Sara & José: Holy Cross Church & Seymour Center
Celebrating Love on the Coastal Cliffs of Santa Cruz
You know that magical feeling when you meet someone who just gets you? Like you’ve known them all your life, but somehow only officially met now? That’s what it was like when I met Sara and José. An extremely kind and warm couple whose love for each other was undeniable, and tender.
Sara found me through an unconventional way; at the time I was servicing a local eatery with weekly flowers, and those flowers caught her eye. When we had our initial consultation, she told me, “It’s really important to support local businesses, and I want only local flowers.” Of course, this was music to my ears, as I’m on a mission to change the way the wedding and event industry views flowers, hoping to inspire others to choose local first.
As our discussion continued, it became apparent to me that Sara had a vision that aligned with my own, and we discussed how there would be plenty of local flowers to meet her flowery dreams, and then I got to work on growing them for her.
Sara and José met during the most interesting of times, right…. And I mean… ‘RIGHT’ before the COVID19 pandemic. In January of 2020, Sara and Jose had their first date, not knowing that this would be the last time they would meet in person for months. However, love prevailed, and these two love birds continued to have virtual dates, via Zoom until the first time they could meet again later that year.
Their love progressed as they navigated the challenges of the pandemic, but still managed to make the best of the time, and eventually started having IRL dates, and even starting to travel as soon as it was safe to do so.
José popped the question in April 2022, when Sara least expected it. One of their favorite activities is to be outside in nature, and on an walk around Arana Gulch José asked Sara to spend forever with him. The next several months were spent planning a day to remember, and what a day it was.
The two exchanged vows at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz. The building, incredibly beautiful and historic, was the perfect place to say I do. I’ll never forget peeking out on their first look, as José waited eagerly to see his future bride. Once he turned around, and their eyes met, I was privileged to witness the sweetest and deepest connection of two souls, joining together in a new chapter.
The reception was held at Seymor Center, just about a mile away. A perfect location for the couple’s choice of an environmentally friendly, and important pillar in our coastal community. Sara’s request for soft, romantic white flowers blended beautifully with the blues, grays, and tans of the coastal cliffs. There could not have been a more natural fit for her florals, combing the soft whisper of romance and the rugged coastline.
What could not have been more serendipitous was that fact that Santa Cruz had a extremely cool, and wet spring, essentially extended the spring crop. Two of the flowers I had planned on growing for Sara were anemones and ranunculus. I wasn’t sure I could push them all the way to the first week of June, but with careful timing, and frankly some good luck, Sara got the flowers she had fallen in love with while planning her florals! I really appreciated her flexibility when we met for the consultation, accepting that those flowers may not be around at the time of her wedding, and instead focused what would be available locally. What a treat to be able to surprise her with this!!!
In staying true to my beliefs, the flower girl basket was designed floral foam free!
The reception continued on, complete with a taco truck, mariachi band, and lots of love, laughter, and joy.
The reception tables were beautifully simple, with antique etched bud vases stretching down the tables which whispered elegance.
The sweetheart table, dressed with a hand woven eucalyptus garland, and dotted with bud vases.
What a pleasure it was to be a part of this couple’s next chapter of ever after 💗
Ceremony: Holy Cross Church
Reception: Seymor Marine Discovery Center
Florals: Quaintrelle Farms
Photography: Nicole Serna Photography