Wedding Day

Arrival and Finding your Seat

Ceremony

Hors d'Oeuvres

Reception

Our Wedding

Elliott and Stephanie met in 2020. They had both entered a program called Teen Challenge to better themselves. Both of them had no intention of starting a relationship while being there, but God had other plans. Teen Challenge was a very strict Christian program. Men and women were not allowed to speak to one another. During their time at TC, they both were picked to be on choir. They got to travel to different churches and perform songs together every Sunday. During this time, they were able to get a sense of one another’s personalities. When Elliott graduated TC and decided to move forward with his life, Stephanie was still finishing her program at Teen Challenge. Shortly after finishing her studentship Stephanie reached out to Elliott. The two quickly made a connection and started to get to know each other on a stronger and closer level. It wasn’t long before they realized they had something special and on August 30, 2021 they started dating. It was December 2021 Christmas Eve the first time Elliott told Stephanie that he loved her and that she told him she felt the same. After many amazing dates, hundreds of good laughs, and so many hugs and kisses, June 7, 2022, God blessed them unexpectedly with the news of their first child. Though this was not planned, they were extremely excited and encouraged to be together forever! On September 3, 2022, while visiting San Francisco for their anniversary, Elliott got down on one knee and asked Stephanie to marry him. She said yes of course!!

Unexpected Love

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

IS THERE PARKING AT THE VENUE? Capitola Parking LotsThe venue is a beautiful cottage located in a quiet neighborhood along the Soquel Creek. Due to limited street parking, we highly encourage all guests to park in the new Beach and Village Parking Lot 2 (lower), located behind City Hall at:<a href="420 Capitola Avenue Capitola, CA 95010" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">420 Capitola Avenue Capitola, CA 95010</a>***From these lots it is a 5 minute walk to the venue site*** Access to Beach and Village Parking Lots 1 &amp; 2 (Upper and Lower) is on Capitola Avenue, Bay Avenue and Monterey Avenue. Parking costs for the Beach and Village Parking Lots 1 &amp; 2 (Upper and Lower) is $0.50 an hour and you can stay for up to 12 hours.&nbsp; The pay stations accept cash ($1.00 &amp; $2.00 Bills Only), debit cards and credit cards and operate everyday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking at local hotel/ Capitola Shuttle ServiceIf you have decided to make overnight accommodations in a local Capitola hotel, then there is a shuttle service located around town that you are able to ride if you choose to do so. The free summer shuttle to the Village runs from the Beach and Village Parking Lot 2 (Lower).&nbsp;The shuttle is available Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. There are 5 stops along the shuttle ride. The closest stop to the wedding venue site is the Beach and Village Parking Lot 1 next to City Hall. From here it is a 5 minute walk to the venue. Feel free to read more information regarding parking and shuttle rides on the link below.<a href="https://www.cityofcapitola.org/community/page/shuttle-bus-service-parking-information" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cityofcapitola.org/community/page/shuttle-bus-service-parking-information</a> Ride ShareThere is also Uber available throughout both Capitola and Santa Cruz. Feel free to download the app on your smartphone or click on the link below to go to their website to schedule a ride.<a href="https://www.uber.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.uber.com/</a>

Q + A

Make yourself at home in one of the 55 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. When you stay at Quality Inn &amp; Suites Capitola By the Sea in Capitola, you'll be by the sea, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and a vending machine. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola by the Sea

Make yourself at home in one of the 84 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with twin sofa beds. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 32-inch LCD televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. When you stay at Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola in Santa Cruz, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a fireplace in the lobby. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite. Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 10 AM.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Capitola

In Santa Cruz (Eastside Santa Cruz). Make yourself at home in one of the 15 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring microwaves and iPod docking stations. 30-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided once per stay. With a stay at Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages in Santa Cruz (Eastside Santa Cruz), you'll be steps from Sunny Cove Beach and 5 minutes by foot from Twin Lakes State Beach. Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. This Edwardian hotel also features a picnic area and barbecue grills. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

In Santa Cruz (Westside Santa Cruz). Make yourself at home in one of the 106 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and designer toiletries. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily. With a stay at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz (Westside Santa Cruz), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Limited parking is available onsite. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Make yourself at home in one of the 10 guestrooms featuring refrigerators. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and portable fans. When you stay at Capitola Hotel in Capitola, you'll be on the beach, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Additional features at this hotel include a fireplace in the lobby and a picnic area. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Capitola Hotel. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Capitola Hotel

Make yourself at home in one of the 58 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and microwaves. When you stay at Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn &amp; Suites in Santa Cruz, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and a vending machine. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary continental breakfast is included.

Best Western Plus Capitola by the-sea Inn & Suites

Near Capitola Wharf. Make yourself at home in one of the 20 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include phones, as well as microwaves and coffee/tea makers. When you stay at Capitola Venetian Hotel in Capitola, you'll be on the beach, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.

Capitola Venetian Hotel

In Santa Cruz (Westside Santa Cruz). Make yourself at home in one of the 82 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. 40-inch LCD televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls. With a stay at Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA in Santa Cruz (Westside Santa Cruz), you'll be a 4-minute drive from Monterey Bay and 5 minutes from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/news stands, and a television in a common area. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite. Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA. A complimentary on-the-go breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz CA

Make yourself at home in one of the 128 air-conditioned rooms featuring LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones with free local calls. When you stay at Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley in Scotts Valley, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and bike parking. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite. You can enjoy a meal at 5030 serving the guests of Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley, or stop in at the snack bar/deli. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge.

Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

Travel

Capitola Beach is a sandy beach at the north end of Monterey Bay in Capitola, California. It’s a popular urban beach that can be jam packed on sunny days and during the town’s organized beach events. The brightly colored hotel behind the beach is unmistakable so photos of Capitola Beach are easy to place. This south-facing beach has a large fishing pier,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.californiabeaches.com/attraction/capitola-wharf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capitola Wharf</a>, that extends out into Soquel Cove where the water is usually calm due to protection from land west of here. The area beyond the jetty at the east end of the beach gets bigger waves and is a popular surfing area.

Capitola State Beach 

Travelers flock to this major seaside amusement park for its mix of thrilling, family, and kid-friendly rides. Don’t miss out on the Sky Glider, which boasts fantastic aerial views, or the exhilarating Fireball, which swings riders to dizzying heights. You can also battle it out at the arcade, have a round of mini golf, play a game of laser tag, brave the Fright Walk, or simply watch sea lions frolic in the water. Snag a season pass, an unlimited rides wristband (choose weekdays for the biggest savings), or the pay-per-play MyBoardwalk card. Visit early to get a parking spot. – Tripadvisor

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. It is a circular area of effect around 150 feet or 46 meters in diameter. Within the Mystery Spot you will be stunned as your perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity are questioned. But don't take our word for it, come and decide for yourself!

The Mystery Spot

The Arboretum &amp; Botanic Garden at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is located on the campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz Come visit our world class collection of plants from&nbsp;California&nbsp;and the Southern Hemisphere, as well as a magnificent succulent collection.&nbsp;Our emphasis is on plants from Mediterranean climates like our own.

UCSC Arboretum

Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. ***Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz.*** The Santa Cruz Big Trees &amp; Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today’s Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. Please note that the 4:00 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one way only. There is no return train to the beach. Departures from Roaring Camp:&nbsp;10:00 a.m.,&nbsp;2:00 p.m.Departures from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk:&nbsp;12:00 p.m.,&nbsp;4:00 p.m.

Santa Cruz Beach Railroad

BEST HIKE FOR FAMILIES Whether you’re a family with tiny tikes or tough teens, Henry Cowell has a trail for you and yours. The main park area features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a variety of forested areas with redwoods, mixed evergreens, ponderosa pines, and even sandhills. Some park trails run alongside the San Lorenzo River. ***Check website to see if there is an entrance fee to park before arriving. *** Walk:&nbsp;For stroller riders and little legs, try the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/blog/top-5-kid-friendly-hikes-in-santa-cruz-county/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Redwood Grove Loop</a>. This one mile path is a breeze for hikers, but doesn’t skimp on impressive encounters with redwood giants. For slightly older kids – not in need of a stroller – take the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/blog/trail-guide-the-river-trail-at-henry-cowell-redwood-sp/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">River Trail</a>&nbsp;for a scenic hike with great rewards – i.e. some water play! Factoid:&nbsp;Did you know that there is a northern section of Henry Cowell called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/listings/henry-cowell-redwoods-state-park-fall-creek/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fall Creek</a>&nbsp;with additional hiking trails? Although not stroller friendly, this is another great option for families looking to enjoy the forest and some creek exploration. Bonus: Banana slugs and newts are common on these trails.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Hike

BEST SEASIDE HIKE Although not considered a traditional “hike,” West Cliff Drive delivers on some serious strides with seaside views. Bustling beaches and surf spots to tranquil coves and wildlife, this coastal path serves up some breathtaking vistas. Walk:&nbsp;Begin your 6 mile round trip trek near the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/listings/dream-inn-santa-cruz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Dream Inn</a>&nbsp;and let the Monterey Bay be your trail guide. Pass the famed Steamer Lane surf spot and a brick lighthouse which also serves as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/listings/santa-cruz-surfing-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Surfing Museum</a>. When the path ends, take a peek toward the ocean and see the photogenic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/listings/natural-bridges-state-beach/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natural Bridges State Beach</a>. Add some steps to your outing and explore the monarch groves and short trails offered at the popular state park. Factoid:&nbsp;No need to leave anyone behind on this one! West Cliff Drive is stroller, wheelchair, dog, bike, rollerblade, and even segway friendly! Another bonus, it’s pretty hard to get lost on this trail! Pro tip*&nbsp;When the waves are crashing against the cliffs, take a breather between Auburn and Chico Ave and try to spot the “blowhole” where water surges up into the sky mimicking our whale friends. Also, Fido will love this walk and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/blog/getting-salty-with-the-pooch-your-guide-to-dog-friendly-beaches/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pup-friendly beaches</a>&nbsp;along the way.

West Cliff Drive Hike

BEST HIDDEN HIKE - LOCAL'S FAVE Quail Hollow Ranch’s 300-acre space offers scenic trails, majestic vistas,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yZWVBVbq4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">abundant wildlife</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.scparks.com/Home/RecreationPrograms/QuailHollowRanch%E2%80%93InterpretivePrograms/ParkActivities.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a dazzling array of family-friendly activities</a>&nbsp;— and is off-the-beaten-path enough to always seem to have plenty of space to roam. This “local secret” is one of the best kept of its kind in the county. Walk:&nbsp;On the 2 ½ – mile long Sunset Trail and the mile-long Discovery Loop Trail, you’ll see oak riparian forests, a visitor center housed in an historic ranch house, and endangered Western pond turtles. The park also hosts a broad range of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.scparks.com/Home/RecreationPrograms/QuailHollowRanch%E2%80%93InterpretivePrograms/ParkActivities.aspx#Interpretive%20Programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">interpretive programs</a>. Factoid:&nbsp;The park – located in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/destinations/san-lorenzo-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Felton</a>&nbsp;– is also home to one of the best local examples of a sandhill habitat. In Santa Cruz County, sandhills – unique communities of plants and animals found only on outcrops of Zayante sand soil – are home to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.santacruzsandhills.com/endemic_plants.html#scw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">four species of plants that you can only find in this environment</a>: Santa Cruz wallflower, Ben Lomond spineflower, Ben Lomond buckwheat, and the Bonny Doon (or silverleaf) manzanita.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/quail_hollow_trail_map.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for a park map</a>! As always, stay on designated trails, pack your trash, and please do not disturb wildlife. For more info on hiking in Santa Cruz County, check out&nbsp;the hiking section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruz.org/category/hiking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our blog</a>.

Stephanie & Elliott

Stephanie & Elliott

Registry