Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Humboldt Bay Social Club

Ceremony

Humboldt bay social club

Reception

Our Wedding

It all started with a simple airport pickup. When a mutual friend brought Kaden along to pick Sydney up from the airport, neither of them knew it would be the beginning of something so special. Kaden’s first act of chivalry was moving to the back seat so Sydney could sit up front—a gesture she noticed right away. Though they didn’t talk much during that late-night ride, they shared a moment when they stopped for gas. For the first time, they really saw each other. Sydney was immediately drawn to Kaden’s bright eyes with smile lines and his sun-kissed, freckled cheeks that hinted at a love for the sun and laughter. Kaden, on the other hand, was captivated by Sydney’s radiant smile and glowing presence, though he didn’t expect anything romantic—she was only visiting after all. Over the next couple of weeks, their connection grew naturally in the company of mutual friends. One memorable night, they found themselves talking until 3 a.m as Kaden tended to the fire pit in his backyard. Very quickly, Sydney knew she loved Kaden—not just romantically, but as another kind, genuine soul. They couldn’t deny their connection, despite the uncertainty of a global pandemic and the twists and turns their lives might take. When it came time to decide what was next, they both took a leap of faith. Soon, they were off to Seattle together, where a beautiful summer of exploring the city deepened their bond. From there, their relationship grew quickly as they embarked on new adventures together, moving frequently but always side by side. Their greatest adventure began when they welcomed their first child, Ambrose. They moved back to Kaden's hometown and while living in Eureka, CA, they were shocked to find out they were expecting twins in 2024! With their family growing, they decided it was time to settle down, returning to the place they first fell in love: Chico, CA. Now, they’re ready to take the next step in their story and to celebrate joining their lives together with all of you!

From a Chance Encounter to Forever

Our Story

Photos

Lauren Finkbiner-Cooper

Hannah Hobson

Yanam Miller-Lytle

Kalei Ray

Isa Gardner

Lane Gomes

Sean Gardner

Lucas Gomes

Noah Davis

Taylor Ray

Wedding Party

Reception Details

We’re so excited to celebrate with you at The Hangar at Humboldt Bay Social Club in Samoa, CA! It’s right cross the road from the beach ceremony, so expect those cool coastal breezes. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got fire pits, overhead heaters, cozy blankets, and plenty of dancing to keep you warm! That said, you’ll definitely want to bring a warm coat or sweater and dress for the weather. Let’s make sure everyone stays cozy while we party on the coast!

Q + A

Best way to travel to Eureka from afar

Humboldt County is a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of what makes it so breathtaking! If you’re traveling from out of state, the most cost-efficient option is to fly into a Bay Area airport (like San Francisco or Oakland) and drive up to the area, which takes about 4 hours. The drive is beautiful if you take Highway 101—you’ll pass stunning rivers, towering redwoods, and gorgeous scenery along the way.  For a more convenient option, you can fly into a Bay Area airport or Burbank and transfer to a flight that lands at Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV). Once you arrive, we may be able to arrange for someone to pick you up if you prefer not to rent a car—our friends and family are happy to help!  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with travel plans or transportation. We’re here to make it as easy as possible for you!

Lodging

Bear River Casino And Resort

Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn

Hampton Inn- Arcata

Airbnb

If you are interested in Airbnbing there are usually plenty of great options. Some with ocean views!

Travel

We know Humboldt isn’t the easiest place to reach, so we can’t thank you enough for making the journey to celebrate with us! Part of what makes Humboldt so special is its untouched, natural beauty—secluded and preserved in a way that few places in California are.  We understand that time off can be hard to come by, but if you’re able, we’d love for you to extend your stay beyond the wedding weekend. There’s so much to explore and experience in this beautiful corner of the world, and we’d be thrilled for you to see all that Humboldt has to offer.  We’re excited to make everyone feel welcome and will do our best to accommodate as many of you as we can! If you’ll be arriving before or staying after the wedding, please let us know—we’d love the chance to spend even more time together. We’ve included a list of some of our favorite Humboldt activities below. We hope you’ll have a chance to enjoy them as much as we have!

Sequoia Park is a stunning spot nestled in the Cutten neighborhood of Eureka, CA. This beautiful park features a unique playground with slides set among the redwoods, hiking trails that lead to small waterfalls and a duck pond, and it’s right next door to the zoo and the breathtaking Skywalk.

Sequoia Park

Sequoia Park Zoo/Skywalk

There are two great places to enjoy some delicious cider. If you’re downtown in Eureka, stop by the 21+ taproom. Bringing the kids along? Head over to the Hubbard Lane location for a family-friendly vibe, plus food trucks Thursday through Sunday! For more details, be sure to check out their website.

Humboldt Cider Co.

Known as “the brew with a view”, this brewery is the perfect spot to grab a bite, try some beers, and take in the view! If you’re up for something new, try the Raspberry Lambic—it’s Sydney’s favorite! And on a clear summer day, you’ll have a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

6 Rivers Brewery

The Eureka Friday Night Market is a lively weekly event in the heart of Old Town Eureka that brings the community together with fantastic food, live music, local art, and a vibrant atmosphere! Every Friday evening from late spring through early fall, vendors line the streets offering everything from fresh produce and artisanal goods to unique crafts and delicious bites. With a mix of family-friendly activities and plenty of entertainment, it’s the perfect spot to kick off the weekend, support local businesses, enjoy some beer, wine, or cider, and soak up the Humboldt County spirit!

Eureka Friday Night Market

Located just a few blocks away from downtown Arcata, journey into 790 acres of woodland wonder. The Arcata Community Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as playgrounds for the little ones and public picnic space. It was one of Sydney and Kaden’s favorite places to let their oldest child roam when they called Humboldt home! 

Arcata Community Forest

Fun fact- Kaden proposed to Sydney on a beach here! Trinidad, CA, is a hidden gem on the Northern California coast, packed with natural beauty and adventure! Start with the breathtaking Trinidad State Beach, where rugged cliffs meet soft sands and dramatic ocean views. Hike the Trinidad Head trail for panoramic vistas of the coastline and spot migrating whales if you’re lucky! For a peaceful escape, head to Trinidad Harbor and explore the tide pools or hop on a kayak to see the stunning seascape up close. Don’t miss the charming seaside shops and art galleries in town, or grab a bite at one of the cozy seafood spots serving fresh, local catches. From beachcombing to sunset views, Trinidad is a dreamy coastal retreat! Don’t hesitate to reach out to the bride and groom for recommendations on trails and where to grab a bite to eat.

Explore Trinidad

The Redwood Discovery Museum in Eureka, CA, is a hands-on wonderland for kids and families! This interactive museum is packed with fun, educational exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity, covering topics from science and nature to art and engineering. Little explorers can dive into activities like building structures, experimenting with water play, and even role-playing in the mini “Kid Town.” With a mission to make learning exciting and accessible, the Redwood Discovery Museum is a perfect spot for family fun, inspiring young minds while celebrating the wonders of the natural world and community.

Sydney & Kaden