Sean and Penny were determined to get married on the hilltops of Tilden Regional Park, amongst the redwoods and beautiful botanical gardens — even if that meant holding their intimate Valentine’s Day ceremony in the rain. With their parents, Officiant and maid-of-honor in tow, we traipsed through the showers and puddles to a secluded redwood grove, where Sean and Penny exchanged vows. As the rain poured harder and harder, everyone simply laughed, stayed in good spirits and had fun.

Sean and Penny were incredibly generous — they let me take control of their walk back to the park’s visitor center so that I could could get the few shots that I did. Back at the visitor center, the couple celebrated with a glass of champagne and Valentine’s Day chocolates before leaving in gorgeous vintage car that clanked with cans tied to its back.

What a wonderful wedding story Sean and Penny will have for future generations! It is always these little civil ceremonies that capture my heart. My own wedding was on a Tuesday, out in nature, with only immediate family in tow.