Nate & Katie’s Intimate California Wedding

by Alexis Lunsford
June 4 2021
The White Wren Collaborative / Wedding /

Today we are sharing Nate & Katie’s intimate California wedding, surrounded by their closest family & friends, they took their vows at Katie’s childhood home. Backyard celebrations have become very prominent since the beginning of the pandemic, certainly different than having a traditional venue but such a special detail to have a beautiful milestone in a location thats already dear to your heart!

How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another? “We met our senior year of college second semester at the University of Arizona. Ironically enough, we met at the popular UofA college bar called Dirtbags. My first impression of Nate was that he was incredibly handsome, but I had just gotten out of a relationship and was graduating in 2 months and knew I was leaving AZ so was not interested in dating or starting a relationship. Funny how when you least expect it things come together!”

“Nate and Katie‘s wedding day was nothing short of spectacular. With love as the driving force, nothing could have stopped this wedding celebration! Taking place around the small town of San Juan Capistrano and surrounding hills, they enjoyed a beautiful ceremony and reception party at their families’ private estate after getting ready at San Juan Capistrano‘s hottest new hotel, Inn at The Mission SJC.
Their wedding atmosphere was classic black + white with a warm California charm — citrus accents adorned every table. Katie‘s dress was gorgeous and simple, with the most beautiful detailed pleat at the bottom. Nate was rocking the California black-tie style, fancy yet casually cool, all at the same time. The ceremony so genuinely portrayed the power of Christ’s love and how through good times and hard times, even in our world, His love prevails. There was no damper on the evening— just a lighthearted spirit of joy— which was truly a gift to be a part of. Their cocktail hour surrounded their gorgeous pool overlooking the hills of Southern California, and their reception was nonstop tears of laughter and an incredible outfit change by the bride and groom! My favorite moment was at sunset — when Nate Katie and I spontaneously climbed the hill behind their private estate and had a 360 view of Southern California. Moments like that I will never forget in my career, I will never take them for granted. Nate and Katie are two special people, and I am honored to have had the privilege of capturing their marriage!! I know God is going to do incredible things through them! Cheers to Nate and Katie.” – Natalie Schutt Photography

What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another? “Always love. We know that God is love so just putting love in action. My favorite acronym for FAMILY is Forget About Me I Love You and we try to live up to that everyday. Be selfless over selfish”

What is your favorite thing about each other? “I love Nate’s drive. He has an incredible work ethic and a strong commitment to his friends and family
Nate: Katie has an ability to light up an room she walks into. She has a big heart and is incredibly endearing”

Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day? “We originally had our wedding planned at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa but had to post pone and then ultimately cancel due to Covid. We ended up having 60 of our closest friends and family at the childhood home I grew up in which was really special. I grew up climbing these big Orange trees as at kid at my grandmas house. They both passed away years ago so I incorporated the color / oranges in my wedding to remember them.”

What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you? “The ceremony & the covenant of marriage. It was important for us to say our own vows in front of our closest family and friends and ask for their commitment to always keep us accountable to the commitment we made to each other.”

What was your favorite part about planning your wedding? “Having all of our closest friends with us… especially during a pandemic”

If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be? “Life is short. Don’t get hung up on the small stuff. Listen & love one another”

What is the most honest thing you can say about love? “True love is putting someone before yourself. It’s making scarifies. It’s not always easy but it sure is worth it!”