Deanna and Fabian finally tie the knot! After ten years of being together, a proposal, a home and two kids late – these two kids decided to finally do the dang thing.
Deanna and Fabian have been family portrait clients of mine for the last 4 years! We first connected back when I was living and working mostly in the South Bay. I got the opportunity to work with them to do their first family photos with their twin daughters, Amaya and Nya.
This year, Deanna reached out to me and let me know that she and Fabian were ready to just tie the knot! They recently moved to a new home and realized that close by was the brand new Santa Clara County Courthouse, aka the County Clerk Recorder’s Office. It felt almost like destiny to finally be ready to get married and literally live across the street from the county chapel.
The new courthouse moved from downtown San Jose to this business park off of Tasman near Levi Stadium. It’s a modern building that has easy parking and is super accessible. Not just that, but for wedding ceremonies, you can choose to get married at the window, their chapel, or outside at their outdoor chapel.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, they changed out the floral arrangements to be red and festive. The chapel in general is really modern. It has wood pews, a floral wallpaper accent wall, and a floral display. But right outside the chapel are a bunch of beautiful accent walls and decor.
I was a little nervous about the business park and how to make these photos feel romantic and perfect for them, but with so many little pockets of greenery, architecture, and lighting, it was fun exploring this new space with them.
When Deanna called me about getting married, she told me, “I just want it to be easy and simple.” After being together for almost a decade and two sweet girls later, these two were just ready. She wanted a simple dress and accessories, focusing on just getting married. Which I love!
I think that’s the beauty of a courthouse wedding – you strip away all the extra stuff that comes with weddings and you get to focus on the things that really matter like marrying your best friend. Courthouse weddings are one of my favorite things to capture.
Also, always so honored when someone asks me to be their witness! I got to be the witness and photographer at this very intimate ceremony.
These two have had their challenges thrown at them, but still walk away so smiley. When Deanna first hired me, she told me that her twins were non-verbal and had autism. That she was worried they won’t smile and that the photos will be tough. I told her we are leaning into taking photos of how they are and not forcing them to be something they are not.
When I work with her and her girls, we focus on capturing things slowly and getting photos of them as a family. Not too long ago, one of the girls, Nya, had to have a kidney transplant as well. So raising these two sweet girls has had its challenges, but when talking to Fabian about their kids, he told me, “We needed them and they need us.” These two are steadfast and loving and the best parents to Nya and Amaya. Just seeing their commitment to their girls, I just know that they are in this for the long haul.
Cheers to Deanna and Fabian! I am so lucky to have been there with you today to start your marriage! I wish you both the best! Cheers!