M&M’s have had a small but sweet part to play in Caitlin and Ian’s love story. The couple met nine years ago at a friend’s party. “I remember him standing in the kitchen while everyone was talking about tattoos; he lifts up his shirt and screams, ‘I have a tattoo!’ His personality and laugh were infectious and I couldn’t resist his energy,” recalls Caitlin. “He was different from any other guy I’d met.” Not skipping a beat, Ian asked Caitlin’s friend for her number and called her immediately after she left the party. “I asked her to be my girlfriend with custom M&M’s two months after we met, on Valentine’s Day,” remembers Ian.
Seven years later, Ian popped the question with—you guessed it—M&M’s. The couple headed to Hoffman Park in Carmichael for their anniversary celebrations, where Ian had organized a special picnic. For dessert, he revealed a crystal jar filled with personalized M&M’s. When Caitlin deciphered the tiny lettering on the candy that read, “Will you marry me?” she looked up and they both just grinned at each other from ear to ear. Ian then proceeded to get on one knee and ask that sweet little question, to which her answer was a resounding “yes.” On returning home, she found pink and red paper hearts hanging from the ceiling and stuck to the walls. “Everything he does, he does in the most special and thoughtful way possible,” she gushes.
Their wedding was held at the Schrammsberg Estate—a venue that felt special to Caitlin since it was located in the town where they grew up and eventually met. Caitlin was a true DIY bride; making chalkboard signs, wood box centerpieces, striped flag banners and a cornhole set. Ian and his dad built the ceremonial arch under which they stood and read their custom vows.
The groom is of Scottish and Irish heritage, so they also had a hand-fasting ceremony that symbolized their devotion to each other, and they made do without the garter and bouquet toss and the money dance, to make room for more partying.
Caitlin found a creative way to say thank you to her guests, by incorporating a “thank you” ice cream cart into the celebrations, where they dished out ice cream bars to guests. Most touching, however, was when the DJ played back a recording of Ian’s vows over a slow number that people were dancing to; there was almost a collective “aww” from the crowd. “It was magical,” recalls Caitlin.
“It feels so good to call Cait my wife,” says Ian proudly. Bound by their vows and ties, the couple can’t wait to step into the future, planning for children and a home. “There’s a depth to our relationship that wasn’t there before. I didn’t know I could love him anymore than I already did,” says the happy bride.
—Tara Mendanha
First Dance Song
“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
Father/Daughter Dance Song
“Ordinary Miracles” by Sarah McLachlan
Cake Cutting Song
“This Girl (Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners)” by Kungs & Cookin’ on 3 Burners
Last Dance Song
“Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon
Details about the cake
Chai cake with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache
Chocolate cake with buttercream, chocolate ganache, and raspberry preserve filling
Cake covered in classic textured buttercream
Details about the flowers
Spray roses, polo roses, seeded eucalyptus, and olive branches: all in either ivory or blush
Details about the favors
We combined our favors and our dessert by creating a “thank you” ice cream cart. We decorated it with a thank you banner and after we cut the cake we stood behind the cart and served ice cream bars to our guests. By doing this we were able talk with and thank every guest for coming to the wedding.
Anything else you’d like to share about your wedding?
We definitely want to give a shout out to our photographer, Emma. She was so wonderful! Emma was with us all day, from beginning to end. She was one of the first to arrive at the venue and helped set out chairs, linens, all the decorations and helped set up the bar. We are so appreciative of her help. She definitely went above and beyond in her role as photographer. Emma also helped Cait stay organized by packing her overnight bag, making sure the crochet hook was packed so we could get her out of her dress.
Emma is an amazing photographer and has such an eye for taking great photos. When we were able to look through our photos for the first time, we couldn’t help but tear up. She had documented our wedding in such a beautiful way. One thing about her photography style that I really love is how she captures moments. She captures a moment with about 5-6 photos and through this sequence we are able to see every emotion in that moment.
Later in the evening, when the party was really getting started, Emma joined us on the dance floor and took Polaroid pictures and handed them out to our guests. This was one more thing that made her so valuable to us. Emma was such a joy to be around the entire day. She made us feel so comfortable and got us laughing which ultimately showed in our photos.
The Lazy Dog ice cream cart was an awesome addition to our wedding! We really wanted something fun and different and we both loved the idea of having an ice cream cart and serving ice cream versus the traditional slice of cake. As mentioned above, we passed out the ice cream which was a great way to say hello and thank everyone that came to our wedding.
Any tips you’d give brides and grooms planning their wedding today?
Bride – Start planning early so you don’t get stressed and can enjoy the process.
Groom – It’s easy to get nervous about things, especially saying your vows, but once you get started it’s easy. I was so happy once we started the ceremony that I just let the nerves go and had a great time!
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Looking back, we wish we could have had a photo booth. We have been to weddings with a photo booth in the past and they are always so much fun, but ultimately it was not within our budget.
We also wish we could have had a videographer to capture our day in a different light. Again, this did not fit within our budget so we had to cut it out.
Vendors
Ceremony Site:
The Schrammsberg Estate Officiant:
Groom's grandfather Ceremony Music:
Mountain Event Productions Photographer:
Emma Matt-King Photography Reception Site:
The Schrammsberg Estate Bridal Hair:
Jill Taylor at Maribou Salon on Sutter Bridal Make-up:
Shannon Butler, independent artist Bridal Attire:
De La Rosa's Bridal & Tuxedos Bridal Veil:
Borrowed from sister Bridal Shoes:
Nordstrom Bridesmaids' Attire:
The Bridal Box Flowergirl Attire:
Little Dreamers Tutus Flowergirl Attire:
Chasing Bows (headband) Groom’s Attire:
Macy's Groomsmen's Attire:
Macy's Bride's Rings Jeweler:
Stuller (engagement ring); diamonds set by The Energy Garden Bride's Rings Jeweler:
Shane Co. (wedding band) Groom's Rings Jeweler:
Shane Co. Save the Date Cards:
Minted Invitations:
Minted Menu Cards:
Etsy shop Thank You Cards:
Target Wedding Party Flowers:
Flowers by Paige Ceremony Flowers:
Flowers by Paige Reception Flowers:
Flowers by Paige Caterer:
El Agave Taqueria Cake:
Sweetologie Cake Design Ice Cream Station:
Lazy Dog Chocolateria DJ/Entertainment:
Mountain Event Productions Lighting:
Mountain Event Productions Favors:
Lazy Dog Chocolateria Decor Signage:
DIY Table Rentals:
Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents Chair Rentals:
Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents Additional Resources:
Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents (linens)