Hidden Oaks Retreat Center – A World Of Its Own

With this intimate Alta Loma wedding we are back at Hidden Oaks, one of my FAVORITE venues for an intimate wedding! The historic buildings are made of stone and redwood and the story goes that the freeway that was being built was re-routed to save a centuries old tree on the property. That decision by the state of California was well worth it because Hidden Oaks feels like a world of its own even right beside the freeway. The towering trees and beautiful light coming through the branches and playing through the flower gardens make this beautiful venue feel so secluded.

A Day That Was Meant To Be That Almost Didn’t Happen

When Ch & Cy inquired with me, they wanted their photos to be moment in time was captured forever. We scheduled a call and so began the first time I’ve cried on a call with a bride…

Cy told me about how they met, how he was on the phone outside her parent’s house and she was about to leave to go back to work. What she didn’t know was that he had already noticed her from afar. Not knowing there was an age gap they were both smitten from that moment on. Then she told me about all they’ve overcome together in their eight years together. How she almost lost Ch after he had proposed and how she kept his wedding ring as a reminder that he’d survive while he was still in a coma.

Listening to Cy tearfully tell me their story had me in tears. She told me she wanted their love, which has overcome so much, to shine through in every picture. She was so deeply grateful that Ch is alive and how almost losing him had changed her in ways she never expected.

These two. Since how I approach weddings is all about connection and relationships, knowing their story so deeply beforehand prepared me. Ch & Cy have a quiet, steady love. The way his face lights up with a smile and the way he looks at Cy, his eyes overflowing with love. The way she leans into him as if he’s her home. It was profound. They can also make each other laugh and act silly and as they got more comfortable they brought that out.

A center focus was Cy’s engagement ring. Ch picked out when he was at the ER, opting for an emerald because it was her favorite color and as unique and beautiful as she was. His wedding ring they picked out together and it was hand-delivered to me when Ch was in the ICU. Cy used his ring as a reminder that he was going to survive and marry her.

They deserve so much after everything they went through to get to their Intimate Alta Loma wedding and when I asked if they had fun they told me it was beyond anything they had dreamed of.