The Couple: Jenni & Eric
Wedding Date: June 1, 2013
Photography by Amy Nicole Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Eric and I met in college at UCSD, which is actually highlighted in the “book” that Eric wrote and used to propose. Here’s our story (in Eric’s words), appropriately titled “The Story of Us”:
This tale begins way back in 2005, when Eric and Jenni made the biggest decisions thus far in their lives: where to go to college.
After searching far and wide, they both decided to attend University of California at San Diego: Jenni to play softball and Eric to play volleyball.
Their first year they enjoyed the sun and everything else college in San Diego had to offer, but their paths did not cross.
Their second year is when they met. Jenni played the role of tutor for Eric and her roommate, Catherine, in Calculus. They later took an Accounting course together and had a memorable run-in with the Wicked Witch of the West.
In their third year, they became friends and their houses spent a great deal of time together; and on the 4th of July, with fireworks as their backdrop, they began dating.
Their final year of school went well, each having a great year of academics, athletics, and enjoying each other’s company.
After graduating, Eric followed his dreams to Belgium: playing professional volleyball, and Jenni returned to Davis to coach softball and begin a career in banking.
Nine months later, Eric returned to the U.S. and within a few months was living and working in Sacramento, and the two were once again able to spend lots of time together.
A fantastic 20 months have passed in Sacramento and have convinced Eric there is only one question left to ask Jenni:
Will you marry me?
He was even kind enough to leave blank pages at the end, knowing that our story is not yet finished.
After I said yes, we (yes, we – Eric was my biggest champion throughout the planning of the wedding) worked with my mom to make our wedding a dream come true. After I did the research, nine times out of ten Eric was the one to send the email or make the phone call to initiate contact – feel free to ask any of our vendors. I would then come in and go through all the details with them.
What was the most amazing part of your day? I’d have to say the most amazing part of the day were the little imperfections: Eric’s brother, the Best Man, trying to pull the fake ring off the ring bearer’s pillow, Eric jumping the gun and grabbing my ring from the Pastor before he had a chance to bless the rings, the Pastor asking for the ring back and then dropping it, my sister forgetting the garter at the hotel and fashioning one out of hair ties (God bless softball players!!) and ribbon.
Granted the whole day was lovely and amazing and more than anything we could have ever dreamed for, but it’s definitely these little things we still talk about and will likely continue to bring up as we make our life together.
Ceremony and Reception Site: David Girard Vineyards
Officiant: Vern Oestmann (Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Vacaville)
Photographer: Amy Nicole Photography
Videographer: Frontside Films
Caterer: Maranello Restaurant (which has sadly closed since our wedding)
Cake/Desserts: Bella Bru
Flowers: Natural Flair Custom Floral Designs
Favors: Custom Colored Jelly Bellies
Bridal Attire: Dress from Haven Bridal Mart, veil and garter from SPARKLE Bridal Couture
Bridesmaids’ Attire: All over, each bridesmaid had a different dress. However, my maids of honor got their dresses from SPARKLE Bridal Couture and Alfred Angelo.
Hair: Jessica from Risto Hair International
Invitations: Delphine Press
DJ/Entertainment/Band and Lighting: Chad Stalzer Productions
Décor Rentals: Found and purchased by my mom
Linen Rentals: Mimi & Co.
Honeymoon Location: Two weeks traveling throughout Italy (Rome, Siena, Cinque Terre, Florence, and Venice)
First Dance Song: “Home” by Phillip Phillips
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Don’t get caught up in all the little details…that you vendor doesn’t have your exact shade of whatever color it is your looking for, that the venue has funny rules, or whatever it is that’s working you up. Take a minute (or two…or more) throughout the planning and just step back and remember what it’s truly about, the love you share with your partner.
Create a day that reflects the two of you…one of the best compliments I heard about our day was that it felt like Eric and me, that we looked natural or that it really fit our personalities.
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? Not a single thing…except maybe have another glass of the delicious wine served at David Girard Vineyards.
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of and copyright Amy Nicole Photography.
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