The whole town of Solvang was buzzing the morning of the wedding. People in traditional Danish garb lined the streets and parade music filled the crisp morning air. As I loaded my gear into the car, I saw my family leaving their hotel to partake in the Danish excitement before the wedding began later that afternoon. The excitement was, in part, due to the annual Danish festival the town was throwing that weekend, but for myself, I think the excitement was more for the wedding day that was about to start. Scott, more affectionately called “Scotty” by his family, was about to tie the knot with his gorgeous fiance Kate. (Fun Fact: Kate’s new married name is now, my old single name… Kate Akamine. I’ve passed the baton and become a Kernutt, but I leave my beloved name in good hands.)
We arrived at Hotel Corque, seriously the nicest hotel in Solvang, and spent a good part of the morning with the ladies as they got ready for the day. The suite was full of activity and smiling faces, bridesmaids arriving and finishing makeup and hair, flower girls coloring and running around, and the two mothers happily chattering away about final details that needed attention. Kate’s details were breathtaking…. truly the epitome of gorgeous! From her amazing dress, to her glittering Kate Spade peep toe pumps, I was in HEAVEN photographing everything! The ladies of Team Hair & Makeup did an amazing job that morning with Kate and the girls as well! Here is a taste of the morning…..
The girls finished up and headed to Gainey Vineyard to await the boys’ arrival, and my very talented 2nd shooter Hanssie accompanied them to get some extra shots in. Christopher, my trusty and very official 3rd shooter, and I spent some time with Scott and the boys as they got ready to go.
A quick word about Scott…. he’s my older cousin. But more than that, he’s one of my biggest supporters and encouragers. So, to have the privilege of photographing his wedding was the greatest honor and joy I could ever wish for. With that, here are a few photos with Scotty and the boys….
This is definitely my favorite groomsmen shot of the day…
Fun Socks!
When we got to the wedding site, I got a few quick shots of the beautiful bride on her way to see her groom for the first time! Kate, you were STUNNING!
And the beautiful wedding party….
Another quick note: Everytime I’ve gone through these ceremony photos, I’ve gotten a little teary-eyed. It might be because I’m just so darn happy for my cousin and his bride, but it was also a very intimate and personal ceremony. Even though there were quite a few people there, it was a very close knit group.
As the ceremony ended, I snuck away with the bride and groom while the cocktail hour ensued.
We wandered through the beautiful vineyards, and took some romantic shots of the newest Mr. and Mrs. Akamine.
This is probably my favorite of these two….
The reception, and pretty much the entire day, was made beautiful by Ashley of Agape Planning, and the pretty flowers were all created by Amanda Crawford Designs. Everything ran so smooth and the reception was so beautiful!
Check out this intense cake made by Kate’s sister Jill! How stinkin’ amazing is she?!!!!
They had a fabulous live band called All Star Trio. They ROCKED!
Overall, this was the happening place that weekend in Santa Ynez and I felt SO blessed to be able to document it all. Scotty and Kate, I love you two to pieces and I’m still so excited you picked me to be your wedding photographer. I had so much fun with you two and your wedding was a perfect reflection of the fun and love you share. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!
Venue: Gainey Vineyard
Event Planning and Coordination: Agape Planning
Catering: 24 Carrots
Band: All Star Trio
Florist: Amanda Crawford Designs
Lighting: Ambient Event Design
Officiant – Brian Marsh
Harpist – Laurie Rasmussen
Hair/Makeup – Team Hair & Makeup
Hotel – Hotel Corque
Cake – Jill Fox
