Jenn and Matt, both Sacramento-area natives, met through mutual friends. “I was dating a friend of his at the time, and when he and I split, Matt asked if it would be okay if he moved in,” she shares. “The rest is history.”
The couple had already been together for five years when they took a belated Valentine’s Day trip to Napa in February 2013. Matt planned everything for their proposal day at Joseph Phelps Vineyards. “It has s gorgeous view, and he popped the question with the sweetest words,” remembers Jenn. “I’m not usually an emotional person, but knowing he had planned all the details and surprise out, even asking both my parents for permission…I lost it.”
When planning their big day, the newly engaged couple wanted to remain true to themselves. “We have a huge family and friend base and wanted everyone to be able to visit and catch up without it feeling too formal and planned out,” shares Jenn. “I knew I wanted Mason jars, to wear cowboy boots, peaches as a central theme to the flower décor and a s’mores bar (something my son begged for).” Matt had two big requests—good food and good drinks—so they felt they had it covered.
Hiring a planner helped Jenn find some ease with the process. “KMK Design took the reins and made sure everything went seamlessly, and nailed our personalities to a T,” says Jenn. “We were blessed with many close friends who were able to help with everything—from flowers and tables to drinks—and to be loved on by them was an overwhelming and great feeling.”
They asked their best friend, Chris, to do the honor of marrying them. “He has the greatest history with Matt, so he was able to incorporate so much of us into our ceremony,” she says. “There was laughter and tears and prayer—it was so in line with Matt and me.”
The DJ kept the event going while Mama Kim Cooks’ food truck catered for eager guests. “I was able to visit with every one of my guests, spend moments with Matt alone, and have lots of laughter on the dance floor,” says Jenn. “I will forever remember the dances with my dads and our son, Dylan.”
—Darren Elms
Click on Jennifer & Matthew’s wedding video below from And Ever Films:
First Dance Song
"Golden" by Lady Antebellum
Father/Daughter Dance Song
"When I Grow Up" by Craig Campbell (with father)
"You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor (with step-father)
Mother/Son Dance Song
Mother/Son - "Sunrise Sunset" by Louis Armstrong
Bride/Son - "Baby Don't You Cry (The Pie Song)"
Cake Cutting Song
"Don't Think I Can't Love You" by Jake Owen
Bouquet Toss Song
"Country Girl Shake It For Me" by Luke Bryan
Garter Toss Song
"Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zepplin
Last Dance Song
"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
Details about the cake
Vanilla cake with buttercream frosting topped with an arrangement by our florist.
Peach cobbler, creme brulee, and pecan brownies made by Mama Kim Cooks.
S'mores bar done by KMK Design.
Details about the flowers
I let my florist have a lot of say; I told her what colors I wanted and she went with it. I wanted to incorporate fresh peaches into my arrangements and she delivered gorgeous results. I knew for sure I wanted light pinks, peaches and whites, and I wanted peonies and roses. I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember what else she used. I trusted her because I knew how talented she is.
Details about the favors
Fresh strawberries/shortcake and fresh cherries handmade by my dad and his girlfriend.
Anything else you’d like to share about your wedding?
We really loved that the event was a way to be with all of our close family and friends. It was casual enough that we felt like we were able to spend a significant amount of time with all or our loved ones.
It is still crazy to me that we were able to pull everything about our personalities and showcase it in the way we did. Our planner Kirsten was heaven-sent and we would do it again 100 times over if she was our planner.
We were so blessed by so many loving people who were able to donate their time and services as well. Shellie, my photographer, has become a good friend. Our florist that is a close family friend was willing to go above and beyond her regular duties to make sure everything was just right, and our families gifted as much of their time, money and services as they could, and to them we will forever be grateful.
Any tips you’d give brides and grooms planning their wedding today?
Find someone to help you. I could have never pulled off what we did without Kirsten at KMK Design.
And, as cliche as it is, start creating a board or list of wants and needs. It paid off in the long run for knowing what we wanted and exactly how it should happen. Our wedding was literally a snapshot of my Pinterest board.
