Born in Placerville, Hettie met Joshua of Fresno through a mutual friend and co-worker. “At the sake of sounding cliché, it was love at first sight for both of us,” recalls Hettie of their first encounter. “From the moment we met we didn’t spend another day without each other. We truly are the best of friends.” 

As the couple quickly realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, Hettie moved to Stanislaus County to start a new life with Joshua and his two beautiful children.

“I knew we were getting married about four months after meeting, and we actually booked our venue eight months later, even before he proposed!” she says with a smile. Joshua included his bride-to-be in creating a custom ring and the two made their engagement official in February 2014 in Pismo Beach surrounded by their good friends and his children. “Joshua took me for a romantic walk on the beach,” remembers Hettie. “He got on his knee and told me all of the reasons why he was in love with me and wanted me to be his wife. It was a perfect proposal and I could really see how much thought and work he put into making me feel special that weekend. The memory of our proposal will last a lifetime.”

The couple began planning an intimate wedding that would include only their close friends and family. “We also wanted the wedding to be rustic yet elegant,” adds the bride. “I paired very high-end dresses with antique rustic accents to create an eclectic feel. But our main goal was to have fun and celebrate with our friends.”

Hettie and Joshua were married in an old horse barn-turned-chapel on the property of Union Hill Inn. “The ceremony was unique in the sense that my mother walked me down the aisle, and my aunt Jane and her husband Steve performed the ceremony,” shares Hettie. “I didn’t want to look back on photos and see a stranger marrying us! So these photos are so special to me.”

The reception took place in the main hall on the property. “My favorite moment was about halfway through the night when our photographer stole us away for night photos,” she says. “We took photos in the chapel and around the venue, and it gave us a little alone time. With all the festivities going on, it was nice to sneak away for a bit.”

Hettie and Joshua also made apple pie “moonshine” and apple butter with apple brandy for their guests to enjoy. “Joshua was involved in every part of the planning process and it was really fun making memories together.” 

—Darren Elms