Jessica found me in December while reading Style Me Pretty and she immediately contacted me about photographing her 12-12-12 Santa Barbara elopement to the love her life, Norm. She told me that almost a year earlier Norm had been diagnosed with grade 4 brain cancer, and everything in their lives changed. They were engaged, but of course with the news wedding plans got put on the back burner. Norm's health was everybody's #1 concern, as it should be! But all these two wanted was to get married. They are madly in love. Soul mates. The truest of companions. So when Norm thankfully got some good news from the doctor and was given the okay to take a small trip for a few days, they knew what they wanted to do.They took a roadtrip from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara to elope! They drove Norm's restored classic 1960's VW Bus all the way. They would marry in Santa Barbara, and then honeymoon as they drove up the central coast! How romantic! And that's where I came in... to photograph the big day! I could not have been more honored! Because Norm + Jess aren't that familiar with Santa Barbara, I also kinda helped plan the whole day-- choosing the locations for the ceremony and portraits, styling their sweetheart table, and giving some vendor recommendations! It was so fun helping to create the perfect day for such a special pair!I was honored to see their elopement on Style Me Pretty 10 days ago... and decided that Valentine's Day would be the perfect day to share their story on my own blog. Because if ever there was a STRONG love that should inspire lovers and dreamers everywhere, it is the story of Jessica + Norm. Please check out the images, and read how you can help at the bottom of this post. Thanks!The two had their ceremony on Refugio Beach... and because a storm was looming, they had the beach all to themselves!
The ceremony was touching beyond words!
Jessica was sooooo happy!!
And so was Norm!
Definitely an emotional moment!!
And so full of love!!!
After the ceremony we enjoyed the beauty of the beach!!
Jessica you are gorgeous!!!
Dancing on the beach... so romantic!!
The roadtrip begins here!!
LOVE!!!
How cute is the bus?!!!
We wanted to spend some time in those gorgeous rolling hills of Santa Barbara!
GORGEOUS!!
Jessica's bouquet and floral headpiece was by Simply Bouquets!
BEAUTY!!
I styled and put together a little reception table for them! It turned out so sweet! Cake is by Crushcakes and linens are La Tavola.
How can you not just ADORE these two?!!
Back to the bus we go!
Just Married!!! There they go off on their roadtrip honeymoon adventure! LOVE!
If you would like to know more about Norm's story please check out his blog. You can also help Jessica + Norm by donating to help pay off Norm's medical bills. Despite having good health insurance the medical bills have added up... every little bit helps! Thank you!!