Santa Cruz Wedding at Waterfall Lodge | Gypsy Tales Photo

Michelle and Antonio’s Santa Cruz wedding at Waterfall Lodge in Ben Lomond, CA, is one that every couple planning a wedding should hear about. The couple ran into many “snags” planning their big day, and on the day of their wedding ran into unpredictable weather, but they handled it like pros! From a venue change, two date changes, and rainy weather, the couple remained upbeat and flexible throughout the process. And because they remained positive and went with the flow of things, their day was perfect and uniquely their own. Afterall, it’s the hiccups of a wedding day that will really have you laughing years from now when you look back at your photos.

The couple was originally going to get married during the peak of the pandemic but had to reschedule. They decided they would have their wedding in Big Sur, but when they arrived at the venue location, they were not impressed. So they changed location and their wedding date until they found the perfect spot for them – Waterfall Lodge. It’s located about 20 minutes from the beaches of Santa Cruz, California, and is nestled in Ben Lomond, California.

Waterfall Lodge is a gorgeous retreat located on top of a mountain in the Redwoods. It feels very earthy and magical when you step into the open fields and into the Redwood forest. It’s the perfect wedding venue if you’re looking for something quiet and woodsy and you love nature. 

But first, let’s back up a bit so I can properly introduce Michelle and Antonio. 

Michelle and Antonio’s Love Story

The couple met back in 2015 when Michelle moved to DC for her career. Eventually, she would move back to the West Coast, but the two stayed in touch. As time and fate would have it, they eventually called the East Coast home together, where they continued to enjoy being “foodies” and entertaining their friends with game nights.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Getting Ready at Brookdale Lodge and Waterfall Lodge Bridal Suite

Michelle is my kind of woman. She is very organized and classy but takes no BS. So when their wedding day arrived, and it was raining, Michelle remained calm. She had zero plans of letting the rain ruin her day. Afterall, the couple had already postponed their wedding twice! A little (or a lot) of rain wasn’t about to hold them back today!  

Michelle and I passed each other in cars as it was pouring down rain. She was heading to the bridal suite to get ready, and I had just arrived for the day. I could tell she wasn’t thrilled that it was raining, but she was calm, happy, and upbeat. 

Michelle and her bridal group got ready in the Waterfall Lodge bridal suite while the guys got ready at the Brookdale Lodge. Both of these spots to get ready were spacious and stunning. You can see the rain drizzling in some of the men’s photos, and even they didn’t mind a little rain. The whole day was perfect, despite the rain. 

Michelle and Antonio’s First Look 

One of my favorite photo moments of the day was when I took the bridal party photos outdoors, and they all had matching clear umbrellas. We had a blast doing the bridal group photos – some with and some without the umbrellas. And after the group photos, it was time for Michelle and Antonio to have their first look. 

The girls hid Michelle and Antonio for the first look so she wouldn’t have to walk too far in her white shoes in the wet dirt of the forest floor before the wedding. It was all so sweet to watch as the group cheered them on and made this first-look moment special for the couple.

Next, it was time for the main event!

Santa Cruz Wedding Ceremony at Waterfall Lodge

Michelle and Antonio hired my favorite wedding planner, Adilene Paramo. And every time I work a wedding with her, it’s perfect. When the forecast continued to look rainy, Michelle and Addy decided it would be best to go with their “Plan B” for the ceremony and reception.

The ceremony was still held outside in a light drizzle, but it was moved closer to the main barn just in case it started to pour buckets of rain. The dinner and dancing were also moved inside as part of Plan B. But all in all, everything was still perfect, even with all the adjustments that had to be made. 

I really can’t say enough about how nice Waterfall Lodge is for a Santa Cruz wedding. They have three main ceremony spots, and when unpredictable weather arrives, they have options in place for a backup plan.

I also can’t remind couples how much having a flexible and adaptable wedding day timeline (and attitude) can make or break your wedding day. I know how much work goes into planning a wedding, but keeping an open mind really makes your wedding day memories wonderful. 

Group Wedding Photos and Reception

After the wedding ceremony, we gathered all of the couple’s closest family and friends for group wedding photos. Then it was off to the reception area for the grand entrance, delicious food, toasts, and lots of dancing! 

As self-proclaimed “foodies,” Michelle and Antonio had no problems digging into their gorgeous wedding cake. But what’s better is that Michelle’s smiles were contagious and joy-filled, yes- even as Antonio shoved cake in her face! 

Some of the most memorable parts of the wedding happened just as I was leaving for the evening. Many of the guests were just beginning to get the dance floor hopping. If I didn’t have another wedding the next day, I would’ve hung out and maaaaybe showed off my awesome dance skills too. Ha!

A Huge Thank You to These Vendors for Making This Santa Cruz Wedding Incredible

As always, I like to thank the amazing vendors who help make each wedding come together flawlessly, and this Santa Cruz wedding is no exception.

I’ve already bragged about one of my favorite planners, Adilene Paramo. But seriously, if you’re looking for a planner in the Santa Cruz or Bay Area, I can’t recommend her fast enough! She rolls with the punches and always has a backup plan like she did for this wedding.

The other vendors listed below helped make Michelle and Antonio’s day perfect. And while I didn’t meet them all, the ones that I did have the chance to meet at the wedding were all so kind and amazing at their craft. 

HMUA: Lilian Beauty and Beauty by Xiomara

Florist: Blossoms and Botanicals

DJ: DJ Luuupe

Caterer: Sunny’s Catering

Bartending: Bubbly Bartending

Wedding Dress: Stella York

Wedding Shoes: Bella Belle

When I asked Michelle how they found me and why they decided to book me as their photographer for their big day, she said this: 

“You were recommended by a friend who had an interest in your services, and she kept sending me screenshots of your work, which I loved! I was overly stressed and had to cancel our wedding plans because of the pandemic. So we’re now resuming with a lowkey mentality, and I know you’re the perfect wedding photographer for us!”

Planning a Santa Cruz Wedding?

If you’re planning a Santa Cruz wedding and still need a wedding photographer, send me a message at the link below. I specialize in weddings, elopements, adventure elopements, and family photography all over the Bay Area in California. I’m also available for travel worldwide!

Contact Me Here

Learn More About My Wedding Photography Here

My focus is always to help you make your vision come to life and to document it all in the most authentic way possible. I can’t wait to hear from you and document your day!

Anastasia is the owner and photographer of Gypsy Tales Photo. She specializes in elopements, weddings, maternity, and family photography. 

Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer | California Wedding and Elopement Photographer