Photography by Kristyn Hogan

We always feel honored to assist military couples with their weddings, especially when they have a captivating love story!  Monica and Edward (EJ) are both Senior Chiefs in the United States Navy.  EJ was the lead instructor in Monica’s leadership developmental program following her promotion to Chief Petty Officer.  One classroom exercise involved ranking three words according to each person’s priority as a leader.  The words were sailors, family and mission.  Monica shares this story, “EJ initially rejected my ‘outside the box’ response based on balancing the three. I defended my answer and explained my position to the class. Afterward the way EJ looked at me seemed to change, as though he was evaluating me quietly. I didn’t see EJ again for a year, when leadership training brought us together once more.  I was scheduled to speak to the group, and EJ said at that moment he was ‘wowed.’ We made eye contact and it was our beginning.  A month after our first date,  we were once again separated – me assigned to an aircraft carrier in San Diego, California and EJ to a squadron in Hawaii. Our relationship grew over the next year and a half, and despite the distance between us, we fell in love. We spent time with each other’s families last fall, and that is when EJ says he knew he wanted to make a lifetime commitment to me.  Our careers are a huge part of our lives, but we have the same life priorities and values.  Most important, we understand each other and  bring love, laughter and joy into each day together.”

Inspiring, right?  Every bride can appreciate the challenges Monica felt when planning her destination wedding from across the country while stationed on an aircraft carrier where cell phones and computers don’t work the same!  Monica was a dream bride, creative and decisive when it came to her style preferences.  The Cedarwood design team took her lead to craft an elegant outdoor ceremony and celebration with shades of peach, blush, ivory and mint. Soft flowers  paired with twigs and succulents, draping paired with rustic wood, bedazzled craft seating cards with hand-lettered chalkboard signage, and a silver leaf chevron cake paired with sweet tea in jelly jars —these are a few ways Monica balanced classic-elegant and organic-natural elements. With such a busy schedule, we are impressed that Monica found time to make her programs, escort and thank you cards!  Kristyn Hogan photographed it all for Monica and EJ.  Enjoy all these delicious details!

We salute you Monica and EJ!  Your love will forever be a part of Cedarwood.  We admire your generous donation to My Charity Water to provide clean drinking water for villages that need help instead of take home favors.  Thanks for your graciousness and for your faith in us. Thanks to Kristyn Hogan for sharing these amazing photos!

Linda & the Cedarwood Event Team

Vendors:
Photographer: Kristyn Hogan
Venue:  Historic Cedarwood
Event design, flowers and décor: Cedarwood Weddings
Invitations: Designs in Paper
Cake: Patty Cakes
Catering: A Dream Come True Events and Catering
Dress designer: Justin Alexander
Dress Shop: Mon Amie Bridal Salon
Hair and Makeup: Amy Lynn Larwig
Boots: Tony Lama
Groom and Best Man Suits: Vera Wang
Ceremony Music: Francis Perry
Reception Music: Jace Aaron Entertainment