Jamis and Maddie's Wedding in Saint Helena, California

The Proposal:

I came back from my 5 hour Physical Therapy Board exam to a gift basket on the table. It had Kona Brewing beer, Maui Onion chips and Hawaiian bread in it... At first I was extremely confused but Jamis quickly blurted out that we are heading to Maui after my graduation party and that I needed to pack my bags. I had no idea he planned this trip!

Jamis had researched Haleakala months before we ever left for Maui. It was always on the agenda, but a pretty far drive. I contemplated if the two hour drive was worth it. He finally convinced me as we ate our second shaved ice of the day that we should go. As we set off for the trek we obviously had to stop for some fresh poke bowls. Jamis kept his calm as we drove up the steep and winding mountain. We were worried it would be too cloudy and even raining, but as soon as we drove above the clouds it was as clear as could be. We parked close to the observation point and found a spot in between the large group of people waiting for the sunset. Of course, I wanted to eat right away! As it got closer to sunset Jamis began to act a little restless and he made excuses to go to the car multiple times. I was oblivious to why he might need to go to the car repeatedly as I was content with my poke bowl. We both kept repeating that we should try and get a picture together as the sun sets. Jamis finally agreed it was time to take the picture. We stood up and he asked the woman sitting behind us if she could take a video. My initial reaction was why... and the next second he was on one knee and said “Will you marry me?” The moment was magical!!! Everyone around us cheered as I struggled to hold back tears. It was the most perfect proposal!

Wedding:

It is truly hard to put into words how amazing my wedding night was. The wedding was hosted on my families private estate on a vineyard in Saint Helena, California. The history behind the property made it extremely special for my family and I. The wedding was all outside with dinner set within the vines. We had about 100 guests to keep it intimate. Elegant casual was our theme. We created the night to reflect us as a couple with personal details spread throughout the night. (Our invitations had a personalized map reflecting our 'relationship' with locations of our new house, where we went to high school together, and where the wedding was going to be. The RSVP return label was even addressed to our dog, Klay). The flowers were picture perfect and the arch was to die for. There were succulents spread through the venue which I later planted in my backyard. Our dog stole the show as our ring bearer. My late grandfathers wine from my birth year vintage was poured. The bottle was saved and left for people to sign their names on it. The map from our invitation was used as the 'guest book' which was later framed and now hanging in our house. My families cheese was offered during cocktail hour. Our tables were labeled by ‘years’ instead of numbers to represent each year we have been together. Each table had a picture from the designated year, embarrassing high school pictures and all.. We served my favorite, pesto pasta, for dinner with some amazing dishes. Family style kept things casual, even down to our Funfetti cutting cake. Both my parents gave meaningful speeches filled with happy tears. My dad announced during his speech that the most recent vintage of my families wine was dedicated to us, The Spaldings. The waiters came down the tables, poured the wine, and we cheers-ed to our love as we thanked everyone for coming. We now have that wine for special occasions to share with our loved ones for the years to come. We were able to have a conversation which each of our guests which was very important to us. The night was filled with dancing and a lot of freshly made donuts! Our wedding favor was my families honey in a cute little jar. I can't thank my amazing wedding planner, photographer and team for an amazing, stress free night!