Steven & Victoria...September 18, 2010 {Castella Wedding Photographer}

There was magical juju in the air Saturday for this beautiful wedding. It was at a venue called "Pine-Gri-La," a secluded getaway in the mountains reminiscent of a cluster of tiny chalets in the Swiss Alps. Having a shared history in Hawaii, Steven and Victoria brought some Hawaiian traditions along, including the haunting sound of the conch shell being sounded before and after the ceremony. This mysteriously evoked tears from everyone and I cannot deny being in that number. Rain came during the ceremony and as elders were lovingly remembered, a bear materialized in the clearing at the edge of the woods. We took photos later in the crumpled grass where he lay. Songs of birds punctuated the ceremony. Deeply felt bonds were strengthened with the passing of a shared glass. I dined on wickedly good wild salmon and a host of desserts I can't even talk about. These two are so in love and so committed to each other. I felt blessed to be their wedding photographer. Thanks to all for a fantastic day.