Last May, we had the good fortune to photograph Sara and Mike’s gorgeous wedding at Kennolyn in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We adore Mike and Sara for lots of reasons, but one of the things I liked best about their wedding choices was their commitment to being super environmentally friendly. Sara worked really hard to select a florist who could enact her green vision, with local and seasonal floral arrangements. She chose Amanda from Laughin’ Gal Floral and then gave her free reign with choice of flowers and color, and the end result was amazing.

First up, take a look at Sara’s colorful and textured bouquet.

Next, you have got to love the variety and detail in the boutonnieres. Each was color coordinated to match a bridesmaid and her bouquet.

And the ladies’ bouquets, also coordinated with the ribbons they wore at their waists.

The flower girl carried an assortment of all of these flowers in her basket…

She then sprinkled them down the aisle.

Amanda continued her theme of vibrant colors and textures in the room decor. My personal favorite, sunflowers, decked the walls.

One of the table centerpieces…

A cocktail hour arrangment…

And finally the cake- I love when real flowers are used to decorate the cake. These are such a nice way to tie in the whole look.

These flowers totally blew me away. If you would like to see more photos from Sara and Mike’s special day, definitely check out their sneak peek, the scoop and their slideshow. And if you are interested in more Green Wedding Ideas, check out Being Green on the Way Out.

Here’s my favorite humorous moment from the bedecken. Sara’s checking out Mike to make sure he’s the right guy. Turns out he is.

What I didn’t count on, was the tears they would bring to my eyes.

During their ketubah signing ceremony, the Rabbi allowed for them to share some thoughts with each other. They were so tender and honest with each other.

And the way Mike looks at Sara simply melts my heart.

Here Mike is ensuring that Sara is indeed Sara. When I look at this image, I somehow make the same expression that Sara does. I can’t help it. Quivery happiness all over.

Alas, I have gotten ahead of myself. So allow me to take a step back.

I have known Mike for several years; we met while performing in a comedy improv group- Blue Blanket Improv- in California. Mike has since moved on and even started his own- Chicken Scratch Improv. And Dave knew Mike from their swing dancing days. We met Sara (and puppy Oscar) last fall and were instantly enamored. Mike and Sara are absolutely perfect together, and perfect parents for Oscar. When they chose us to photograph their wedding at Kennolyn near Santa Cruz, we started counting down the days.

We started off – me with Sara as she and her bridesmaids were getting ready and Dave with the handsome groom…

and his Entourage,

which included his adorable nephew. Precious missing teeth!

The guys have it a lot easier. Here, the women getting ready…Sara almost in her dress.

And a nod to Sara’s fabulous shoulders and back. She is a triathelete and spends tons of time in the pool. The pay-off is clear.

Just before the boys joined the girls for the ketubah signing, Sara and her beautiful little flower girl compared dresses.

Mike arrives. And Sara welcomes him in.

The Rabbi in the background. Flower girl, apparently, not so interested in that.

Then we head over for the ceremony under the huppah.

And Sara walks down the aisle with her mom…

I can’t wait to share more and there will definitely be lots, lots more. Of course, more from the reception, but I will also be sharing about the flowers. They were amazing! Bouquets and bouttonieres galore by Laughin’ Gal Floral. Definitely check back soon!