“I wish I could say it was love at first sight but that would be a lie!” Lindsey says, when describing her first encounter with now husband Jeff. “In my first class at Chico State there was this loud, obnoxious guy who kept going on about how he was too smart for the class. All I could think was ‘man this guy is annoying.’” Hanging out in the dormitory with some friends one day, Lindsey met a “tall, dark and handsome” guy with the special “talent” of replicating the entire dance to Usher’s “Confession.” “After hanging out with him, I discovered that this tall dark and handsome man was, in fact, the annoying guy from class...and the rest is history!”

Jeff proposed to Lindsey under the Eiffel Tower on an excursion to Paris during her last semester abroad. Back at home and out of school, the couple eagerly began to plan their nuptials. “I would have loved to have a fall wedding, however, that is when I become a football widow,” laughs Lindsey. However, she did get her wish to have an outdoor wedding. “Our expectation was to have a wedding where our guests had a great time,” she says.
After a year-and-a-half engagement that Lindsey notes was six months too long, planning and waiting often turned agonizing and stressful. “There were times that we just wanted to throw in the towel and sneak off to Vegas or Reno,” admits the bride, “but our better judgment kicked in, thank goodness!”

When the big day finally arrived, the couple chose to take pictures before the ceremony to save some time, a choice Lindsey says was one of the best they made. “Our first meeting together was very intimate and emotional. We cried, we hugged, we kissed, we smiled, and we both knew that this was the first day of the rest of our lives together!” she remembers.

While the ceremony was short, though quite sweet and personal, the reception lasted deep into the night. “Our reception was the most fun I have ever had,” shares Lindsey. The couple made sure to throw in special touches unique to them, including a selection of personal songs played by their “amazing” DJ, and an original dessert. “We decided that we did not want cake so instead we went with a New York style cheesecake. You really cannot go wrong with cheesecake!”

The event was especially poignant for the bride, who was able to share the special day with her grandmother, Little Paka, who passed away in late January of this year. “It was great being able to celebrate with all the people we love,” she says. “The atmosphere was full of love, energy, excitement and joy!” 

Ceremony Site: David Girard Vineyards   Phone: 530-295-1833
Officiant: Brother-in-Law Alexander Gibbs
Ceremony Music: Mr. DJ Service
Photographer: True Love Photo   Phone: 916-223-2384
Videographer: none...wish we did for the ceremony only
Reception Site: David Girard Vineyards   Phone: 530-295-1833
Hair: Elements Hair Salon
Make-up: Elements Hair Salon
Bridal Attire: Miosa Bride   Phone: 916-443-1301
Bridesmaid Attire: Nordstrom
Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire: JCPenney
Bride's Jeweler: Ben Bridge Jewelers and Kenny G & Company
Groom's Jeweler: Kenny G & Company
Invitations: Bella Vita Invitations   Phone: 916-682-8226
Thank You Cards: Target
Flowers: Flourish   Phone: 916-212-5179
Caterer: All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering
Desserts: All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering
DJ/Entertainment: Mr. DJ Service
Favors: No favors in lieu of a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Table Linens: DIY by Bride's Mom with fabrics purchased at Big Y Yardage and Calico Corners
Chair Rental: Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Lighting: Mr. DJ Service
First Dance Song: Whatever It Is by Zac Brown Band
Father/Daughter Dance Song: Give Me the Simple Life by Steve Tyrell
Cake Cutting Song: Knock Me a Kiss by Louis Jordan
Bouquet Toss Song: Anniversary Dance Instead to Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
Garter Toss Song: James Bond Theme and Theme to Monday Night Football

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
Planning a wedding can be very stressful. We planned ours for a year and a half, six months too long! There were times we just wanted to give up and run off to Vegas, but looking back we are so happy we didn't! Our wedding was amazing and we owe it to my parents and our wonderful vendors!

Details about this couples cake:
New York Cheescake with fresh berries

Details about this couples flowers:
Gerbera Daisies—they've always been my favorite!


Anything else about your wedding?

• Everyone told me to relax and enjoy the big day. I did just that and it really set the tone for the rest of the day...your guests are there to celebrate two families coming together, they really do not care if the napkins show up the wrong color. Just let it go and remember to have fun!
• Our big day was truly the best of our lives! We had such a great time and we still get comments about how fun our wedding was.
• Our vendors were the "dream team." Each one worked with us to create our vision. They were all amazing!
  

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
The ONLY thing I would have done differently was to tape our ceremony. The day went so fast and I wish I could have gotten our vows on tape.