Wow, these kinds of stories blow me away. I mean, what are the chances? Some love stories feel destined, and Courtney and Christian’s is one of them. After finding each other as teenagers, spending decades apart, and ultimately reconnecting, their story is a beautiful reminder that true love can endure time, distance, and life’s unexpected twists.
Some stories are best told in the first person….from Courtney and Christian’s wedding website:
“We first met each other in 1990, in the Diablo Valley College parking lot, when Christian was 16, and Courtney was 14. There was an instant connection, and we felt bonded to one another as if our souls recognized a love from a past life. In this life, we were young and just starting to learn together what love was about. In the short period of time we had together, we were inseparable and experienced all the firsts together. Life had other plans for us, though. We were ripped away from each other’s sides but held on to that bond we felt, searching constantly for what we had: not knowing that it only existed with us. When the universe felt it was time to bring us back together, our walls were thick, and our hearts were jaded, but our love bond felt even stronger than it did as kids. All it took was one text message that would change our lives forever. When we finally reconnected in person, it felt as though we hadn’t lost three decades because we were able to pick right back up where we left off. Our hearts softened almost immediately, those walls came crashing down, and we felt like those 14 and 16-year-olds again. We’ve spent the last two years inseparable, barely able to keep our hands off one another again. If you see us acting like teenagers in love, it’s cause we are – in our heads anyway, and we’ve got some time to make up for. On Mother’s Day weekend, Christian asked Courtney’s dad, Carlton, for his blessing to marry, fulfilling his childhood promise to her. It’s been a long journey to this point and we are excited to continue this adventure as husband and wife. We would be honored to have you, our family and friends to share in this fairytale celebration of ours.”
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I first met Courtney “on the mat” about a year or so ago through a joyful Yoga class we shared, and we quickly became friends. I met Christian through Courtney, as they are both gym rats, too, and I noticed how sweet it was for him to bring Courtney’s mat in and set it up for her. While it is always an honor to be asked to photograph someone’s wedding, this one felt different and special to me after hearing their story and seeing them together. I don’t usually take on friends’ weddings, as it is practically impossible for me to be a photographer and a guest in the same evening. However, our friendship grew out of first being asked to photograph their wedding.
Throughout the day, there was a genuine joy between them that felt effortless—every glance, every touch, every smile reflected a love that had never truly faded. They even had “happy tears” tissues on every seat- because that is what they are. Witnessing the way they looked at each other made it clear that this was more than a wedding day; it was the continuation of a love story that was always meant to be. Wishing you guys a lifetime of happiness and adventure- you circled back around and found it again! So, so sweet. These are <some> of my favorites from your celebration.
Enjoy. Love you guys!
Photographer’s Assistant: Cassie LeConte
Venue: High Sierra Iris and Wedding Gardens
Wedding Coordinator: Reba Davis
DJ: John Login
Caterer: Addy Q
Florals: Couture Weddings by Dottie
Cake Designer: Baker and a Black Cat
Hair Stylist: Brandi Rosario, In the Pines Salon and Gallery
