Oh my heart is so full just THINKING about these two.  Nicki and Sam are the real deal and I count myself so lucky to have been such a big part of their wedding day.  Back in August I got up before the sun and made my way to Mendocino, California to record the beginning of this beautiful marriage. I LOVE being a Mendocino Elopement Photographer but it’s couples like Nicki and Sam that make that love so very deep.  Walking into the cottage they had spent their final evening before becoming a family on paper my heart was pounding with excitement.  I couldn’t wait to be in the presence of these beautiful souls again! And then, to be able to meet their nearest friends and the sweet couple who had opened their home to them the night before their wedding was just the icing on the cake.  We spent the morning getting ready for their big day.  It was quiet and calm and so very lovely.  The neighborhood cat took a liking to me, and Sam’s shoes, while I was making pictures.  Finally, we headed out to the Headlands to breathe in the salt air and make some photos with the stony cliffs as our background before we hopped in our cars and made our way to  the big trees. There is nothing so lovely as standing in the shadows of those giant trees.  It truly is a cathedral of nature. Nicki and Sam filled their ceremony with the personal details that mean so much.  From walking around each other seven times as is the Jewish tradition, to polishing a mirror so they can better see them selves in each other to their personal and moving vows it was absolute perfection.  Nicki and Sam, I cannot thank you enough for letting me be part of your day and tell this part of your beautiful love story.  I adore you!  And thanks to Sam for sharing this video with all of Sacramento on Sac & Co yesterday morning.  You made my day!!  Click the play button above to see the entire wedding video!