Jeannie and John’s Santa Cruz Wiccan Wedding
When Mark and I arrived at Sunny Cove Beach in Santa Cruz it was shrouded in the typical coastal mist you get here on a Summer’s day…and it was cold! We were about to photograph Jeannie and John’s Wiccan wedding, usually referred to as Handfasting. This is where the couple’s hands are tied together signifying their union.
The circle was being cast on the beach and a candle would be placed in each of the four quarters – north to represent Earth, east to represent Air, south represents Fire, and Water to the west.
Inside the beach house, preparations were in full swing, and things were rather more familiar!
We were so pleased Jeannie and John decided to have a ‘first look’. The emotion was quite overwhelming, and of course we get some time to capture their joy at seeing each other for the first time that day.
We walked to the beach, now bathed in warm sunshine, where the attendants entered the circle to stand at the points followed by Jeannie and John. The ceremony included John offering his sword to Jeannie and in exchange she offered her treasure. After the vows, the Priestess tied their hands together to celebrate their commitment and love for a lifetime.
Handfasting comes from a Scottish custom, where, in a simple ceremony a couple would have their hands tied together; they were accepted as man and wife, if after a year they were still together!
The formal photographs were anything but! The wedding party was such good fun and and their photographs are just filled with laughter. And because Jeannie and John were tied together, this added to the merriment, each taking turns to duck down behind the group when they weren’t needed in the photograph!
From the beach we went to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for rides on the merry-go-round and the pirates’ ship. A bride and groom tied together – not something you see everyday at the fairground!
As the sun went down, guests enjoyed a barbecue and dancing back at the beach house, ending a perfect day.
Jeannie and John, it was an absolute joy photographing your wedding, sharing your passion and love for each other, family and dear friends.
Our love and best wishes for the future, Mark and Maria xx
September 7th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Congrats! You couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful place to jump the broom!
September 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Wonderful Pictures!!! Wish I could have been there…
September 6th, 2010 at 10:17 am
What a beautiful journey I went through, viewing the photography of your wedding. Two of the most beautiful people in my life that gift me with thier love and friendship. So glad you have found one another! Only Love is real!
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:10 pm
The wanted picture is great! They are all spactacular!
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I wish we had a chance to be there, but love the pictures!
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Wow!! A beautiful day, A beautiful couple! What a unique experience to capture! Great work!
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:17 am
oh my gosh this looks freakin AWESOME! Great beach site! Lovely dress! Great photos! Good job =]
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Gorgeous photos! So full of the joy of the day!
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Enjoyed the Pics. Doesnt look much like Iowa. How could it be good? Jealous
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Great Pics. Pretty Bride! As always.
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
What beautiful pictures!! And of course the couple made the photos. You both look so happy!!! I so wish we could have been there. I wish you all the best and may ALL your Dreams come true!!!
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
What beautiful photos!! of an obviously wonderful and memorable day. John and Jeannie are so fortunate to have these treasures to remind them of their wedding day.
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
What great pic’s! I’m so sorry to have missed it but this was the next best thing.
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Looks like it was a beautiful wedding. Wish I could have attended! Best wishes for a long and happy marriage!
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:41 am
Outstanding Pictures!! Loved Them all. It was a beautiful day filled with love and joy!
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
Thank you so much to everyone for your lovely comments – it was wonderful to be part of Jeannie and John’s day and an absolute pleasure to photograph.
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 am
Looks like a wonderful time in beautiful weather. You guys look great!!
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
Mark and Maria, you are a hit! We’ve had so many people tell us what a beautiful job you’ve done AND what great folks you were to work with. I’m happy that we can work to build your business (not like you need it at this point) but thank you so much for being our photographers. Can’t wait to see the rest!
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:22 am
Awesome stuff. So sad we missed it, but you know, getting from France to Cali is a little hard, especially with children. I love the panoramic shot of you two in each other’s arms. And, as others have said, fantastic feel to the whole album. Bonne courage!
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:17 am
VERY COOL!
September 1st, 2010 at 9:00 pm
You did such beautiful work…and as the professionals you are you were all but unnoticed during the ceremony. You captured John and Jeannie’s day so that others may experience it from afar. If anyone needs a photographer…these folks are the ones to get
September 1st, 2010 at 6:19 am
I have to say that I never had so much fun with photographers. They made the whole experience feel natural and fun!!! I highly recommend them!!
August 31st, 2010 at 4:44 pm
I agree with everyone, these are beautiful, creative and unique photos. They really capture the spirit of the wedding and reception. Great job!
August 31st, 2010 at 1:55 pm
What a fabulous job! I’ve seen photographs of many weddings (and taken some myself) but these photos are just about the best ever! The true spirit and love of the occasion was captured perfectly. I’m so happy that Dan and I were able to be there, and share John and Jeannie’s special day.
August 31st, 2010 at 1:43 pm
absolutely fabulous – I love the interplay in the photos of close ups and pull backs, brilliant! What a gorgeous day and fantastically happy couple!
August 31st, 2010 at 1:30 pm
OMG You guys are amazing!!!! You captured it all the Love, the Beauty, the Joy, the DAY. It was an absolute honor to have the two of you shooting our Hand-fasting. When you are famous (and you will be) we will always be able to say “Mark and Maria shot our wedding you know”.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
August 31st, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Wonderful images. Wish we could have been there to share your joy in person….
August 31st, 2010 at 11:47 am
Really lovely, professional work. You captured the best of my friends,and showed not only physical beauty, but artfully conveyed the depth of their emotions. There is so much here, strength, sensuality, commitment–and pure adoration, plus the beauty of their natural surroundings, and you managed to find it all.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:39 am
I love these phots, GREAT JOB!!! My fav photo is jeannie and john, infront of a large rock, and her head is in his chest! It is a true capture of the love these two people share!AMAZING!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:58 am
The pictures turned out fantastic! I love the boardwalk pictures! Though I wasn’t the bride I had a fantastic time working with you!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:54 am
I really love the “circles in the sand” and Jeannie smiling holding her bouquet. I like the focus effect of the bridesmaids hiding Johns eyes! Some great work here! I really like the non-posed feel of the photo set. It feels natural and fun!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:50 am
Amazing photos! Such an excellent job capturing the emotions of the day. Just beautiful!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:31 am
These are amazing! I can’t wait to see the rest of them. I really love the one of the wedding dress hanging in front of the door. Okay I love all of them but that one took my breath away.
August 31st, 2010 at 9:30 am
Everyone looks so happy and Joyful! Congratulations and positive energy to the both of you. May you have many years of love, laughter and friends.
Blessed Be
August 31st, 2010 at 9:25 am
Looks wonderful!
August 31st, 2010 at 9:01 am
What a great day filled with love, fun and emotion!