Happy Real Weddings Wednesday, everybody! Today, we have a stunning lakeside wedding right on schedule for you, complete with sunset views by the shore, fur coats, and fantastic photography courtesy of Emma Paul Photography. Happy Wednesday, and happy reading!

Brides and bridesmaids cheersing and smiling.

Bride smiling outside, holding a bouquet.

Groom holding his hands and smiling.

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

For Katrina’s 24th birthday, she decided to plan a snowboarding weekend in Big Bear. It was a group trip, and some mutual friends decided to bring Ken along. Ken and Katrina hit it off and became inseparable. The weekend turned into a long distance relationship with Ken living in Northern California, and Katrina living in L.A. About three months later, Katrina moved back to the Bay Area and they were able to continue their relationship without the distance! Married 9 years later.  Ken asked Katrina if she wanted to go on a spontaneous trip to Hawaii with a week’s notice, which is not unusual for them. Of course she said yes, and had no idea he was planning to propose in Maui. Ken’s original plan was to propose on a helicopter tour, which was cancelled due to high winds. Katrina didn’t even notice Ken pleading with the attendant and asking if there was any other way it could happen that day, and there was not. Katrina suggested lunch, and to go take pictures around the island since they were all dolled up. Ken used that to his advantage and proposed during the photo session! When they returned to their hotel, Katrina was so surprised by all of the decorations and gifts set up around the room. It was really magical!

View of the lake

Groom reading his vows to his wife in private.

Groom kissing bride by the lake.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Our first look. We said our own vows during this time privately and had this moment of peace together. It set the stage for the rest of the day and had us on cloud 9! It was time that was just ours.

Altar looking over the lake.

Bride and groom holding hands at the altar overlooking the lake.

Bride and groom holding hands at the altar and laughing.

Groom kissing bride with the lake behind them.

Bride and groom smiling from the waist up.Bride and groom holding glasses.  Bride and groom kissing.

What else would you like to share about your big day?

We loved all of the personal moments like our first look, first dance, and even our very own last dance. We had our last song with everyone, then while people shuffled out to get ready for our exit, we had the dance floor to ourselves for the last dance. It was the best and allowed us to stop and take it all in, slow things down and really appreciate the entire day.

Bride and groom walking through rows of chairs by the water.

Bride kissing her groom by the water during sunset.

Bride and groom walking into the sunset from behind.

Close up photo of a bride and her flowers. Groom with hands in his pockets in front of a lake.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle together at sunset. Bride and groom making a heart with their hands. Silhouette of bride and groom at the lake.

What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?

Do as much as you can as early as possible so you are stress free as the big day gets closer. We were so on top of our checklists  that during wedding week, everyone was surprised at how chill we were. Control what you can control, and everything else will fall into place!

Bride and groom walking into the reception.

Bride and groom cutting their cake. Bride shoving cake into husbands mouth. Father-daughter dance.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?

Not a thing! It was perfect.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand. Groom picking up his bride and kissing her.

Photos courtesy of and copyright Emma Paul Photography used with permission.

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