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Kassandra’s sister Sophia and my youngest daughter are besties. Still, I never assumed I’d be their photographer as couples want images and styles that they want. When Sophia called to ask me to schedule her sister’s engagement session (as a MOH duty), I was thrilled!! I had never met Kassi prior, although I’ve heard so much about her. And, as you’ll see from the photographs, those sisters and momma look so much alike — it reminds me of my daughters and me.
Engagement Session
Upon arrival for the engagement session, the newly engaged Kassi and Kevin had that buzz and excitement of taking photos to document their engagement and this season of life. I really enjoyed seeing that they had an amazing connection and I don’t just mean “finishing each other’s sentences” but that look and knowing nod when they were in agreement over something. Their love permeated their engagement session (you can view that here). Just wait for their wedding though because that was truly another level!
Kassi and Kevin brought their fur babies Kuzko and Lucky to the engagement session and it was no surprise that they were going to bring them to their wedding also. For those that don’t know me, I LOVE having dogs at sessions and weddings!!!
As Kassi and Kevin are such amazing dog parents who thought of their fur babies’ best interests and comfort, they hired an amazing company that took care of the pooches and brought them for pictures + the ceremony ensuring they were well taken care of.
Finding The Venue
Kassi told me that when she went looking in Sonoma for a venue, there was no doubt when she came across Viansa. It has old-world Italian charm and breathtaking grounds on top of a hill with a view for miles. This photographer’s heart burst with excitement!
Loved Working With Them!
I have to say that over these 14 years of photographing weddings, I have never had a bride who truly was chill about everything. She really just focused on her future husband (her best friend since the first semester of college) and becoming his wife.
Case in point: As she was getting ready for the first look, I asked if she had a towel for the bouquet as it’s always dripping (gotta keep that bouquet fresh in a vase of water). She pointed to the coffee table and said you can use that. It’s from our florist. It was a washcloth with a ribbon and a sticker. She remarked at how thoughtful it was of the florist to include it. I said the flowers on the chuppah look amazing like your bouquet. Then she said, “I knew they would. I told the florist to just be creative and do what she wants. She’s the expert.” Wow!
They Danced The Night Away
The couple closed out the wedding as they started the reception dancing literally til the last second. They actually were dancing the entire reception after dinner. So much so that their chairs were removed from the sweetheart table. No need for chairs – they danced the night away then made their way through all of their closest family and friends down the windy stairs to an awaiting limo to carry them away!
Every single detail of the wedding, as well as the whole look of the wedding, was perfection!
How They Met
As so many couples do, they met in college through mutual friends. Kassi’s friend was roommates with Kevin’s friend.
Kassi told me that they both remember meeting differently. She was honest to point out that she may have had a bit too much of an adult beverage at the time of their initial meeting 😜 . This isn’t surprising. Many couples of mine have slightly different stories than my husband and I do. Our memory is as unique as we are and hangs on to certain details but not others.
It doesn’t really even matter whose story is accurate as they started hanging out and never stopped!
Where They Got Engaged
Kevin took Kassi to a viewpoint near the college that they used to go to their senior year (beginning of the pandemic). He brought snacks.
In fact, he brought the very same snacks that they ate the first time they ever hung out. Talk about thoughtful!
But he went even more personal and before this date, he created a customized storybook. He used that customized storybook to help with his proposal. Kassi obvi said yes!
Their Most Favorite Date?
Their favorite dates when they started dating were all of their late-night trips to Mels Diner in Walnut Creek. If Kassi was sad, they were celebrating, or they just wanted a snack – Mels Diner was their go-to favorite place.
Their favorite meal was milkshakes and sharing cheese fries together and laughed the night away.
What Three Things Do They Most Love To Do Together
- Walking their dogs Kuzko and Lucky together as a family
- Going to the beach
- Driving up to Tahoe!
Viansa Winery
4the Generation Family-Run Winery: Founded in 1990 by Sam & Vicki Sebastiani, Viansa is an ode to the Sebastiani family’s deep roots in both Tuscany and the Sonoma Valley. Now under the management of sons Chris and Jon, Viansa continues to be a standout destination for Italian varietal wines and warm hospitality.
Wedding Vendors For This Wedding
Photography: Jen Vazquez Photography
Wedding Planner: Malia Meideros of A Touch of Grace Events (Malia is amazing and on my preferred vendor list!)
Venue: Viansa Winery (In Sonoma)
Catering: Park Avenue Catering
Rentals: Encore Event Rentals and Bright Event Rentals
Florals: Poppy Stone Floral Designs
Wedding Cake: Krumbs Cakes
Videography: Yours Truly Media
Photobooth + D.J.: Fog City Entertainment
Makeup Artist: Kristen Leizl Wedding Makeup
Hair Stylist: Ed Russel
Wedding Gown Store: a&bé bridal shop
Wedding Gown Designer: Alena Leena (Agave Dress)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie Bridal Shop
Groom and Groomsmen: Suitshop
Transportation: Elite Limo Service
Officiants: Richard Alvarez
Jewish Congregation Leader Howard Egger-Bovet
