Orangevale natives Kaylyn and Joshua Gray met in high school, both attending Casa Roble. On a trip to San Francisco in the summer of 2007, the couple made a stop on the beach near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. As Kaylyn remembers, “We were going to have a picnic, but before we got all the food out he took the ring out of his pocket and proposed.”
Having the wedding on a golf course seemed an ideal choice to the newly engaged couple, hoping for a picturesque natural backdrop for the occasion. “We knew we wanted a fall wedding because of all the beautiful colors,” she says.
For Kaylyn, planning the wedding became a family affair, with the help of her mom, grandmother, aunts and a cousin. When it was time to pick the dress “we made a girls’ day out of it,” she says. She confides there were also moments arguing with family about who made it on the invite list, but overall it was a smooth process.
Kaylyn and Josh organized a very traditional ceremony surrounded by friends and family. In fact, one participant went “way back” with the bride. “The pastor who married us was in the delivery room when I was born,” she shares. “He has been very close with my family for many years, and it was very special to us that he was our officiant.”
Kaylyn notes that her favorite part of the day was the moment her dad walked her down the aisle, and he gave her away to Josh. “My dad had this comforting look on his face,” she recalls. “He knew I was about to marry a wonderful man. It was a very special moment for our family and Josh and me.”
The reception was held at Orchard Creek Lodge with gorgeous views of the golf course, lake and distant mountains. Kaylyn imparts one particularly “revealing” and memorable moment from the festivities, when their DJ was leading a kissing game with an aunt and uncle in participation. “They were supposed to demonstrate a passionate kiss, so he dipped her down to the ground, and she flashed her panties to all our guests,” she laughs. “It was hilarious, and the best part is they were right in front of our pastor’s table.”
If you asked the groom the highlight of the day, he would say the big party that ensued at the reception. “Our DJs were amazing,” Kaylyn says. “We used Behind the Scenes Sounds, and they were very entertaining and made sure our guests had lots of fun.”
For Kaylyn and Josh, a joyous and enthusiastic gathering of family and friends truly made their special day one they will never forget.
Kaylyn & Josh's Wedding Resources
Ceremony Site:
Orchard Creek Lodge at Sun City Lincoln
Officiant:
Pastor Raymond Olsen
Ceremony Music:
Chelsea Gallagher, Harpist
Photographer:Chuck Roberts Photography
Phone: 916-632-8941
Reception Site:
Orchard Creek Lodge at Sun City Lincoln
Hair:
Jennifer Best
Make-up:
Stacey Spradley (friend of Bride)
Bridal Attire:
David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Attire:
David's Bridal
Flowergirl Attire:
David's Bridal
Groom's Attire:
Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire:
Men's Wearhouse
Ringbearer Attire:
Men's Wearhouse
Bride's Jeweler:
Kenny G
Groom's Jeweler:
Kenny G
Invitations:
Designed by Bride and printed by friend
Flowers:Ambience Floral Design
Phone: 916-786-6851
Caterer:
Orchard Creek Lodge at Sun City Lincoln
Cake:
Cakes by Karren
DJ/Entertainment:
Behind the Scenes Sounds
Favors:
Small gold bags filled with chocolate-covered almonds with custom favor tag
Table Decorations:Ambience Floral Design
Phone: 916-786-6851
Chair Covers:
Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Honeymoon Location:
St. Lucia
First Dance Song: Forever by Ben Harper
Father/Daughter Dance Song: I Loved Her First by Heartland
Mother/Son Dance Song: Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
Cake Cutting Song: Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
Bouquet Toss Song: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Garter Toss Song: Pimp Juice by Nelly
Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding: Take it day by day. The day is over so fast and if you appreciate and enjoy each moment, you will look at the days leading up to your wedding positively.
Also, don't forget, when the day is over, you get to relax and go on your honeymoon.
Anything else about your wedding? I wouldn't have changed a thing. The day went by so fast, and every moment of the day was special. The vendors we chose were all absolutely fantastic, and each contributed to the day being easy and stress free.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance? Nothing. My husband and I remained relatively stress free so we enjoyed our experience.
