Oh, friends, we can’t believe this day actually came! When we were driving through the hills of Ireland with Aaron and Kathleen this summer for their engagement session, we talked about it. Dreamed about it. Imagined what it’d be like. But it felt so far into the future that we couldn’t see it. This winter, though, when we saw them at our first ever AJ Bride Party, they shared more of their vision for their El Chorro wedding day with us, and it started to come to life as they explained. Irish moss to celebrate part of their heritage. A thousand handmade Japanese paper cranes to honor the other. And classic bow ties (Aaron’s signature) to tie it all together. Yes, to say we’ve been looking forward to this wedding for quite some time would be an understatement. Not just because of the style and decor, though it’s always a plus, but because of who Kathleen and Aaron are, what they stand for, and the splash they’re making (and will continue to make) in this world. They’re salt of the earth people. Kind. Generous. Loving. Warm. And always concerned about the welfare of others before their own.
In that way, Aaron’s vows were revealing, because he didn’t pre-write them. There was no rehearsal. And do you know what came out of his mouth? The overflow of the heart. He told Kathleen that she was beautiful (and, wow, she really was) but he focused mostly on who she is. He thanked her for loving his family, each and every one of them. He applauded her for her drive and determination, working three jobs and going to school at the same time, never complaining about one of them, and always thankful for all of them. But the part that got us — that’s still getting us even as we write this, if we’re being honest — is when he got choked up at the end. When his eyes welled up. When he teared up. And then when he cried. When he told her that she’ll be her dad’s little girl forever, but when he’s gone, the man who raised her can be sure that Aaron will take nothing but the best of care of her. And when he made a declaration that was so bold, so surprisingly raw and refreshing, that it caught everyone off guard and brought many to tears. He told Kathleen that the most important thing to him in the world wasn’t money or material possessions. In fact, he said, he didn’t care of they had anything at all in life, but he did want their family to be generous. To stand for taking care of people who couldn’t take care of themselves.
Wow, Aaron. We’re so blessed to serve couples like you and Kathleen, people with hearts of pure gold. We’ve loved everything about this journey with you, and we can’t wait for many, many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to come. Who knows? We might just have to take you up on that offer to sneak away every summer for an epic Ireland for a getaway with you. For now, though, we hope you love reliving your wedding day through our eyes as much as we loved telling it through them.
To watch Aaron and Kathleen’s wedding film by Serendipity Cinema, click here.
the WEDDING TEAM…
Planner: Danielle Goettl at Outstanding Occasions
Coordinator: Lindsey Rendon at El Chorro
Bride’s Dress: Watters Bridal
Bride’s Ring: Fred Meyers Jewelers
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Catering: El Chorro
Ceremony Location: El Chorro
Cigar Roller: Fumar
Dessert: Ruze Cake House
DJ: MT Sounds
Floral Design: Petal Pusher
Getting Ready Location: The Sanctuary on Camelback
Groom’s Tuxedo: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen Suits: Calvin Klein
Hair Stylist: Erin Fink
Invitations/Paper Products: Idieh Design
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens
Makeup Artist: Arielle Rondeau
Officiant: Travis Turner
Photo Booth: The HIP Booth
Photographers: Amy & Jordan
Reception Location: El Chorro
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
String Quartet: Allegro Quartet
Videographer: Serendipity Cinema
the GEAR USED for this WEDDING…
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 50 1.2
Canon 70-200 2.8
Canon 100 2.8
Canon 24-70 2.8
Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT
Entire Gear List
