Geologists Stephanie and Ben McKenna met while working together on a job in 2005. With Stephanie based in Fresno and Ben in Sacramento, the couple spent much of their courtship long-distance. With a three-hour drive separating them, they spent time together when business brought them to the same city, went out with co-workers, and eventually began talking on the phone every night. Having little face-to-face time, it took six months for them realize that they were actually dating, and to this they attribute the strong friendship they formed early in their relationship. After a year of dating, Stephanie took a job that brought her one hour closer to Ben, and their romance continued to flourish.

Both huge fans of the band U2, Ben says that he knew that Stephanie was “the one” when Stephanie, while at a U2 concert, called him as the band played their song “One.” She left a lengthy voicemail wishing him well and allowed him to hear his favorite song by his favorite band. To this day, Ben still has that voicemail.

Their courtship matured when Ben proposed in August 2007. At the end of a weekend camping trip, he asked Stephanie to be his wife at a picnic area with immaculate views of Mt. Shasta as their backdrop. Stephanie describes her blue topaz, set in a hand-tooled band of sterling silver with intricate flower designs around the band and stone setting, simply as “perfect.” Although betrothed, the pair lived apart until February 2009, when Ben, Stephanie, their Great Dane and cat moved in together.

The couple gave themselves ample time to plan their dream day and divided many of the duties. “We made joint decisions on just about everything. We wanted to plan a day for ourselves, with details that meant something to us, and we both took pride in the outcome,” Stephanie shares. The couple recalls the fabulous vendors that helped make their day truly unique. They had decided on an Art Deco 1940s theme and a fabulous photographer, a florist that truly conveyed their elegant vision, and a DJ that took their requests seriously and allowed for a seamless and stunning event at the Croatian-American Cultural Center. The bride describes the wedding as “amazing.” “It was elegant, beautiful, fun and vintage without being kitschy,” she says. “While most of the ceremony and reception are a bit of a blur, I feel that it was perfect—a reflection of us as people and a blast for our guests.” Friends and family by their sides, a calm and collected groom and an acutely nervous bride became husband and wife. A fitting beginning to the reception, the spirited couple danced to U2’s “One” as 145 loved ones who came to Sacramento from all across the United States looked on. “It was just like any other day except that we planned, starred in and hosted a huge party for our closest family and friends!” Stephanie jokes.

On a day filled with unforgettable moments, the couple shares their unique memories. “My magic moment was when we were first introduced as Mr. and Mrs. McKenna. I wasn’t prepared for the thunderous applause that met our ears,” Ben shares. Stephanie will never forget the sentiment of a surprise serenade that Ben had arranged for her. “He and the groomsmen played guitar and sang “In My Life” by the Beatles.” This pair of geologists prove that love does in fact, rock.

Ceremony Site: Croation-American Cultural Center
Officiant: Friend of the Bride and Groom
Ceremony Music: Greg Williams, Classical Guitarist
Photographer: Love at First Click Photography   Phone: 916-505-2329
Reception Site: Croation-American Cultural Center
Hair: Honey Salon
Make-up: Stacey Hinchman
Bridal Attire: Gesinee's Bridal
Bridal Veil/Headpiece: Artikal Millinery
Bridesmaid Attire: Gesinee's Bridal
Groom's Attire: Selix
Groomsmen Attire: Selix
Bride's Jeweler: Custom made by family friend
Groom's Jeweler: Custom made by family friend
Invitations: Renaissance Writings
Flowers: The Big Bang Event Design
Caterer: Croation-American Cultural Center
Cake: Couple not pleased with vendor so not mentioning
DJ/Entertainment: Extreme Productions
Transportation/Limo Services: 1950 Jaguar Mark V Saloon found through California Automobile Museum
Honeymoon Location: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
First Dance Song: One by U2
Father/Daughter Dance Song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Mother/Son Dance Song: Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
We had a long engagement (one and a half years) which was a blessing because it allowed us to take our time making decisions, so that we could keep with the '40s Art Deco aesthetic. The long engagement also allowed us to seek out the best deals and come in under budget!

If your friends and family offer to help, especially on the day of the wedding, let them! If you live by the philosophy that if you really want it done right, do it yourself, you will be really stressed out! Find one person whose quality control standards rival your own, give them clear directions, let them help and then let it go and enjoy the festivities.

Our photographer suggested that after the ceremony, we be introduced and go right into the first dance and other dances before serving food. That was an unexpected but stellar piece of advice because there weren't any dirty dishes or wait staff in the background of those photos.

Anything else about your wedding?
For the bride: It was the surprise serenade by my husband and his groomsmen. It was completely unexpected! They all brought their guitars and played back up as my husband sang "In My Life" by The Beatles. Every time I hear that song, I glow and think of my husband.

For the groom: It was being introduced for the first time as husband and wife. It was a special moment because of the response received by family and friends. Some clapping was anticipated, but the level of cheering really translated how much they love us.

We would like to highlight the importance of the first dance. For us, it was the first time that day we'd had an opportunity to talk to each other and find out how each of us was coping with the big day. It really grounded and rejuvenated us for the remainder of the evening. Plus it was one of the few moments only we shared iwth each other.

All of our vendors were fantastic! They each brought their own unique talent to our wedding, and their vision helped round out the details and add to the aesthetic we were going for. I would highly recommend all of our vendors; they were courteous, professional, accessible, creative and worked within our budget.

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Nothing. We planned a wedding for ourselves, something that made us happy and created beautiful memories. It was executed beyond our imaginations, thanks in large part to our vendors. The only disappointment was the cake, despite the vendor being provided everything necessary to fulfill our vision. At the end of the day, it makes for a funny story to tell our future children.