Anaheim Backyard Wedding

We just love when we’re able to share a little bit of insight from the groom on his wedding day, so we were elated to hear from groom Ben about his wedding to Shauna photographed by Kym of Ventola Photography. We may have even gotten a little misty-eyed when he mentioned that their wedding day was on the 6 year anniversary of their first kiss! Keep an eye out for some subtle touches of the couple’s love of Harry Potter 🙂

From the groom, Ben: We met at a get-together at my older brother’s apartment, and after Shauna persistently inquired about me to my older brother, I decided to try a romantic first date. I chose to take Shauna to see X-men, with all of my close friends, and they all approved of her! We spent the next 6 years discovering and enjoying all of the food, great beer, wizarding worlds, and good company that we could on our many adventures.

I soon realized that this was something special and not just any girl would enjoy spending her free time touring the Anderson Valley Brewery with me (Our favorite brewery, and the two beers we served at the reception). In 2010 I moved to Seattle for school, and Shauna stayed in California awaiting my return after the 9 month school year. It was the distance and time apart that led me to realize that I didn’t want to be without Shauna ever again, so I proposed the next time she came to visit. Our wedding date was our 6 year Anniversary from our first kiss on my mom’s porch. The venue is within these oak trees, it is somewhat of a hiking trail. We were drawn to the natural aspects of the venue and outdoors.

We hired a gourmet food truck (burgers/sliders) for the caterer. We did succulent arrangements and just a pop of color and those bistro/bulb swags for lighting… We are inspired greatly by Anthropologie! We are craft beer drinkers, so our favorite beer will be in kegs at the wedding. 🙂 I like the idea of vintage with a modern touch. I really wanted to pull off a unique and stylish wedding without looking too crafty.

See Also

A Bold Berry-Colored Vallejo Wedding

This couple incorporated hints of Harry Potter throughout their wedding, and that made it that much more awesome! Shauna had been planning a surprise for Ben long before the wedding. She had an antique motorcycle rebuilt by a friend of the couple, which she brought out after the ceremony to surprise Ben with.

Wedding Location: Anaheim, CA / Wedding Photographer: Ventola Photography / Wedding Venue: Oak Canyon Nature Center / Event Styling: Red Velvet Occasions / Wedding Dress: Mori Lee / Bride’s Shoes: Seychelles / Bride’s Hair Accessories: Mignonne Handmade / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Wedding Flowers: Pixie’s Petals / Wedding Caterer: Chef Joe Youkhan’s Tasting Spoon / Wedding Music: Tim of Pacific Events