Leslie & Jeremy's Wedding | Bear Valley Lodge, Bear Valley, CA

One of my favorite things to do on my free time is going off to beautiful landscapes and photographing wide angle shots, macro shots, and everything in between. It's a form of meditation for me where I can be at complete peace. Now, with that in mind, I receive a call from Leslie asking me to photograph her wedding in Bear Valley, California, AKA FOREST HEAVEN. I swear, I needed a good pinching. Welcome to a story of love, laughter, and enough forest magic to make you as happy as a fat kid in a candy shop. 

Leslie and Jeremy first met at Sacramento State University through the Air Force ROTC program. After graduating with mechanical engineering and physical therapy degrees, the two were engaged and the wedding planning begun. 

Deep navy blues and creamy whites were the colors of Leslie and Jeremy's wedding, and I must say, they were beautiful. Sparkling detail note: Leslie's ring was custom made by Windsor Diamonds and Jeremy made his ring HIMSELF. Major talent. 

I, having a little too much caffeine in my system, tend to get a little (a lot) more "nerdy photographer" than normal, and got excited when I saw the beauty that stood before me behind the ring light. I may have called out, "work it, woooork it", a few times. :)  

A gorgeous bouquet of creamy white roses and succulents. Um, yes please. 

The flower girl was an absolute sweetheart. Mom and Dad teared up when they placed her in Leslie's shoes. Someday...

"Because this is your day, and you can giggle and jump on as many beds as you want!"

Getting all of the sparkling details on...

And, the man of the hour...

The weather was perfection: Sunny and 75. Jeremy patiently awaited his beautiful bride, throwing in some happy dances, before their first look. Jeremy had picked out the quiet location, and my, was it pretty. 

Mountain top portraits...yes, I have died and gone to Heaven. 

After bridal party portraits and family formals, mother nature decided to show up in the form of a dark grey cloud and began to rain and hail. Thankfully, we had a cozy lodge awaiting us to have the ceremony surrounded by large wooden beams, complete with a wonderfully large stone fireplace. Rain or shine, Leslie and Jeremy were focused on each other and magic was made. 

After the beautiful lodge ceremony, Jeremy carried his bride outside for more romantics in the cool, misty air. The weather had cleared up just in time to softly light the new Mr. and Mrs. Mathis. Mother nature isn't all bad after all. These two are seriously too cute! 

Reception, AKA Party Time! Most of the wood decor, from signs to candle holders were all handmade by Jeremy and his father. 

The sky was still overcast, but was giving off an intensely warm glow. Magic hour had arrived! More romantic portraits were to be had. Can you tell the three of us are a little passionate/obsessed with the forest? 

The incredibly romantic first dance to Chris Stapleton's "Tennessee Whiskey" . 

Its hard not to giggle along with Father/Daughter dances when you have adorable people like this. 

Sweet Mother/Son dance

Dancing and laughter continued late into the night. Through all of the rain and sunshine, the day couldn't have been any more perfect. Jeremy and Leslie's wedding was a mountain wedding dream come true and it was my honor to capture so many beautiful moments.  

Through all of the rain and sunshine, the day couldn't have been any more perfect. Jeremy and Leslie's day was a mountain wedding dream come true and it was my honor to capture so many beautiful moments.  

Shoutout to all of the talented individuals who helped make this day perfect:

Venue | Bear Valley Lodge, Bear Valley, CA

Second Photographer | Gabby Terrasi

Florist | Blooms and Things, Angels Camp, CA

Makeup | Natalie Clark from Trim Salon, Modesto, CA

Hair | Sofia Posten from Allure Salon and Spa, Tracy, CA

DJ | DJ TJ Entertainment, Folsom, CA 

Cake | Butter and Cream, Arnold, CA

Dress | La Soie Bridal, Sacramento

Bridesmaids Dresses | Lulu's 

Tuxes | Men's Wearhouse 

Bride's Ring | Windsor Diamonds, custom-made in Folsom, CA

Groom's Ring, centerpiece boxes, Mathis sign, corn hole sets, welcome sign, and Photo Booth | Jeremy!