Brandi & Emmett // Fern River Resort Wedding
Emmett & Brandi met in college but didn’t immediately have a romantic connection. At the end of their senior year, they were cast alongside each other in a “ridiculous college production” of Crucible the Musical. During that time, Emmett was at a pivotal point in his identity journey, and Brandi was one of the first people to call him by his name and see him for his authentic self without hesitation. As they became closer, a mysterious magical power kept bringing them together. They’d run into each other at an empty restaurant, see each other while driving down the street, and cross paths in random buildings on campus. These constant run-ins felt like an undeniable sign from the universe, & like something bigger must be taking place…
On the eve of graduation, in a buzzer-beater moment, they shared their feelings for one another & had their first kiss. With their cards on the table, a strong connection between them ignited, and they have been together ever since. 5 and a half wonderful years later, while living together in the Bay Area, they got engaged & began planning their wedding.
I knew Emmett well in college because we were in the same major / classes, and I always thought he was one of the most special and vibrant people I’d ever met. He is generous, enormous-hearted, warm, and inclusive. He has a brilliant mind, a collaborative spirit, and exudes the sort of calm aura you just want to be around because it makes everything better. I knew Brandi peripherally because we were both in Greek life (at a tiny school), and I honestly thought she was way too cool to ever want anything to do with me. I’d later get to know her to be SO funny, unbelievably kind, and not at all scary or too cool for school (or me). When I heard from this power couple & learned that they wanted ME to be a part of their celebration, I was buzzing. We got on a Zoom call, cackled for 30 minutes, and settled all the details of their day. Then, my 21 MONTH countdown to their wedding began. :’)
When their dreamy fall wedding day finally arrived, I grabbed my camera bag & headed to Northern California to Fern River Resort, a whimsical riverside oasis nestled in the heart of the Redwood forest. I can hardly find words to describe the perfection of this wedding atmosphere: there was a slight breeze blowing through the property all afternoon, causing colorful fall leaves to twirl and dance down from the tallest trees. The sun burst through pockets of tree coverage, cloaking the space with a warm and magical light. The weather Goddesses were STOKED for B & E’s celebration and gifted us an unbelievably gorgeous day. In the distance, a steam-engine train that circles the area for tours periodically whistled in the wind… I swear it was as if we were in a literal fairytale.
When I walked into the couple’s suite to say hello, I immediately noticed the tranquil & soft feeling of the space. Choosing to get ready together (sans wedding parties + families), Brandi & Emmett spent a slow morning sipping tea and relaxing before the big day ahead. I have never witnessed a getting-ready process so laid back & sweet. Removing the many moving pieces of getting ready in a big group, the couple was able to focus on their intentions for the day, retain their energy, nourish each other (Emmett literally fed Brandi grapes at one point), and connect throughout every phase of the day.
This set the tone for their wedding: everything was light, lovely, and intentional. After Brandi’s incredible friend Jordan popped into the cabin to do a quick energetic manifestation exercise with her, she slipped into her dress & her mama zipped her in. Once Brandi fully transformed into a literal bridal goddess from outer space, the couple shared an emotional first look. Despite getting ready together all morning, the moment was tear-filled and gentle and left B & E swelling with excitement. After wiping damp eyes, they headed straight into their best friends’ arms for abundant hugs. Their community of closest pals was one of the brightest parts of the day—each individual came to the table with boundless enthusiasm and joy for their dear friends’ wedding, and their energy was sustaining and electric. We took a bunch of photos with friends and their families, & then snuck down to the river bed to grab portraits before the couple took some time to relax before their ceremony.
B & E’s ceremony was truly one of a kind. They did a hilarious lottery of who would sign their marriage license, picking two names out of a bowl and revealing the lucky witnesses. Emmett’s brother officiated, and he did such a fantastic job painting a vivid picture of the couple’s love story and all of the steps that led them to where they stood. The couple’s friends recited the most beautiful poetry, and Brandi & Emmett shared deep & meaningful personal vows. I LOVED how expressive they were as they reacted to their partner’s words—these two wear their emotions right on their faces, and that is a treat and a half as a photographer. There was a medley of tears, uncontrollable laughter, and tangible love between the couple and among all of the guests who watched on.
After their ceremony, the Griffiths spent a few minutes together soaking in their newly minted titles of husband & wife. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour & snacked on tasty apps while they waited for the couple to join the festivities. Once Brandi’s dress was bustled into party mode, the duo jaunted over between the towering redwoods to cocktail hour and were greeted with the MOST hype & love from their people.
Soon, the sun disappeared behind the dense forest & the reception began. Dinner was magnificent and toasts were MASTERFUL (I swear this couple has the most eloquent friends on earth). When the DJ pressed “play,” the dance floor was immediately POPPIN’ and the momentum never slowed. Brandi & Emmett somehow knew every word to every song played at their wedding, and they danced + sang their faces off with all of their loved ones. They took only a brief break from dancing to grab their signature cocktails & take some flash photos in the courtyard with me... & grab a slice or 3 of pie.
At the end of the night, my assistant expressed that she was gobsmacked by how enjoyable & seamless the day was. I told her it was 100% a reflection of the couple, the luck of the weather, and the magic of the community Brandi & Emmett brought together. But honestly, these two could have gotten married at a Chuck E. Cheese and it probably still would’ve been one of the most spectacular work days of my life. It was just so ridiculously FUN—chock-full of laughter, overflowing with beauty and joy.
This couple is exceptional, their love is tangible, and their wedding was extraordinary.
You set the standard, Griffiths. I adore you!!!!!!!
