The fact that the New Year brings new beginnings rings especially true for Traci and Greg Britton. Although the pair knew of each other in high school, their time was spent hanging in different circles. Their circles collided New Year’s Eve in 2004. Persuaded by a friend to go out, Traci reluctantly attended a party in which Greg was also in attendance. They connected, and anticipation of a midnight’s kiss mounted. Regretfully, the two did not share that fateful liplock. “We always joke about that night since we both had similar thoughts in mind when midnight struck, but [at the time] we were too reserved to make a spark,” Traci shares. Regardless, soon after sparks flew, and the couple began dating.

Early on, Traci knew that Greg was the man she would marry. When she took a job in the Bay area, Greg willingly moved to be with his love, no questions asked. Of her man Traci says, “Greg always makes me feel comfortable and would do anything for me. And he makes me laugh. He is the most genuine person I have ever met.”

The couple was engaged April 12, 2008, at sunset on the beach in Carmel. “I could tell something was going on because he was nervous, which made me nervous. He got on one knee and asked me [to marry him]. I said yes,” Traci shares. Nervous or not, the newly engaged couple knew how to commemorate such an occasion. “And then Greg brought out Dom Perignon to celebrate, and we went to our favorite restaurant in Monterey for dinner,” Traci fondly recalls.

With the wedding date set for early June the following year, the planning began. When it came to the wedding planning process, Greg was much more than a hands-on groom. “He created the coaster favors. It took a lot of time and patience, but he did such a great job, and it gave him bragging rights. It was by far the most grueling project, and it took days to get them assembled,” Traci says.

At the Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove, the wedding went off with the only hitch that matters—the pronunciation of husband and wife. An elegant morning ceremony, with a wedding party that included family and lifelong friends, the couple enjoyed a day surrounded with love. “I was the most nervous that I can remember but was excited to share the day with our friends and family and for them to see our hard work come together,” Traci reflects.

A moment that the groom will always remember came at the reception. “I will never forget the heartfelt toast that my father gave to us. I was very surprised to see him express himself and how proud he was of both my wife and myself,” Greg remembers.
With what began as a celebration of new beginnings, the Brittons are beginning a beautiful new life together as husband and wife.

Ceremony Site: Grand Island Mansion
Officiant: Jeff Olson
Ceremony Music: Pamela Pamperin, Harpist
Photographer: Travis Hoehne Photography   Phone: 916-955-5485
Videographer: Light Media Productions
Wedding Planner: Grace Mendez
Reception Site: Grand Island Mansion
Make-up: Cristal Garcia
Bridal Attire: Trudy's Brides
Bridal Veil/Headpiece: Hair Comes the Bride
Bridesmaid Attire: Designed and sewed by the Bride: Traci B Designs
Flowergirl Attire: My Girl Dress
Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Ringbearer Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Bride's Jeweler: Fred Meyer's Jewelers
Groom's Jeweler: Ben Bridge
Invitations: Kinkos
Flowers: Wedding Day Flowers
Caterer: Grand Island Mansion
Cake: Freeport Bakery
DJ/Entertainment: Unlimited Sounds
Transportation/Limo Services: Davinci Limo
Favors: Tile coasters made by Bride and Groom
Honeymoon Location: Maui, Hawaii
First Dance Song: Earth Angel by Ben Gibbard
Cake Cutting Song: The Way You Are by Ingrid Michaelson
Bouquet Toss Song: Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce
Garter Toss Song: Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
If on a budget and time permits, a great money saver for us was creating do-it-yourself projects such as favors, stationery and other details that can not only save money, but further personalize your wedding day to fit you as a couple.

Anything else about your wedding?
The venue really did a great job at ensuring every guest was taken care of. We were really impressed with their attention to detail and how smoothly everything went throughout the day.

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
If we had the chance to do something differently, we would have chosen an upbeat jazz/classical band to fit the venue's vintage feel.