Happy Real Weddings Wednesday, folks! We are celebrating Kelci + Joe’s scenic, straight-from-a-movie backyard ceremony in Nevada City! Expect gorgeous photos that create a senic foggy forest backdrop, along with some fun insights from the couple. Keep scrolling to read more about Kelci and Joe’s love story. Happy Wednesday, and happy reading!

Photo of a friend's backyard in Nevada City.

Bride getting zipped into her dress

Bride posing after getting ready.

Groom posing after getting ready.

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

Joe and I are two love birds who find each other very, very funny. We met at The Benchwarmer, a little dive in Ventura, CA. I walked in and after an hour or so of pep talking from a friend, Joe finally walked up and said, “Hi, are you that cute girl I was talking to on Bumble?” I was! [It was] a little hybrid tech-real life love story. Three years later, backpacking in Santa Barbara County, Joe proposed with my Nana’s engagement ring. We were sitting by a crystal clear pool that had not one but three little waterfalls flowing into it. It was a beautiful moment. For the next year we planned the best party either of us could have hoped for. My mom has the organization, the mind for logistics, and so much practice throwing backyard parties; Joe and I had the scratch paper lists of ideas all over our house; Joe’s Mom and sister have the knack for details and a good time that can make a backyard party a champagne worthy event. Our Dads are classic gentlemen and sat back and gave us the space to call back and forth relentlessly about cup rentals, table cloths, and who knows what else — probably more cup and table cloth talk!

Bride and groom about to have their first look.

Bride and groom doing their first look in the forest.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Kelci: Sharing our vows, I think about them everyday.

Joe: Seeing Kelci in that beautiful forest in that beautiful dress (I know it sounds like I (Kelci) wrote this for him, but I swear that’s what he said when I asked!)

Bride and groom at the altar.

Bride and groom holding hands at the altar.

Bride and groom celebrating at the end of the aisle after getting married.

Bride and groom's family photos.

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

We had so much support from our friends and families and it meant the world.

Bride and groom dancing in the forest in Nevada City.

Bride dancing in the forest in Nevada City.

Bride and groom laughing in the forest.

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

Do the rehearsal even if you think the plan is self explanatory!

Reception setup in the bride and grooms' friend's backyard.

Wedding cake

Anything you would have done differently?

[Had] a rehearsal!

Bride and groom about to do their first dance.

Wedding cake and desserts.

Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake.

Photos courtesy of and copyright Azara Images used with permission.

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