Whitney + Gavin

How did you meet?

My husband’s cousin’s gender reveal party is where we met. My husband’s cousin is my best friend, and was the MOH in our wedding. She introduced us to each other in 2020!

Tell us about your engagement.

July 2024 we got engaged, Gavin proposed on the beach near Half Moon Bay.

#WeddingGoals

I knew I wanted it to be calm and fun. I wanted the focus to be on all the love around us, and to enjoy the moment with our close friends and family.

How did planning go?

Planning was stressful at times because we did not have a coordinator. Gavin was in a paramedic program, and I was in a teaching credential program at the same time, making us short on time, money, and energy. We prioritized each other and having a fun, simple wedding to celebrate our love. We decided, as a couple, not to get overwhelmed with the planning by taking it one day at a time. My favorite part of planning was picking my wedding dress. It was so fun going shopping with my bridesmaids and creating those special memories together!

Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge was finding a venue that was within our budget. We were so grateful to find Lake Natoma Inn which was reasonably priced and had so much to offer!

How was the Ceremony?

My dad (Russ Stringfellow) was our officiant. Having someone so close to both of us made the moment so special. The ceremony was outside underneath the gazebo with the lights in the back, and the gorgeous greenery that Lake Natoma Inn has to offer.

Memorable Moments

The maid of honor speech was so special to my husband and me.

Any funny or unexpected wedding moments that happened throughout the day?

The ring bearer and flower girl were tearing up the dance floor!

Special Dances:

First Dance: Bloom by the Paper Kites

Father/Daughter Dance: My Little Girl by Tim McGraw

Cake Cutting Dance: Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison

Bouquet Toss Dance: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

Last Dance: Kiss Me More by Doja Cat

What was the best part of your day?

Whitney: The best part of the day was saying I do to the love of my life, and the debrief after the ceremony.

Gavin: Seeing my bride walk down the aisle, and saying I do.

Favorite Detail

My favorite detail from the wedding day was having a special moment with my mom before walking down the aisle.

Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?

I think the guests will remember dancing the night away and all the positive energy in the room.

#VendorRaves

Erica from Erica Baldwin Photography was the best photographer anyone could ask for! She was kind and respectful the entire time. Her patience with my husband and me was amazing and very much appreciated. Hanna’s Bakery also did an amazing job with our wedding cake and cupcakes. Lake Natoma Inn was also the best venue we could ask for—the team was so kind and helpful. Not only is it a gorgeous venue, but the food was amazing, too!

Advice from the Couple

Don’t let the planning cause stress between the two of you! Wedding planning can quickly turn from fun to chaos and stress. Take it one day at a time, do your best and forget the rest. Brides, ask the groom what they want/need at the wedding, they might surprise you! Don’t worry about all the tiny details the day of, just relax and remember to soak in the moments of the day without stress or worry.