Mckenzie & Ben’s story is the cutest. Per their own words: “We met back in August 2010 through the nonprofit we both work for, Playworks. However, we didn’t start dating until July 2015 when we both became Program Directors. For the next year and a half, we traveled up and down the west coast to see each other between LA and the Bay, never letting more than ten days pass without seeing each other. Countless Southwest miles and cell phone minutes later, we once again were invited back to Oakland for a Program Directors Retreat. On Friday afternoon, once the event concluded, McKenzie assumed they would simply be driving back to San Jose for a regular weekend together.

However, much to her surprise, Ben had secretly planned for them to spend the evening in Jack London Square, the same location where he first shared his feelings and asked her out. After attending a wine hour, Ben shared they had dinner reservations at Haven, as well. (This was the restaurant they had gone to that same special night). While on the walk over, he asked McKenzie to take a stroll down the pier. With the sun setting and the San Francisco skyline in sight, he audibly announced “I need to tie my shoe”, and dropped to one knee. With a huge smile and a savvy 180-degree turn, he looked up at McKenzie and asked her the easiest question of her life. She cried happy tears and said YES before he could even finish. It was simply perfect.”

And their wedding was simply perfect as well. These two got married at Nestldown amongst the great redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and every part of their day was gorgeous. Their theme for the cocktail hour was “RECESS” (an ode to their jobs where they met) and they had fun games as well as cute recess themed koozie to keep their hands warm against the fall chill. The trees were in full Fall bloom – with gorgeous yellows and reds – and McKenzie’s bridesmaids stunned in their Vera Wang bridesmaids dresses. I LOVED their bouquets – Apis Floral absolutely killed it – and I loved their unique ceremony decor, option for a round floral display instead of an alter. Being late October, they opted to have their reception inside the cabin, and I’m obsessed with how the decor and feel of the dinner was warm, comfortable, and inviting. They had the sweetest speeches from friends and family members, and then danced the night away with some pretty rocking dance moves.

Aside from the epic decor and setting, these two are two of the absolute sweetest people I’ve ever met. I was completely obsessed with them after their Marin Headlands engagement session, and documenting their wedding day was no different. Their love and respect for each other was so obvious from the way they laughed and loved all evening, and they really focused on spending time with each other and their friends and family. Congratulations Mckenzie & Ben, and THANK YOU for letting me document this incredible day!

Venue: Nestldown // Planner: Nestldown Special Events Manager, Devra Romm  // Florist: Apis Floral// Hair: Bay Area Beautiful // Make up: Brush by Michele  // Wedding Dress: Watters // Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang // Invitations: Minted & Sugar Paper // Calligraphy: Bridesmaid @misscathyyu // Bride & Groom Chair Signs: Sablewood Paper Co // Welcome Sign: Oaky Designs // Remembrance Table Sign: @girlinair // Videography: AVR Films // DJ: Big Fun DJ // Event Rentals: Alexis Party Rentals // Caterer: Poetry in Motion Catering // Bar: Mills Wine Group // Cake: Sweet Tooth Confections Bakery // Bridesmaids Hangers: Dabbling in Dallas // Bridesmaids Robes: Yumi Kim // Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Men’s Suits: The Black Tux // Bridal Robe: This Modern Love Bridal // Transportation: Corinthian Transportation