We journey to the Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club for the wedding of Marisela & Niko!
All lovers have a calling card. A shared passion that resonates with anyone who meets them. These two share an affinity for our culture’s most cherished tales. From ancient mythology to modern; Westley and Buttercup to wizarding worlds; even over to a certain nether side of the Force.
And let me tell you, from the moment you meet them, it’s clear Marisela and Nico are writing the next great chapters of a love story entirely their own.
We began at Salon Envy in Visalia, California. It’s here where the magic of hair and makeup is still practiced like a high art form. Everyone loved the attention to detail and creativity of the talented Salon Envy staff.
We had the fortune of meeting, interacting with and working alongside Huitt Photography Studio, Tim Huitt. Amazing and kind, the guy was a class act. It’s always an absolute treat to thread the needle in film and photo with someone who is gracious and thoughtful toward his/her fellow vendor. That was Tim & his wife Sophie through and through —creative pros who handled themselves wonderfully.
What a picturesque venue. Sunny, cloud-streaked skies. Warm but not uncomfortable. Big lazy pillows of clouds spread out over the idyllic Ridge Creek course. We definitely cashed in a few favors with the weather gods who provided fantastic light and shadowy dimension for our pristine green backdrops.
We could hardly neglect to mention the highly capable wedding coordination. In the hands of Olga, the day sailed smoothly and seamlessly. Her staff was amazingly kind, and such a joy to work with.
For the fans of purple, this would have been the event for you! The entire spectrum was well represented, woven together through decor that was perched beautifully at the border of dreamy and sexy. Out of a fantastical realm, to be sure! That’s saying nothing of the awesome Vader, Stormtrooper cufflinks sported by Niko and his groomsmen.
Of course, no wedding really rocks without the right entertainment to keep the party going. That’s exactly what DJs Dave Roberts/Ken Richards of Mobile Sound Productions brought to the fun.
A few moments always stand out. Each wedding delivers one or two unique highlights that make us temporarily forget that this whole day is carefully orchestrated. Moments when reality slips away and we tiptoe into the ethereal.
One of these magical moments was the dance shared by Marisela and her father. It was startlingly clear that this man means so much to her — and that he had long ago been the first to capture her heart.
Okay, enough misty-eyed daydreaming! What kind of couple adorns their reception area with well-loved literary classics AND gives them away to their guests at the end of THEIR special day? Marisela and Nico! So much thought went into the decor, and such a special added touch was breathtaking. Like saying, “Share with us the stories that have help shape us, and you’ll begin to understand who this couple is!”
When we think about how these two met, how they knew right away that they had to occupy each other’s orbit, it’s not the least bit surprising that Marisela’s favorite literary work is The Princess Bride. At face value, the story’s a comically flighty romance. But dismiss it as such and you’ve missed the heart entirely. Its author, William Goldman, never pulled his punches. He’s brutally honest about life, love and the WORK of love. If that says something about the pragmatism and passion that you get from spending some quality time with Marisela and Nico, these two are a lock for lasting love.