FROM THE BRIDE & GROOM // WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BEAUTIFUL DECOR?
Laura: The subtle tribute to steampunk as a theme was originally Anthony’s idea. I had always enjoyed that style, but never knew the name attached to themes present in movie like Disney’s Atlantis. I thought it was a great idea and you can see “the nod to” the theme with gears in our invitations/flowers/cake, real victorian medicine labels on bottle on the tables, old fashioned keys on the tables, and even Anthony’s pocket watch (a gift from his bride). Then we added the touch of Pirate themed elements into the wedding because of our dual United States Navy background: the Port wine that is typically part of “Naval Dinning In” ceremonies, the background music in the cocktail hour from “Alestorm” a band Anthony and I adore, and our seating chart to make the guests smile.

Anthony: Steampunk and Nautical themes.WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE/FAVORITE MOMENT ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Laura: The most memorable moment was when I discovered how wonderful a speaker my sister-in-law, Alicia, is. Alicia was my Maid of Honor and I could be more touched with her kind and well though out speech that was a not so subtle hint that Anthony is a lucky man and that I am so lucky to now also be a part of such a kind and loving family in addition to my own. My favorite part of the night was dancing with my groom to our first song and to the last song of the night: “Lucky by Colbie Caillat and Big, Bad, Handsome Man by Imelda May”. In the hustle and bustle of the wedding those were moments when I could breathe and relish in being married to Anthony. My other favorite moment was walking down the aisle with my new husband laughing our butts off because we forgot that our recessional music was the “Concerning Hobbits” music from “The Hobbit”, which went with our “With Love and Adventure Together” idea inscribed on our wedding bands.

Anthony: The Bride’s mother crying into my shoulder was my most memorable. Watching my Bride dance her heart out was my favorite.WHY WAS PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT TO YOU AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUN & SPARROW?

Laura: My father, Charles Dutkiewicz, was a photographer and I learned at a young age the power to film as an art medium that can capture a feeling. The only thing I would grab if I had to flee my home land would be photos. Sun and Sparrow had an etherial style that was light and romantic, which is what I was hoping for in my photos … no to mention that my wedding day photographers were super involved, helpful, kind, and concerned during the planning and execution process.

Anthony: Photography is important because photos are memories put in to print for the whole world to see.DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BRIDES WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?

Bride Advice: If at all possible try to have all the services grouped into a package, like an Event Hosting that does food, flowers, lighting etc… because it makes thing so much simpler the day of. Planning and executing the wedding ourselves did create more beautiful chaos the day of there should have been.
Groom advice: Have a list of objectives for you groomsman to take care of in your stead on the big day.WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING MARRIED NOW?
Laura: Our relationship transitioned to transcontinental with Anthony being in stationed in Japan and me going to medical school on the opposite side of the globe for over 2 years now and still going. Since I can’t be with him, there is a joy in knowing that we’re in this adventure of life together because we love each other so much.
Anthony: Knowing I have the perfect partner in life, love, and adventure.

VENDORS: Anthony and I took special pride knowing that our wedding supported nearly all local vendors (Santa Cruz, San Diego, and DC) and that our money goes back directly into the local economy.  //  Reception Venue: Bargetto Winery  //  Photography: Sun & Sparrow // Catering: Felice Forno Wood Fired Pizza Company  &   The Buttery  //  Cake: Buttercup Cakes and Farm House Frosting  //   Deserts: The Pacific Cookie Company  //  Flowers: The Flower Shack  //   DJ: DJ Niki Matteo //  Wedding Dress: Carine’s Bridal Atelier  //   Hair: Sharone Bishop  //   Makeup: Brian Bon