Parenthood means moving at the speed of kids. Anybody with children in tow can tell you that. And that’s exactly what Erika and Greg did throughout their lovely wedding day at the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.
These two had been hard at work on wedding planning for over a year. Finding the vendors, compiling the guest list, and scoping out venues can easily become a part-time job in itself—especially when you have a killer eye for the details!
Nevertheless, they Erika and Greg made it all happen in the midst of raising her son and daughter. And so when their warm, August wedding day arrived, this duo incorporated their kids into each moment of their story. Erika seemed to constantly look around for her daughter, thinking about ways to bring her front and center. And Greg pulled in the little man at every turn, keeping him busy, sugared up, well-dressed, and in the frame. Just imagine what it would feel like to be young and welcomed into the center of so much fun!
Even more than proving their love as parents, they demonstrated a true depth and sweetness of love for each other. I have high hopes that this love will keep Erika and Greg laughing their way together through decades of marriage.
Take a look and see for yourself…
Our groom lends the little man Maverick a hand with his fancy shoes.
Other signs of life in the men’s staging room.
The adult version of “This jacket belongs to…”
Never fear, the bride gets cool gear as well…
…including this dress.
Gown meets girl.
Adding color into her world.
Bringing a little color to her daughter’s as well.
Roxanne here is pretty pumped to be at the epicenter of her mom’s wedding day.
Garters don’t put themselves on, do they?
Finishing touches.
Lovely locks.
Greg and Co. make their way to Old Sacramento…
Maverick is, of course, along for the ride.
The ladies travel in a slightly larger automobile.
Erika arrives at Pioneer Park in Old Sacramento with a smile on her face.
Bridesmaids/bodyguards.
Maverick gets the very first look.
Greg gets the second first look–grinning ear to ear.
A wider shot of that first look at Pioneer Park.
Brides, grooms, steps: some of my favorite things.
They look great in black and white too!
Kids make family photos that much better.
#Squadgoals with columns.
Erika’s dad is a multitasker, soaking in the fun while tying a tie.
Meanwhile, Erika’s mom arrived looking beautiful, hugging Greg to show he’s welcome in the family.
Walking: what you do when your limo can’t fit down the Old Sacramento alleyway.
Alleyways are good for other things too, like portraits.
A strong shoulder to rest on during a busy day.
Looking gorgeous and dapper, respectively.
Which way to the venue?
Enter The Firehouse Restaurant, a stunning venue for the day’s wedding.
A crowd gathers.
Everything in it’s right place.
Beautiful details all over the place.
Speaking of beautiful…
The courtyard wedding is about to begin.
Greg’s mom and grandma are ready to go.
Greg is getting ready to be ready to go. That ageless, anxious look of the man about to be married.
Recognize that flower girl?
Recognize that ring bearer?
That dress!
Erika makes one seriously radiant bride.
The canopy of the Firehouse Restaurant courtyard keeps anyone from feeling just how warm a day it is.
Pastor Todd brings the goods as these two walk into marriage.
Erika and Greg take the plunge…
…While more than a few loved ones are tearing up.
The kiss!
Their view of the kiss.
Erika dries daughter Roxanne’s wet eyes after the ceremony.
All better.
Greg and Erika make their way out to the Tower Bridge for a bit of Old Sacramento fun.
No brides or grooms were harmed in the making of this image.
Heading down to a pier along the Sacramento river. Who needs shoes?
That bride! That groom! That bridge!
A little pre-reception calm before the party starts.
What are sunsets for, if not for nuzzling?
The climb back up to the reception.
A grand entrance signals the start of a serious party.
This is where Erika and Greg are supposed to sit, evidently, complete with seats for Roxanne and Maverick too.
Bring on the speeches, like this one from Greg’s brother.
First dance.
Roxanne and Maverick got in on the first dance too.
Cue the waterworks for the dance with daddy. My waterworks, if I’m being honest.
Greg gets his tender dance with mom as well.
That cake!
Erika had a gentle approach for digging into the cake.
A variety of gentlemen cut in for the money dance, including Erika’s brother. Looking sinister here!
Ladies can get in on the money dance too.
Too much good stuff in one frame.
People in motion, and plenty of ’em!
And when the dancing gets to be too much, there is always room in the photobooth.
Disclaimer: emotions enlarged to show detail.
Wrapping up the evening at the watering hole.
I’ve never been to a wedding that enfolded the whole family as well as yours, Erika and Greg. That’s a sign to me that you’ve got something special…and plenty of the ingredients you’ll need to keep your relationship strong.
Congratulations on your marriage, and I pray that the years ahead are flat-out fun and full of adventure!
Interested in having us photograph your wedding at the Firehouse Restaurant or in Old Sacramento? Take a look at our wedding photography packages and let’s talk!
My cousin has never looked more beautiful than she did that day and you have captured the most beautiful moments so she can look at them when momming takes away any feeling of being beautiful. Cleaning snotty noses and skinned knees will do that to a girl. But you captured her love for Greg and their love for those kids, absolutely flawlessly! I’m teary just looking at these! You are are our referral list for any wedding we do from here on out!
Thank you so much! Delana aka cousin, best friend, bridesmaid #2 and daughter of the DJ
2 comments
My cousin has never looked more beautiful than she did that day and you have captured the most beautiful moments so she can look at them when momming takes away any feeling of being beautiful. Cleaning snotty noses and skinned knees will do that to a girl. But you captured her love for Greg and their love for those kids, absolutely flawlessly! I’m teary just looking at these! You are are our referral list for any wedding we do from here on out!
Thank you so much!
Delana aka cousin, best friend, bridesmaid #2 and daughter of the DJ
Those are some seriously kind words, Delana. Thanks for looking out for Erika, and for speaking up! I look forward to seeing you in the future!