A Love Story as Sweet as Cookies
Some love stories begin with sparks. Others start with shared moments over cookies. For Michaela and Sam, it was the latter. Their journey started in a cookie shop. Post-work meals there led to something deeper. Their wedding at Brothers Ranch in Royal Oaks, California, was a day full of love, joy, and, yes, cookies. It was a perfect reflection of their sweet and authentic connection. Captured by this Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer, every moment of their special day was immortalized.
A Wedding Day Filled with Joy & Adventure
As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer for free-spirited couples, I’ve seen couples embrace wedding traditions in their own unique way. Rather than adhering to a strict theme, Michaela and Sam designed a day that felt uniquely theirs. They chose elements that sparked happiness—personalized touches, beautiful details, and an incredible vendor team. The result? A wedding filled with warmth, love, and unforgettable memories.
Lia Adams, their talented wedding planner, ensured that every detail was thoughtfully executed. This gave Michaela and Sam the freedom to focus on what mattered most—celebrating their love with those closest to them.
Brothers Ranch: A Dream Venue in Royal Oaks, California
If you’re looking for a wedding venue near Santa Cruz that embraces natural beauty, Brothers Ranch is a perfect choice. Nestled in the scenic countryside of Royal Oaks, California, this venue provided a stunning, rustic setting for Michaela and Sam’s special day.
Adding to the sentimental value, Sam’s father built the wedding arch by hand. This was a meaningful DIY touch that made their ceremony even more personal. This blend of nature and heartfelt details created a setting that truly reflected their love.
Dancing, Music, and Unforgettable Moments
From their intimate ceremony to a lively dance floor filled with oldies, disco, and Beastie Boys beats (thanks to Santa Cruz DJ), every moment of their wedding felt like a perfect representation of their relationship.
Their favorite memories? The heartfelt ceremony and the energy of the dance floor, where friends and family came together to celebrate their love. As a Santa Cruz documentary-style wedding photographer, capturing these raw, joyful moments is what I live for!
Personal Touches That Made the Day Special
Food played a huge role in their celebration. Busy Bee Bakery catered the event. Icing on the Cake provided the perfect sweet ending. Their invitations from Minted set the tone for the day. Floral arrangements from Thank You Come Again Flower Shop added elegance and charm.
Michaela and Sam infused their wedding with DIY details, from handcrafted flower girl baskets to custom table numbers and signage. Every little touch told a piece of their story, making their wedding a true reflection of who they are.
Advice for Free-Spirited Couples Planning Their Wedding
Michaela shared some heartfelt advice for future brides:
“Do what makes you happy when it comes to the details. Don’t stress about having a perfect theme—it’s so much better when you look around and see things that truly bring you joy. And on the big day, don’t worry about what others think. Focus on having the most fun. Greet your guests, eat the food, listen to the music, and just let go.”
This is exactly the kind of mindset I love to see in couples—one that embraces the moment rather than striving for perfection.
Engagement Sessions: The Perfect Prelude to the Big Day
Before their wedding, Michaela and Sam had an adventurous engagement session that set the stage for their love-filled celebration. Engagement sessions are the perfect way to capture the excitement before the big day. They create lasting memories in a place that’s meaningful to you.
Ready to Capture Your Free-Spirited Wedding? Let’s Connect!
As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer for free-spirited couples, I specialize in capturing weddings that feel raw, real, and full of adventure. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Brothers Ranch, on the cliffs of Big Sur, or in the redwoods of Santa Cruz, I’d love to document your love story in an authentic and meaningful way.
Amazing Wedding day Vendors in Santa Cruz
Photographer : Desert Born Studios
Hair and makeup : Parlour at the point and me
Jewlery : Mejuri and vrai
Florist : Thank you come again flower shop
Wedding planner : Lia Adams
Dj : santa cruz DJ
Catering :Busy Bee
Bakery/ Dessert : Icing on the cake
Invitations Stationary : Minted
Let’s create something unforgettable together.
to start planning your dream wedding photography!
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