Jessica and Brett’s Wedding at the Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach, CA

Jessica is a Southern California native. While Brett is technically “from” California, at the age of four weeks his parents moved  to Denali, Alaska, and Brett was raised in both the wilderness and in Anchorage, Alaska.  Jessica went to Malibu for college and Brett went to Reno on a tennis scholarship. After college, Jessica moved back to Huntington Beach and  Brett stayed in Reno. Jessica then went to business school at UC Irvine and Brett started his own tennis business in Reno.

Finally Jessica and Brett both decided it was time to become lawyers. Luckily they both landed in Sacramento and attended McGeorge School of Law where they had every single class together for the entire first year (Section C). One quick conversation first year then turned into BBQs at Brett’s house and, once they got to know each other, they become quick friends. They both loved each other’s sense of humor and sarcastic wit, creating a tight bond. A weeklong trip to New York in 2008 solidified their friendship. The two graduated, passed the bar, and started their legal careers, Jessica in Southern California and Brett in Sacramento. Notwithstanding the distance, they remained friends.

Four years after graduation, Brett suggested that they ring in New Years together and go to the Rose Bowl game. Unbeknownst to Jessica, Brett didn’t know who was playing in the Rosebowl, where the Rosebowl was located, nor did he have any tickets.  As New Year’s Eve approached, Jessica called an “audible” and redirected their New Years plans to Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.  At midnight they sang Auld Lang Syne, you know, “should old acquaintances be forgot.” However, these old acquaintances did not forget and, instead, were reminded how much fun they have together and instantly decided to embark on a new journey, together.

The Proposal

Brett told Jessica they would be going to New York to see the Angels play the Yankees. They took the red eye flight and landed in New York at 5am.  They got to the hotel by 6am, at which time Brett told Jessica that she needed to be ready to leave the hotel by 8am! Brett showered and left Jessica all alone to wonder what the day would bring.  At 8am, Brett reappeared and the two set out for a day long adventure in Manhattan. First off, they went to Rockefeller center and Top of the Rock. Then it was off to breakfast at a tiny italian cafe tucked in by Central Park, followed by a stroll through the park. When they stumbled upon the Loeb Boat house, Brett suggested they take a row around the lake.

The suggestion was actually a well laid plan by Brett. He had hired photographers and enlisted the help of his high school friend to video the fateful trip. When they cleared the Bow Bridge, Brett slowed the rowing and gave a beautiful speech that Jessica cannot remember. Brett then gave a “not so subtle” signal to the shore and a remote controlled boat started to make its way to their boat. Unfortunately, the RC boat didn’t quite make it all the way to Brett and Jessica, so Brett steered their row boat to the RC boat in order to retrieve the the engagement rings that were secured to the little boat with customized floaties!

When Brett was able to safely rescue the rings, he rowed Jessica back to the middle of lake, went to one knee, and asked Jessica to marry him!   She said YES!

We were lucky enough that they found us through their amazing venue – Surf & Sand Resort.  We love weddings there and knew it would be a perfect place for Jessica and Brett to tie the knot.  Before their big day – we met to do their engagement session in Santa Monica.  She rented a dress from Rent The Runway which we thought was an AMAZING idea!  Check out their images on this blog post.

Their wedding day was awesome.  We started with getting ready photos at the hotel and Jessica’s makeup was done by Beach Bridal Beauty.  They always do a great job!  We got to work with Matthew from Love and You Video and can’t wait to see their final video and Alan with Flowers by Alan chose the perfect selection for the beautiful floral arrangements.   Their colors of Navy, white, silver and grey looked beautiful against an ocean background.

The first glance was perfect!  We always recommend to do a first glance because it is such a cool moment between the bride and groom.  Throughout the day the couple is with so many different people – it’s nice to have some time for just the two of them to remember what it’s all about – their love. 😉  We are lucky enough to capture it so they can look back over the years and remember their anticipation of seeing each other.

The ceremony had a perfect setting overlooking the water.  The weather was beautiful and the words spoken were meaningful.  Perfection. 🙂

As we headed into the reception we heard fun music being played by DeBois Entertainment.  If you need a great band – definitely check them out.  They kept the crowd going all through the night.  The cake from A Wish and a Whisk was not only beautiful – but from the looks of peoples’ scraped plates – delicious too.

All in all it was a wonderful day and we are SO happy for Jessica and Brett.  They are an awesome couple and we are thrilled they are starting this next chapter of their lives together. xoxo

Jessica and Brett’s wedding from Gilmore Studios on Vimeo.