Nicole met Kevin while visiting her grandparents (Kevin’s neighbors) when she was eight years old. Puppy love ensued, and the couple started dating when Nicole was 17. Throughout the years, they maintained their relationship—even through Kevin’s service in the Marine Corps and serving in Iraq.
While vacationing in Bodega Bay, Kevin proposed on the beach among their friends and family. His clean shoes should have struck Nicole’s suspicions, but he was still able to catch her off guard. When he dropped to one knee, she first said, “Are you serious?” followed by, “yes!”
The same week they got engaged, they bought a house in Placerville, so the planning was put on hold for a short time. When it was time to begin, things went well—thanks to the power of Pinterest, venue owner Deanna Fausel (of Fausel Ranch) and her daughter Lydia, and Nicole’s strong vision for an outdoor country, rustic wedding. Nicole’s cowboy boots became the inspiration for the day and eventually everything unfolded just as Nicole had dreamed.
Getting married outdoors in northern California, however, always comes with a certain risk for rain. Deanna Fausel somehow knew that it would rain during the ceremony and had a sign made that read, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain,” and that’s exactly what they did. Rain is probably not what Nicole expected when she chose sunflowers, but they were still so sweet and charming, and suited the vibe she was hoping for.
Dancing in the rain stands out as a great memory for Nicole, but seeing Kevin and feeling truly blessed to call him her husband tops the charts. And as a true daddy’s girl, she will never forget the moment when her dad first got to see her in her wedding gown.
Nicole and Kevin were so glad they booked a traditional honeymoon in Maui—rather than something low-key and close to home—as they were able to really unwind and reflect on their amazing wedding.
It has been 18 years since they first met and nine years since they first started dating; they are thrilled to finally be happily married and expecting their first child.
―Kelley Saia
First Dance Song
"I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
Father/Daughter Dance Song
"My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw
Mother/Son Dance Song
"The Woman in My Life" by Phil Vasser
Details about the cake
Cake was vanilla with vanilla frosting
Cupcakes: red velvet, German chocolate (Groom's favorite) and vanilla
Cookies: Chocolate chip, oatmeal and snickerdoodles
Details about the flowers
I told the florist that I wanted a sunflower bouquet, and for my centerpieces I wanted rustic country flowers, but they had to have gerbera daisies.
Anything else you’d like to share about your wedding?
All my vendors were GREAT! The Fausels are like family to Kevin and I (he went to school with her kids). She helped me so much with everything for my wedding and especially her daughter Lydia. She has a cellar FULL of things that you can use! Christie and Lacey with Snowline Photography were AMAZING! They got everything on my checklist even when it started to rain for a little bit, and especially my two must-haves: Kevin's reaction when he saw me and my dad's reaction when he saw me. :) My dad, and I made our cupcake stands and cake stand.
Another unique thing was that we didn't have bridesmaids or groomsmen but we had five flower girls and one ring bearer. I know it sounds a little crazy, but the girls stood up with me, and Colton stood with Kevin. They all mean so much to Kevin and I so we wanted them to be a special part of our wedding.
But I think the MOST UNIQUE thing is that in the morning when I was setting up, my godfather, Jeff Adams came by before heading home from the King fire which they were on since it pretty much started. He wanted to come by and see me before he went home since he couldn't be at the wedding. He was driving his utility truck along with 4-5 fire engines and his crew. I was so shocked! I took Colton, my ring bearer, and Maddy, one of my flowers girls, to go see the fire engines, and they let us ride in the engine to the front of the site. It was so cool, since that is what my hubby does now and the kids got to see that.
Another very special moment was that we had memorial chairs for Kevin's dad who passed away, my grandma, and a very close family member on my side. I also had the florist put three pendants in my bouquet with their pictures in there.
Any tips you’d give brides and grooms planning their wedding today?
ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!! It goes by so fast. Enjoy every minute with your new spouse. Don't worry if something isn't placed in the "right" spot or something isn't going right - no one knows but YOU! Don't worry, just have fun!
