Love Across Continents:

Rachel & Ben's Wedding Adventure

Join us as we look back on Rachel and Ben’s beautiful wedding day—one filled with real emotions, great energy, and a deep connection between two people who’ve traveled a long road together. From their early days in Michigan to getting engaged under the redwoods in California, their journey shows how strong love can be, even when life gets complicated.


Rachel and Ben met during a work program that had them moving around a lot. They went from Michigan to Germany, then all across the U.S., spending weekends together whenever they could. Even with long distance and the challenges of COVID, they found ways to stay close. They eventually moved to California, and not long after, Ben proposed in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park—a quiet, meaningful place that felt just right for them.

Low angle view of a tall palm tree with green fronds radiating outward against a bright blue sky background.
Urban architecture contrasts old and modern buildings with church spires against blue glass tower in downtown cityscape.
Sunlight reflects off a modern glass office building facade with silhouetted trees in the foreground at sunset.

GETTING READY: SIGNIA BY HILTON


The morning of the wedding, Rachel and her friends got ready at the Signia by Hilton in downtown San Jose, while Ben and his friends were in a nearby room. I went back and forth between the two spaces, photographing small moments—quiet reflection, laughter, and warm hugs. Everyone seemed really present, relaxed, and happy to be there. You could feel how ready they were to celebrate Rachel and Ben.


A VERY SPECIAL "FIRST LOOK"


Before the hustle and bustle of the day's events began, Rachel shared a heartfelt "first look" moment with her two brothers, father, and grandfather. Gathered on a quiet rooftop balcony, emotions ran high as they beheld Rachel in her stunning bridal attire for the first time. Tears of joy flowed freely, accompanied by loving embraces and words of encouragement. I absolutely LOVED watching Rachel's bridal party peaking out the door enjoying it all. It was a deeply meaningful moment, filled with love and gratitude. This intimate exchange set the tone for the day, reminding Rachel of the unwavering support and love that surrounded her as she embarked on this new chapter of her life.

Elegant hotel lobby with arched entrance, dark wooden benches, and warm lighting leading to a reception area.
Two wedding rings positioned together on dark surface, one brushed rose gold band and one diamond-encrusted band.
White pointed-toe flats rest on a gray and white patterned area rug with geometric designs.
A silver metal hair comb or tiara with delicate prongs sits on a soft white surface in dreamy lighting.
Delicate white lace fabric with intricate floral embroidery pattern shown in soft focus detail.
A white wedding dress with a long train hangs elegantly in front of a sunlit window creating a dreamy silhouette.
Person in white sweater smiling while reading papers in a casual indoor setting.
A hand points to photos in an open stamp collection album, showing vintage postage stamps arranged on the pages.
A person in a beige sweater sits looking downward while working on a laptop in an indoor setting.
Black and white photo of friends relaxing on a couch with reflection in mirror.
Black and white candid photo showing a person in a dark sleeveless dress smiling during what appears to be a social gathering.
Close up of elegant bridal hairstyle with soft waves and lace dress detail.
A grainy black and white photograph showing abstract flowing lines and textures in a dreamy, ethereal composition.
Black and white photo of wedding dress preparation with helper adjusting details.
Bridesmaids in emerald green dresses share a joyful moment while peeking around a corner.
Portrait wearing white lace wedding dress with soft romantic hair styling.
Several people in formal attire wait outside on a balcony while someone holds a bouquet of yellow flowers.
Bridesmaids in emerald green dresses pose together playfully in a doorway.
A candid black and white moment of joy and laughter shared during a wedding ceremony.
A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet while chatting with an elderly gentleman in a blue suit and cap at a wedding.
Black and white silhouette of someone in business attire gazing thoughtfully through large office window at city skyline view.
Black and white reflection in mirror through geometric shapes shows a person styling their hair.
Man in white dress shirt putting on a black suit jacket while looking to the side in natural lighting.
Black and white photo showing hands buttoning a formal black suit jacket.
Businessman in dark suit gazes thoughtfully out office window at city skyline on bright day.
Five men in formal business suits gather for conversation in a hotel room with carpeted floor and neutral decor.
A black and white photograph showing a group of suited men standing and conversing in a narrow hallway.

PARADE-WORTHY PORTRAITS IN SAN JOSE:


Once the guys were ready, we took a walk around downtown San Jose for some portraits. One of my favorite parts was when Ben’s mom saw him for the first time—such a sweet and proud moment. After that, I joined Rachel and her friends for their turn. We had so much fun walking the streets, taking photos, and laughing together. The best part? A Veterans Day parade was happening right in front of the hotel, and we jumped right in! The girls waved to the crowd like pros, and we got some amazing, playful photos from that spontaneous moment.

Black and white photo of a groom smiling while someone adjusts his boutonniere before the wedding ceremony.
Group of groomsmen in dark suits with boutonnieres smiling and laughing together outdoors.
A group of groomsmen in dark suits lean against a white wall sharing laughs and casual conversation.
Two people in dark suits playfully interact with one engaging in a high kick move against a textured wall.
A group in black suits stands together on a path between tall trees and a modern white building on a sunny day.
A group of groomsmen in black suits and ties share a candid moment while standing together at a wedding venue.
Three groomsmen in black suits and ties stand together smiling outdoors with palm trees visible in the background.
Two people in black formal attire share a happy moment on an elegant outdoor street with columns and trees.
A couple stands in an urban setting with sunlit trees in the background as a romantic moment unfolds.
Wedding party with bridesmaids in emerald green dresses and bride in white posing together on a city street.
Bridesmaids in matching emerald green dresses hold white and peach floral bouquets while laughing together.
Two people in formal dresses celebrate joyfully in front of a fountain with ivy-covered walls.
Two women pose together at a wedding celebration, with one wearing a white bridal gown holding a floral bouquet.
Elegant bride holding coral bouquet near outdoor fountain with veil flowing in soft focus.
A wedding party in emerald green dresses walks across a crosswalk together during a downtown celebration.
A bridal party wearing emerald green dresses dance and celebrate joyfully on an outdoor terrace.
Tall white building framed by autumn trees with yellow leaves along a curved path.
Bridesmaids wearing matching emerald green dresses smile during wedding celebration with soft focus effects.

CEREMONY AT CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF St. JOSEPH:


The ceremony took place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. The church is absolutely stunning, with high ceilings, tall stained glass windows, and classic architecture. It felt big and beautiful but also very personal. The ceremony was traditional and heartfelt. Rachel and Ben said their vows in front of their closest family and friends, and it was clear how much this moment meant to them.

Historic San Jose church exterior with twin bell towers and neoclassical columns surrounded by palm trees and city buildings.
Close-up of ornate wrought iron fence with decorative scrollwork casting shadows in warm sunlight.
Ornate white church steeple with classical columns and architectural details rises against a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet walking down the aisle in a church.
An emotional black and white moment at a wedding ceremony in a church shows the groom embracing a figure.
Interior view of an ornate cathedral with a circular layout and golden domed ceiling during a ceremony.
Wedding ceremony takes place inside a church with attendants and floral arrangements at the altar.
Black and white close-up shot of bride and groom exchanging vows during wedding ceremony.
A group of well-dressed people stand in a row at a formal church service or ceremony.
Wedding ceremony in a church with stained glass windows, bridesmaids in teal dresses, and floral arrangements at the altar.
A couple walks down the aisle of an ornate church with high ceilings and traditional wooden pews filled with wedding guests.
A wedding party in formal attire poses together on the steps of an ornate church with stained glass windows in the background.

FOREST PORTRAITS:


After the ceremony, we headed to Saratoga Springs for the reception. Before joining the party, Rachel and Ben took some time alone for portraits in the woods. The trees were tall and peaceful, and the light was perfect. They walked together, held hands, and just enjoyed a quiet moment to soak everything in. I felt lucky to capture that for them—honest, happy, and full of love.

Elegant acrylic wedding welcome sign with blurred golden bokeh lights and greenery backdrop.
A romantic couple stands on a wooden footbridge surrounded by towering trees in a lush forest setting.
A romantic black and white wedding photo captures an intimate moment between newlyweds in a forest setting.
A romantic moment between a couple sharing a tender kiss in an outdoor setting with lush greenery in the background.
A bride in a flowing white dress lounges on a rustic wooden footbridge over a stream in an autumn forest setting.
A tender wedding moment captured as newlyweds share a kiss outdoors with soft focus and romantic lighting.
Close-up black and white wedding portrait of happy newlywed couple in a romantic embrace.
A romantic couple shares a tender kiss outdoors in a blurred natural setting.
Black and white silhouetted figures reaching up to make heart shape with hands against bright background.
An intimate wedding photo showing a couple in formal attire behind frosted glass creating a dreamy effect.
A black and white abstract photograph showing layers of ethereal white veils or fabric creating a soft, dreamy effect.
A romantic couple share an intimate moment behind steamy glass with soft bokeh lights in the background.
A wedding bouquet of coral and white roses with greenery rests on rustic wood surface under glowing string lights.
A wedding bouquet wrapped in white ribbon with a decorative silver charm or pendant attached.
A couple in wedding attire embrace on a wooden footbridge over a rocky stream in a forest setting.

RECEPTION AT SARATOGA SPRINGS EVENTS & WEDDINGS:


Then it was time to celebrate! The reception was filled with great food, amazing music, and lots of laughter. The speeches brought big smiles and even a few tears. Dinner, provided by Mendocino Farms, was delicious. DJ Linh Ngo from SF Deejays kept the dance floor full all night. Everyone seemed so happy to be there—dancing, hugging, and enjoying every minute with Rachel and Ben. It was one of those nights where you could just feel how much love was in the air.

Elegant table setting with peach roses in small vases, wine glasses, and candlelight creating a romantic ambiance.
Elegant champagne tower display with multiple tiers of filled flutes arranged on a white stand in an outdoor garden setting.
Rows of elegant champagne flutes filled with sparkling wine create a festive display at an event.
A tender newlywed moment as a bride holding a champagne flute receives a gentle kiss while holding a peach floral bouquet.
A wedding party poses outdoors at night under twinkling lights with bridesmaids in green dresses and groomsmen in dark suits.
Wedding party in navy suits and emerald dresses poses playfully while holding someone horizontally outdoors.
Wedding guests' hands reaching up to catch the bouquet being tossed in the air during a celebration.
Wedding party in formal attire poses together with expressions of surprise against a backdrop of twinkling lights.
Wedding party poses together at night with twinkle lights creating a festive outdoor atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a couple at a wedding ceremony while an officiant reads from a paper at a podium.
A romantic wedding reception scene outdoors at night with string lights and guests gathered at decorated tables.
An outdoor reception venue illuminated by overhead string lights with guests seated at tables in a garden setting.
A romantic wedding couple shares their first dance under twinkling lights at an outdoor evening reception.
A black and white photo of a romantic dance at a nighttime wedding reception with string lights overhead.
A couple dances together under nighttime lighting at an outdoor reception.
Wedding celebration at night under string lights with guests dancing on a grassy outdoor area.
Black and white wedding photo showing celebratory dancing at a reception under string lights at night.
A person in formal attire sips a beverage at an evening event with twinkle lights visible in the background.
A black and white wedding reception scene at night with string lights and palm trees illuminating the outdoor dance floor.
Black and white photo showing people dancing and celebrating at a lively party under string lights.
People dancing and celebrating at an outdoor nighttime party with string lights and festive atmosphere.
Wedding party celebrates with energetic dancing at a festive outdoor nighttime reception with string lights overhead.
A creative overhead portrait of a group in dark clothing laying in a circular formation on the ground.
Large festive crowd celebrating at an outdoor nighttime wedding reception with string lights overhead.

WHAT A WEDDING TO REMEMBER:


As the night came to an end, I looked back on the day and felt really lucky to be part of it. From the special family moments to the big dance party, every part of Rachel and Ben’s wedding felt meaningful. Their love is strong, and their story shows that with time, effort, and patience, love really can grow across any distance.

A heart-shaped piece on a wooden surface with blurred golden bokeh lights in the background.

 

Vendor Links


GETTING READY VENUE:

Signia by Hilton, San Jose

ADDRESS: 170 S Market St, San Jose, California, 95113, USA

WEBSITE: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sjcsmsa-signia-san-jose/


WEDDING VENUE:

Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

ADDRESS: 80 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

WEBSITE: https://stjosephcathedral.org


RECEPTION VENUE:

Saratoga Springs Events and Weddings

WEBSITE: https://www.saratoga-springs.com/weddings

Instagram: @saratogaspringsweddings


DRESS SHOP:

The Wedding Shoppe

Instagram: @weddingshoppemi


HAIR:

Beauty by Thao

Instagram: @beauty_by_thao


MAKEUP:

Laura Coleman

Instagram: @lauracoleman_12


CATERING:

Mendocino Farms

Instagram: @mendocinofarms


FLOWERS:

Gal in the Glen

Instagram: @galintheglen


DJ:

Linh Ngo, SF Deejays

Instagram: @djlinhngo


 

 

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