A Cupertino Wedding: Liz & Ryan

Paintballing. Emails. Heart surgery. Chance.

If I only had four words to sum up Liz and Ryan’s love story, those would be it.

Liz and Ryan met paintballing with friends. And that’s how it started out, as friends. Then Ryan was deployed to Iraq, and thanks to email, the two were able to exchange friendly notes. But that was it, really. They were just friends.

However, an unforeseen medical emergency brought them together. Ryan was airlifted to a hospital in Washington, D.C. for heart surgery, and in a bold move, Liz had asked Ryan if he wanted her to come visit him while he recovered. Thinking that he’d brush it off, she didn’t think much of her gesture. But Ryan said yes. Next thing she knew, Liz was DC-bound from New York City (where she was working and attending law school), to be by Ryan’s side. And as Liz recounted, they’ve been together ever since.

Liz and Ryan’s wedding is extra special to me because Liz was one of my bridesmaids and has always been like a big sister to me since we met in college.

Liz and Ryan – Thank you for having me as a part of your big day. Being able to document your wedding was such an honor. Liz, I’m so glad that you found Ryan. I still remember the time that you told me that you had met someone. And although I didn’t get to meet Ryan until your wedding day, I can see already that you’ve found your match. May you have a beautiful marriage. Hugs and Love, Catie.

This is Part 1 of Liz and Ryan’s fun wedding. We started off the day at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cupertino.

Her shoes? So fun!

And Liz’s Maggie Sottero dress? I LOVED it! I believe it’s the Fiori from this season.

Liz and Ryan opted for a First Look, which I loved! Not only did they get to see each other and get to spend some quality time with each other before the ceremony, it also allowed for a smooth flow for the rest of the wedding day. Photos didn’t have to be rushed, and then before the reception, they were able to hang out with the bridal party.

Want to know why I work with a second shooter? To catch both of their reactions. Thanks to my second shooter Rosaura Sandoval for shooting with me.

Also, Rosaura held traffic so that we could get this shot. In the middle of the street. Thankfully, Liz and Ryan didn’t think I was crazy when I proposed the idea.

Liz, you are fierce. You can recite sports stats, litigate (yes, Liz is a lawyer!), and look absolutely stunning.

To transport the wedding party and immediate family, they rented a trolley. Love it!

And their rings? Gorgeous. Ryan’s family is Irish, and his ring reflects his strong heritage. And Liz is not much of a diamond kind of girl, so she opted for a pretty emerald engagement ring.

Ryan’s cousin flew out from New Jersey to play trumpet for their ceremony. Thanks to Rosie for capturing these!

And this blog post wouldn’t be complete without a photo of Liz’s niece, Kira. The very first wedding I shot was Kira’s mom and dad (he’s the fellow in the background).

Stay tuned for part 2!