A Love Rooted in History: Ben & Alicia’s Santa Cruz Backyard Wedding
Weddings are always special, but when they take place in a home filled with family history, the day becomes even more meaningful. Ben and Alicia’s backyard wedding, set in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by majestic redwoods, was one such unforgettable occasion. As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer, I had the honor of capturing every emotional moment of their day.
A Home Passed Down Through Generations
Alicia’s family home, where the wedding took place, is more than just a house—it’s a living testament to generations past. Her grandmother, who recently passed away, had left behind countless heirlooms that filled the home with rich memories. From the grand piano that had been played for years, to the delicate tea sets that graced family gatherings, every item told a story of love, resilience, and family bonds. Alicia’s home, passed down from generation to generation, became the perfect backdrop for her and Ben’s new beginning.
A Century-Old Veil and Cherished Traditions
Before Alicia got dressed for the ceremony, we took a few intimate photos of her wearing her great-grandmother’s veil, which is over 100 years old. She paired it with a vintage slip, also a family heirloom. The significance of wearing these items, passed down through the women of her family, added a layer of depth and beauty to the day. As a wedding photographer in Santa Cruz, moments like these remind me of the importance of documenting not just the event, but the deep connections to the past.
Emotional Special Dances That Left Everyone in Tears
The ceremony was beautiful, but the special dances were where the emotions truly overflowed. The first dance between Ben and Alicia was sweet and heartfelt, followed by the classic mother-son dance. But the father-daughter dance took an unexpected and touching turn. Since Alicia had lost her father, Ben’s dad stepped in to dance with her, a gesture that brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
Alicia also opted for a mother-daughter dance, something rarely seen but so powerful. She invited her mother, her sister, and her stepfather onto the dance floor for a group embrace that ended in an emotional moment of connection and love. These dances were more than traditions—they were testaments to the strength of family, even in moments of loss.
From Tears to Celebration: The Party Kicks Off
Once the tears dried, the dance floor was ready for celebration. Bouquets and garters were tossed, and the party kicked into high gear. Friends and family filled the backyard under the redwoods, dancing the night away. It was the perfect transition from an emotional ceremony to a joyful, fun-filled reception.
As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer, there’s nothing quite like capturing a backyard wedding in the redwoods. The mix of personal touches, family history, and the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Ben and Alicia’s day was filled with so much heart, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.
A Big Thank You and Congratulations!
A huge thank you to Tiffany Michele for having me at this wedding! It was such a joy to be another photographer for you. And, of course, the biggest congratulations to the beautiful couple, Ben and Alicia! I hope you continue to make countless more memories in this home and create your own history here.
If you loved what you’ve seen, please feel free to reach out to learn more about my wedding photography offerings. I’d love to help capture your special moments!
Wedding days end, newborns become toddlers, and parents become grandparents. These moments go by so fast. You deserve to live fully in them, to be present, and then relive them through imagery that tells your story. Photography is more than just a picture, it’s a way to document your history. These are the good old days. Let me help you remember them.
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I believe every story deserves to be seen, felt & remembered.
"I love the people I photograph. I mean, they're my friends. I've never met most of them or I don't know them at all, yet through my images I live with them."
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Photographer, dog mom, book hoarder, and Trader Joe’s loyalist. I’m a Pisces, an ENFJ, and an Enneagram 3, which basically means I feel everything, care deeply, and always have a running to-do list (with color coding).
These days, I’m also figuring out life as a new mom — balancing baby snuggles with camera gear and reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve built a career out of noticing the details, chasing the light, and turning everyday moments into art.
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I'm Shannon.
throughout the entire session."
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
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