Nikki and Laura Sherley booked with me back in June 2019. They connected with my work and after a great phone call where we all connected with each other, I got to be a part of the Forever Shenanigans plan. With their wedding coming up in June 2020, we decided to meet up in February 2020 in Placerville, Nikki’s hometown and close to where I live, too. We spent some time getting to know each other over margaritas, and I got to learn more about what was important to them.
Then, all (covid) hell broke loose just a few weeks later, and all of a sudden Forever Shenanigans was a no-go leaving Laura, Nikki and many other couples scrambling to sort out what to do and how to, while safely accommodating all of their guests. It’s been a crazy year of scheduling and rescheduling. Isn’t planning just one wedding busy enough?
Fast forward to 2021, as everyone was getting vaccinated earlier this year, they confirmed their new 2021 date at the lovely Harmony Ridge Lodge and #forevershenanigans was once again ready to roll. They may the hard choice to scale back their guest list to accommodate social distancing, with only those dear friends and family attending.
Their wedding was on a beautiful puffy cloud, blue-sky day and the grounds of Harmony Ridge, spectacular. Flowers everywhere. Oh yes, did I mention it was hot? It was a 100 degree day which led to lots of hydration, fanning and air conditioning. Let’s just say a shower later that night after the wedding was exquisite.
Having had a lot of time to think and rethink their day (sigh) it was brimming with unique and personal details. Their version of a handfasting ceremony was tying knots on a rainbow ribbon with each vow. Everyone was engaged and laughing as each of them has a bold sense of humor. They arrived with and gathered locally, many natural elements to create a sacred space which their friends then placed around them in a circle as part of the ceremony representing the four cardinal directions. As Laura said, “For us, these friends are family. It was a way to surround ourselves with the love of our important people.”
After the main wedding shenanigans, more were “Sherley” had as they honeymooned in Maui. They reached out to me after they returned and while I was on vacation. I had been putting pressure on myself to complete their blog and let Laura know it would be ready soon. She said, “no rush, Nikki has me well-trained that artists are not to be hurried, but rather supported with timely glasses of wine and snacks”. Let’s just say that was a nice glass of Zin.
Congrats you two. You are a lovely couple and I wish continued beauty (and shenanigans) on your journey together. Your complete gallery will be ready soon after more wine and snacks.
The great crew I got to work with:
2nd Photographer: Erin Miller
Venue: Harmony Ridge Lodge
Officiant: Heidi Odell
Catering: The Free Spirit Kitchen, Bridgette Andersen
DJ: Daniel Rooney, Silver State DJ
Cake Designer: Freeport Bakery
Hair & Make up: Orchid Duong
Rentals: SRC
