the same day that two of my closest friends in Austin, Tx were set to wed.  I was a bit sad to miss my friends’ wedding, but when I arrived at Rebeca and Ryan’s wedding, I completely forgot that I was missing out because I felt so at home with them.   They encouraged me to stay and party with them after my contracted time was up and that I did: we had an epic dance party until the stroke of midnight.  “Are you really the wedding photographer!?!” one of the guests asked incredulously.  She didn’t believe Rebeca when she told her.  “My wedding photographer left the second her time was up!”

Well, I’m not that kind of photographer. I think that’s why Rebeca, Ryan and I fit so well together.  They are the most wonderful people: inspiring in both their love for each other, their mutual thirst for travel and adventure, and their exceptional taste in music.

Thank you Rebeca and Ryan for sharing your wine country wedding with me.

If you are looking to book your own Amador Wine Country Wedding in Northern, CA and want a private venue with tons of space and places for your friends to camp onsite, you should consider Rancho Cicada Retreat.  I loved it so much that I would like my own excuse to throw a private party there!  It’s secluded, off the beaten path, relaxing and private with enough camping space to host all of your friends for an entire fun-filled wine country weekend.

Venue:  Rancho Cicada Retreat | Catering: Chuck Collison | Bakery: Freeport Bakery | Flowers: Arranged by a friend of the bride, purchased from the Pheng Family Farm at the Sacramento Farmers Market