Suzanne and Matt knocked my socks off with surprises. First off, they chose Old Santa Rosa Chapel in Cambria for their ceremony. This is one of my favorite wedding places in the County, but I haven’t had a ceremony there in years. It reminds me of the quintessential “little chapel” that all sorts of movies try to recreate. Stained glass windows, white wood siding, old wooden pews, and surrounded by oaks. Reminds me of the little kid’s rhyme “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open up the doors and see all the people.” Just incredible.
Following the ceremony, we cruised just a couple blocks away to the garden patio of Robin’s Restaurant for the reception where I saw my second big surprise. Playing in the corner for the evening’s music was Jill Knight. A wee bit of background, Jill Knight is a local musician currently making it big (well, she’s been doing that for awhile now, actually). I’ve known about her since about 1994 when an old boyfriend told me I should go see one of her shows. He swore I’d love her music. Here is it 15 years later, and I’d never seen a live show of her’s…but have been secretly stalking her music for a long time. I totally geeked out and gushed how excited I was to see her playing there. I sure hope I didn’t scare her.
Suzanne and Matt have the full-court press from me to move up to the Central Coast. They have loads of family here and now an extra friend (in me). If you ever want to meet new friends, stop by the Moonstone Landing to meet some of Matt and Suzanne’s family. They make everyone feel at-home at their family hotel, not to mention that fact that it made a perfect center for this Cambria destination wedding. Just amazing to meet people like this through my photography. I’m so lucky.
Matt’s brother-in-law made a tandem as their wedding gift. It was absolutely one of the coolest, most personal gifts I’ve seen. So appropriate for Matt and Suzanne.
Before the ceremony started, Matt was all casual and calm.
And then he saw Suzanne walk through the chapel doors. His jaw fell on the ground, his eyes watered up, he blew out a large sigh, and I could swear I saw him mouth the words “Oh. @$!#!” (in a very very good way). I got instant chills and turned to see Suzanne myself. I think I mouthed the same thing. She looked amazing.
And, I love this one. Immediately after getting out of the chapel and before their friends and family get to them…Matt gave Suzanne a HUGE hug and kiss. They were radiant.
