SACRAMENTO-WEDDING-PHOTOGRAPHY-

Veronica and Peter first met at the restaurant INK Eats & Drinks in downtown Sacramento after a night of dancing. “I commented on how Veronica had the best purse of the night,” recalls Peter. “My best friend Joey (and eventual best man and officiant) joined Veronica and her friend for some late-night eating.” But, according to Peter, Veronica was really only interested in being friends. “I chased Veronica for three years until she finally gave in and we started dating,” he says. By that time, she was living in Los Angeles, so the two dated long distance for almost a year.  After some more convincing, she decided to move back to Sacramento to be with Peter.

Before Christmas in 2012, the couple jetted off to Rancho Palos Verdes to stay at the beautiful Terranea Resort. “I had given her an early Christmas present to hold on to when we left,” he says. “It was a book I put together, highlighting the story of our relationship—where we met, where we had traveled, and all of the things we’ve enjoyed doing together.” As she got to the end of the book, she came to a page that said 12.15.12, best day ever, and then blank pages. “I told her I needed her help in completing the book.” He got down on one knee with a ring and proposed.

“We love to dance and it was part of our courtship,” Peter says. “We wanted to create a fun atmosphere where everyone would want to jump up and dance.”

The couple decided on a small, intimate wedding so that they could easily mingle and speak to each guest. In addition to having great food and wine for the guests, they wanted a lively celebration. “We love to dance and it was part of our courtship,” Peter says. “We wanted to create a fun atmosphere where everyone would want to jump up and dance.” 

The ceremony took place on a ninth-floor terrace at the St. Regis with breathtaking views of San Francisco. Officiant and best man Joey asked the question, “Who has it better than you two?” To which they both happily responded, “Nobody!” They also included a Korean duck ceremony on behalf of the groom’s mother, and Aleron Strings played classical music before the ceremony. The recessional song “Don’t Stop Believin’” inspired by Journey, rang true for a groom who never gave up on his chance for love with the bride.

— Darren Elms