From Real Weddings Magazine, www.realweddingsmag.com

A true hometown couple, Erika grew up in Roseville and Andy in Citrus Heights. The two first started dating over drinks, but that soon segued to a three-hour dinner and many more dates to come.

Two years into their relationship, the couple took a romantic trip to Hawaii. “We were walking down the beach to dinner when we stopped to watch our final Hawaiian sunset,” Erika says of their last evening on the island. “Just as the sun started setting on the water, Andy asked me to marry him and pulled a ring out of his shirt pocket. It was a private moment in the most public of places, yet no one even realized what just happened because everyone was focused on the sunset.” The pair celebrated with an ocean-side dinner at Duke’s that included a bottle of Champagne, fresh fish, and of course some famous Hula Pie, before sharing the amazing news with friends and family the next morning.

Although Erika and Andy didn’t have any preconceived ideas or plans when talking about the wedding, they did agree they wanted the event to be something they planned together. “It was a complete team effort and family affair from start to finish,” Erika says. “From DIY décor and favors to floral arrangements and centerpieces, we could not have done it without the support of our family and friends.”

One of the bride’s favorite planning moments was the day she found “the dress.” “They always say, ‘you just know when you put it on,’ but I never really believed it until that day,” she shares. “I figured when I put it on and tears started streaming down my face for all the right reasons, it was the right one.”

Leading up to the big day, the couple worked together to write the script for the ceremony, and chose Erika’s brother to officiate. Family was the cornerstone of the ceremony, with both of Andy’s brothers standing up as his best men.

Both ceremony and reception were held at the Auburn Valley Golf Club. “It was an intimate setting where we were able to socialize with all of our guests, dance the night away, and enjoy beautiful views of the golf course and foothills,” Andy says.

But the memory the bride and groom treasure the most was seeing each other for the first time before exchanging vows.

“The moment I turned around and saw Andy for the first time it took my breath away, literally,” Erika says. “I waited all my life to know what that felt like, and it was the most amazing moment ever.“

—Darren Elms

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