As Orange County professional photographers, we absolutely love when we get the privilege to work with high school sweethearts! “Why?” you ask? Because their connection always shows the genuine love they have for one another. They’ve watched each other grow up, been a part of huge milestones together and it’s always evident that they truly are best friends. That fun-loving, genuine connection is always so much fun to capture. So, when high school sweethearts Noah and Erika reached out about Three16 Photography shooting their beautiful wedding at The Vintage Rose, we couldn’t say no!
Located in the City of Orange, The Vintage Rose is a wedding venue inspired by the “City of Love”, Paris, France!! Both the ceremony and reception are held indoors, but the outside of the venue with its greenery and woods-like atmosphere makes for some really great wedding photos.
Erika was dressed in a stunning Florence gown, with hair and makeup done to perfection by Katie Albee and Karyssa Mitchell, respectively, while Noah was also looking dapper in a navy suit from Hollywood Suits. First things first, the first look was the cutest! We love getting to be a part of such a sweet, intimate moment on the wedding day. Next, it was time for the “I-do’s!! Noah and Erika exchanged their sweet vows in front of the lovely rustic chic backdrop of the indoor ceremony space at The Vintage Rose. With vintage barnwood walls and sliding barn doors as the center to the backdrop, these two beauties decorated the space with luscious blooming white and green florals from The Enchanted Florist. It was the perfect framing for their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs.
The ever-so-cool vintage boho-chic vibes carried through to the reception, where the newlyweds danced the night away with all of their closest friends and family!
We would really like to thank Erika and Noah for allowing Three16 Photography to be part of your special day. We wish you many years of love and happiness.
Check out their love story. We hope you enjoy it, and their photos, as much as we do.
Erika and Noah’s Love Story
How did you both meet and who liked who first?
We met at a standardized testing (Erika’s freshman year and Noah’s sophomore year). We didn’t really talk or become friends until our junior and senior years of high school. Erika noticed Noah first when he drove her to a party sometime after she had broken her collarbone and could not drive. He was such a gentleman even though they were just friends. She later asked him to Sadie Hawkins where he began to notice her too.
Tell us about your first date. Who was more nervous and what did you guys do?
Our first date was dinner at Island’s and watching the movie, “Cinderella”. During the movie, Erika left her hand open for Noah to hold, but he didn’t notice. Noah was extremely nervous because Erika was very pretty.
What’s the proposal story? Give us all the details and tell us who cried first?
Noah took Erika out to dinner on the beach in Malibu. It was Easter day, and he told her that he wanted to take her out before he got too busy with paramedic school and it would be hard to see her much anymore. He accidentally texted in the family group chat that included Erika that the ring came in, so he lied and told her the ring came in too small and he had to return it. Erika completely believed this and didn’t suspect a thing that night at dinner. She even made comments about how romantic this would be if he were to propose. He coaxed her down to the beach by saying he wanted to take some photos. He found a spot by a rock and made an excuse to grab the ring in his pocket. He came back and told Erika that he had a question for her. He teared up a little as he told her what she meant to him. Erika, who obviously said yes, burst in to tears as well exclaiming that he had lied to her about the ring. They spent the rest of the night calling friends and family to tell them the good news.
As you approach the wedding day, what have you both enjoyed most about the wedding planning process?
The thing we have enjoyed most is planning our house together. We both have similar but different views on how a house should be organized, so it has been fun to talk through ideas and decide what would look best. It has been even more fun beginning to receive shower and early wedding gifts! We can’t wait to decorate for Christmas and have our small apartment begin to feel like home.
What has been the hardest part about planning your wedding?
The hardest part is trying to plan the wedding so that everyone enjoys it. If it were up to us, we would have eloped and honeymooned somewhere in the mountains. But both our mothers would kill us. Overall, it has been a relatively easy process, but having to decide on so many small details has proved challenging.
Why did you choose your particular wedding and reception venue?
Erika wanted a forest wedding somewhere in the mountain,s but having it in January would not have been a good idea. So, they both decided that they wanted a venue that was different. They loved the Vintage Rose because it was unique and beautiful. They loved the ceremony and cocktail space. They wanted the guests to be happy and know that this would be a fantastic space for them.
Where did you draw some of your inspiration from for your wedding day?
Erika searched for months on Pinterest for unique ideas. She drew most of her inspiration for photos and blogs from there.
Where are you going for the honeymoon and why did you choose that destination?
We are going to Honolulu, Hawaii for a week. We are both extremely excited. We plan to go hiking, snorkeling and open water shark diving. We are both adventurous and love the outdoors. Noah also has some relatives on this island who we can visit during our stay. This is why we ended up choosing Hawaii.
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Vendors used for Erika and Noah’s gorgeous Vintage Rose Wedding:
Location Information
Ceremony, Reception & Caterer: The Vintage Rose
Address: 1160 N. Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867
Phone: 714-944-3392
Instagram: @thevintageroseweddings
Vendor Information
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Name of Person: Alice Aniya
PHOTOGRAPHY
Company: Three16 Photography
Instagram: @three16photography
VIDEOGRAPHY
Name of Person: Jim Aanderud
FLORIST
Company: The Enchanted Florist
Instagram: @enchantedfloristorange
CAKE
Name of Person: Emily Aniya
HAIR
Name of Person: Katie Albee
MAKE-UP
Name of Person: Karyssa Mitchell
DRESS
Brand / Designer: Florence
GROOM’S SUIT
Company: Hollywood Suits
Instagram: @hollywoodsuits
WEDDING INVITATION
Company: Shutterfly
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About the Author:
Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.
