It’s Wednesday everyone, so you know what that means! It’s Real Weddings Wednesday, and today is all about Kristen + Mike’s intimate, third-times-a-charm wedding at Cypress Grove! Put your reading glasses on, kick your feet up, and read all about this couple’s beautiful state park wedding full of love and scenic charm!
Tell us a little about you and your beloved.
Mike and I were high school sweethearts, but broke up before we left for college. (He broke up with me via text message!) We were part of the same friend group, so we would see each other throughout the years, but timing never really worked in our favor, all while our friends and family consistently reminded us that we were meant to be together. We both attended a mutual friend’s wedding, and we have been together since! Mike proposed in Zion while we were on a canyoneering day trip. He belayed down first and was waiting for me at the bottom on his knee. This was our 3rd attempt at planning our wedding. The first, a more traditional wedding, was canceled because of COVID. Our second was going to be a small ceremony in Santa Cruz, but it was so smokey from the fires caused by lightning. Cori (our photographer) was amazing and so positive throughout the whole thing. It meant a lot that she was willing to stick with us through all the changed plans. We loved that our wedding was a simple ceremony and dinner with our closest family. The third time truly was a charm.
What was the best part of your wedding day?
The actual ceremony. It was so intimate and special, especially with Mike’s dad as our officiant.
What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?
Make the wedding yours! You don’t have to include anything in the day that doesn’t fit you and your partner. Try to be as go-with- the-flow as possible — easier said than done! While it was frustrating to have our plans change so much because of situations out of our hands, we knew we could still create the perfect day.
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?
Plan this wedding from the very beginning.
Photos courtesy of and copyright Cori Ann Photography used with permission.
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