Chico CA Wedding Photographer at Irongate Gardens: Robbie+ Emily Diller

Wedding

Oct 18

Emily+Robbie

This love match is one for the storybooks. Emily‘s best friend Beth is married to Robbie‘s uncle. Emily always joked with Beth about how awesome he is, and that if she could clone him she would marry his clone. Eventually, Beth and her husband would invite both Robbie and Emily over for the evening. By Robbie‘s account, it was the moment he saw Emily that he fell for her. Emily was at a transitional point in her life at their meeting and wasn’t entertaining anything in this serious relationship department. But Robbie was patient, kind, and persistent. He continued to make his way into her world and would be present when the time would be right. Robbie felt drawn to Emily and knew he needed her to be a part of his life. As they got to know each other, they continued to grow their connection. Robbie showered her with affection and respect. He showed her and her children, unbridled love. Robbie was “all in” the moment Emily accepted his advances. Emily continues to fall deeper in love with Robbie‘s heart. From his kisses goodbye in the morning to his playful antics. He has Emily enamored. Robbie knew Emily was the one and eventually he worked up the nerve to propose.

Robbie planned a beautiful weekend chasing waterfalls up near McCloud California. While they hiked to a beautiful waterfall Robbie was reserved and quiet. Emily was worried there was something wrong with him. The normally high-energy, adventurous man was hanging back and was shaky. Emily says “I thought he was dying.” Emily is normally telling him “slow down. You’re gonna hurt yourself,” but this was not the case that day. Meanwhile, Robbie was going crazy with nerves so excited to ask but worried about the unthinkable. “What if she said no?” the fear and nerves continued to get the best of him and he didn’t end up going through with his original plan. The next day the two returned home. Later that evening, while Emily was buzzing around the house, cleaning to some music. Robbie was pacing and sneaking around the house being “weird.” Finally, Robbie took the plunge, well mostly... He stopped Emily in her tracks and attempted to speak. He grabbed her hands and looked her in the eyes. He was shaky, tears welling in his eyes, he choked on his words, barely able to speak. Emily’s mind was in a panic. Going furthest from Robbie’s intention she was worried she was receiving news of a terminal illness that would take him from her. She was holding back from yelling “What is wrong” but whatever it was he was trying to say, she could sense that she just needed to listen. He finally let out, “I love you.” He then confessed the depths of his love and his devotion, and that he’s known all along that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Emily’s mind continued to go to all the dark places. Fearing for the worse it all bubbled up and made her so scared that the time with him was limited. That she would lose her epic love. The moment came when she could ask, “What’s wrong honey? Are you OK? Please tell me what’s going on.” Robbie fumbled in his pocket, feeling like a lifetime was passing in doing so. He finally found the ring and he brought it out and said the words he’s been eager to say. “Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” With relief and joy, Emily knew just at that moment, how important this man is. Their life flashed before her, and imagining what it would look like without Robbie, she knew that wasn’t the life she wanted. What would she do without him? Her answer was yes! However, it came with a lecture about how scared he made her, and that he can’t ever scare her like that again! He told her just how many times he chickened out, worried that she would say “no“ her response was “silly sweet man.” So it wasn’t as Robbie planned but Emily wouldn’t change any of it.

September 3, 2022

The morning was warming up when we arrived at Irongate Gardens. A beautiful venue that boasts lush greenery and lovely flowers. The courtyard would host the ceremony while the large garden would hold the evening’s reception. With the grounds so beautiful you needed little decor to create a romantic wedding dream. Emily and her bridesmaids were all busy getting ready for the day’s events. The groomsmen and Robbie helped set up last-minute touches before finding their way to the groom’s suite to get ready. Jena and I collected all of the details and we had so much fun designing, and arranging. The morning seemed to pass slowly and all seemed to enjoy these long moments. Emily's gown was a form-fitting silhouette that was masterfully crafted in a beautiful western Boho lace with a low back. Emily wore a cathedral-length veil that complimented the slim design of her gown. Emily carried with her a handkerchief of her grandmother’s. She wore a pearl bracelet that complimented her teardrop pearl earrings and a pearl and silver necklace that draped beautifully off her shoulders down her back with a very classic style with a little modern finesse. Another beautiful sentiment, Emily’s bouquet held a photo of her late best friend, whose daughter would stand in her place beside Emily on this beautiful day.

Robbie was a sight, confident, cool, and blissful. He wore a sharp cowboy hat, a bolo tie, and a suit line with an American flag. This good ole boy would be sporting his true colors. After the two got dressed in their finest, we set off to the garden for their first look. Robbie was eager and excited. Emily was excited, but her nerves were setting in. Once Robbie turned to see his bride he was in awe. Relief came over Emily. She was calm, confident, and ready for the ceremony after seeing her groom. Lots of laughter, a few tears, and kisses were exchanged. The two’s energy and excitement mingled and ignited. This exciting electricity filled them and together they would face life and all its adventures hand-in-hand. After the initial reveal the two gazed at each other’s attire taking turns showing off. Robbie took his time to show off his awesome jacket and epic beer-holding belt buckle. After the first look, it was important to Robbie to make a vow to Emily‘s daughter Brooklyn and her son Rogan. Robbie gifted Rogan a pocket watch with a small jewelry box to keep it safe. Rogan was pumped and he loved the gift so much, he couldn’t wait to wear it. Brooklyn received a gorgeous pair of blue topaz earrings and a matching necklace. Robbie chose blue topaz because it’s Brooklyn’s birthstone. Excited, Brooklyn had Robbie put her necklace on right then and there. After the family exchanged hugs we had to tuck them back into their respective places because their guests began to arrive. Emily was calm and ready. Her nerves had evaporated in the heat of the first look, but Robbie began to sweat, (metaphorically) the calm, cool groom started to feel those anxious jitters. His groomsmen did their best to break his stress and free him from those feelings. Meanwhile, in the girl’s suite, all were carefree as we snapped some fun photos with the bridesmaids and their awesome bouquet flasks. Sipping drinks, the girls relaxed, waiting for their queue from the coordinator Mindy. As the guests filled the seats, soft music filled the courtyard. With the abundant crepe myrtles and the sun lower in the sky the guests were all seated in the shade. The buzz of the guest’s conversations was hushed when the national anthem was announced. The groom was adamant that America would be honored during his wedding day. The guests rose and held their right hands over their hearts as Robbie‘s brother stood proudly with the flag. Once the anthem was complete our groom made his entrance, brimming with confidence and joy. Those nerves had no place any longer. As the bridal party filled in, you could feel the anticipation build. Rogan made his way with the rings, followed by Brooklyn, throwing pedals sweetly. As the procession music faded the song “I get to love you” filled the courtyard as Emily made her grand entrance. Emily was walked down the aisle by her eldest son Nate, dressed in his dress blues, He walked his beautiful mom down the aisle to Robbie. Joined at the end of the aisle Emily‘s mom supported Nate by giving Emily‘s hand in marriage to Robbie. Our groom beamed with happiness as the pair joined hands and the ceremony began. Their officiant is a great friend of the couple’s which made these moments so much more special. Looking into the crowd, there were smiles and tears, and beyond the crowd, the garden was glowing. The couple stood under an arch beautifully adorned with a cascade of white flowers. Soon the officiant would ask for the rings, and Rogan jumped up and delivered the rings. The two promised themselves and exchanged the rings. At last, the officiant announced you may kiss your bride, and without hesitation, the pair shared the first kiss as a married couple. The crowd cheered, and the bride and groom made their way down the aisle. They had bubbles floating around them, giving them the perfect touch of fun during this romantic moment. After the ceremony, we took the family’s formal photos. Where all of the immediate family members would share their hugs and love for the couple. During this time Robbie was head over heels for his infant nephew, this was such a sweet time to see all of the love that the couple had for their families and how important they are to the pair. After this, we went right into the bridal party portraits where we kept it pretty simple and sweet. Next, we took the newlywed’s bridal portraits. The bride loved the entry to the courtyard, where there was a large natural arch that welcomed you in. Fortunately, the lighting here was beautiful for the portraits. Emily and Robbie were captivated by one another, and were on a wave of blissfulness, sharing kisses, and whispers, the two seemed to fall away from reality for a few moments enjoying a world of their own. Stopping for a few seconds, while we directed them into the next pose. Once we completed the two met the officiant, maid of honor, and best man in the house to sign the marriage license.

Now for the party!

Emily and Robbie were announced to their guest as Mr. and Mrs. Diller, they were encouraged with whoops and hollers. They did a little spin on the dance floor before they went to snag their dinner. Special times catering catered the dinner, and it was indeed a special menu. After dinner, the sun started to drop down behind the neighboring walnut orchard, we went to the field behind the garden and embraced the golden fading light with spins and lifts. This couple made the best of this time. When we returned to the reception the evening resumed and it was time for toasts. This couple was complimented with many good wishes and testaments to their nature. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time the toasts were given.

After we all shared a good cry, it was time for dessert, and what dessert goes best with a good cry?! ICE CREAM! Schubert‘s ice cream was there with their cart scooping up some timeless flavors. Emily and Robbie both enjoyed a scoop together before taking to the dance floor for the first dance. The crowd quieted and all the attention focused on the newlyweds. As their song ended, the DJ invited Emily‘s eldest son Nate to share a dance. Then following this mother-son dance, it was Robbie and his mom‘s turn to boogie down. They kept it light and fun in the beginning, ending with a close embrace. The evening continued with a bubble dance, (thank you Mindy for manning the bubble cannon for us!) a bit of limbo, corn hole, giant Jenga, and, of course, a lot of great dance moves. The final event of our night was the bouquet and garter toss. The ladies were a little bit competitive, but there were a few gentlemen out there that really wanted that garter. Which made for a little bit of fun. This concluded my and Jena’s night, when we left the party was still going strong.

Emily and Robbie you both were such a joy to work with. We had such a great time capturing this monumental day and we wish you all the best.

Cheers for many years.