When the Marines Corps assigned Joe to duty in Okinawa, Japan, he asked Autumn to join him there so they could be married. She immediately packed her bags and headed off to be with the love of her life and on January 8, 2016 the couple was married in a small ceremony in Okinawa. While Autumn was thrilled at being Mrs. Joe Calahan, and considered January 8th “the happiest day of my life” she felt a void, mainly because her parents, friends, and everyone she loved were not able to be there.
That void was filled a few months later, on July 23, 2016 when Joe and Autumn repeated their vows – this time in front of their families and friends, at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. Finally, this was the wedding of Autumn’s dreams. Glass cylinders with floating candles and gorgeous flower arrangements with combos of garden roses, hydrangeas, and anemones in blush and white complimented the navy, white and gold wedding colors. They also coordinated beautifully with Autumn’s mermaid style dress that had a detailed lace back and a sweetheart neckline.
Autumn said that the Serrano staff was very accommodating on the room set-up and even came up with a signature non-alcoholic drink and provided a much-better-than-normal custom buffet.
Joe and Autumn’s first dance was to a slow country song that was the springboard for lots of dancing to follow. Autumn very wisely packed a pair of sandals for all that dancing and said, “They saved my life! Every bride should remember to pack a pair of comfortable shoes.”
Following an increasingly popular trend, their wedding was “unplugged,” meaning that the guests were asked to leave their cell phones, tablets and any other device that could be used for recording or picture taking, turned off, allowing for more privacy and far fewer distractions for everyone.
When asked what the most “unexpected” part of the day was, both Joe and Autumn replied that even though they were expecting something to go wrong, nothing did. It was perfect and “magical.” What’s better than that?
When asked if she would do anything differently Autumn replied that she would have “danced more.” It’s a pretty safe bet there won’t be a third wedding for the Calahans’ — but who knows, maybe a vow renewal ceremony with nonstop dancing will be on the calendar in 2041.
PHOTOS: Wendy Hithe, Photographer
VENUE: Serrano Country Club
[FLOWERS] Natural Flair Floral Design [CAKE] Pretty Sweet [GOWN] De la Rosa Bridal [TUX] Men’s Wearhouse [HAIR/MAKEUP] Christi Reynolds [OFFICIANT] Dearly Beloved Celebrations [DJ] Music & More [INVITES] Calligraphy Girl
