Vanessa and Sean met years ago on a road trip (she’s from Oregon and he’s from California), became friends and saw each other off and on. When they reconnected five years later, Vanessa, an office manager, and Sean, a CEO, picked up right where they left off.

They started dating long distance with Sean driving to Oregon every other week. Eight months later, Vanessa moved to California; one year later, they got engaged while on vacation in Hawaii.

They spent the next two years planning their springtime “I Dos” at Serrano Country Club, a venue the couple loved for its lush greenery and gorgeous views. Their royal purple and charcoal gray color palette was a sophisticated match for the country club nuptials.

Upon arrival at the wedding, guests received the red carpet treatment, as they posed for pictures on the “Step and Repeat” photo booth with a custom backdrop. The ceremony, in front of 100 guests, happened under a 130-year-old oak tree with Folsom Lake in the background.

“I felt like any worries I had about our big day completely vanished once I saw him,” says Vanessa. “I felt complete with my partner by my side.” Another favorite moment for the bride? Her father “calming me down while walking down the aisle.” During the ceremony, the couple had a wine lock box “where we [wrote] letters to each other and placed them in the box with a bottle of wine,” says Vanessa, noting she and Sean each have a key to the box, which is to be opened on their 10-year anniversary.

Sean was “in awe and so proud,” as he soaked in the details. “I felt like it was a dream come true.” He was also impressed by “how attentive our wedding planner [Fearon from Fearon May Events] was to every possible detail.” Vanessa was surprised by “how fast everything happened,” explaining: “Years of planning were over in a blink of an eye.”

She especially liked the wedding planning process, which she says can’t be rushed. “It’s part of the journey and is to be enjoyed and help build your story,” says Vanessa.

As for the funniest moments of the big day, Vanessa recalls the bridal party speeches and Sean remembers, “messing up a word in my vows.” Following their nuptials, the couple spent twodays at Disneyland before boarding a plane to Tahiti, where they honeymooned for five nights on Moorea and five nights on Bora Bora.

—Kristen Castillo