Jaqi and Ben | Petaluma Hills Wedding

February 19, 2019

New York meets California Wedding

Jaqi and Ben’s New York meets Cali wedding was a fantastic affair! Held at Ben’s parent’s retreat space in the Petaluma Hills, this event was a beautiful celebration. Not only of their love for each other, but a true joining of their families and friends. During the ceremony and reception their guests stood and shared poems, stories, well wishes, and lots of laughs.

Their story began on OKcupid where Jaqi noticed a Nicholas Cage quote in Ben’s profile and decided she had to message him to arrange an in person meeting. They grabbed drinks in Manhattan, laughed all night long and they have been making each other laugh ever since. Over the years they became each other’s biggest support and best friend.

When Ben proposed (in Paris, walking along the Seine at sunset) Jaqi almost didn’t believe him. With a simple, “wanna get married?” Ben turned to Jaqi and got down on one knee. Jaqi, thinking Ben was joking, yelled “oh shut up!”, but then Ben pulled out an engagement ring.

They sent this gif to describe their proposal to me.

via GIPHY

Still one of my favorite GIFs! The best part? Jaqi’s dad is a jeweler and made the ring himself! Such a wonderful personal touch.

It was a perfect day surrounded by loved ones but these two saved the best for last with their band, True Funk Soldiers. Wow could this group jam! They kept the dance floor bumpin even while the fog rolled in and temperatures quickly dropped. As I walked to my car at the end of the night, I had a big smile on my face reminiscing about all of the wonderful memories that the day had held.