Rose Garden Estates Wedding | Tehachapi

Rose Garden Estates |Tehachapi, California

Mark and Sandra met thru an online dating app. As both full time single parents once they started talking, they quickly realized they were a great match for one another. Mark drove an hour an a half to meet Sandra for their first date. They talked for 5 hours straight. Once they said goodnight and went home they made plans to see each other for the next weekend …. and hadn’t missed a weekend since! Mark drove down every single weekend for the following year. With three kids between the two of them, they instantly went from being single parents, to a family of 5. And such a cute family they are!

Loved how involved family was in this wedding! From the borrowed veil, bride crown, to grandmother jewelry in Sandra’s bouquet, the specialness of family was everywhere on this day. New cousins running around playing and laughing, sisters-in-laws as bridesmaids and Brothers as groomsmen, neat to see a family so close.

Ceremony

Mark’s dad officiated the service and Sandra’s grandfather lead the Unity Cross Ceremony. It was as plain as day that the kids already see each other as family, this day just made it official. Sandra’s oldest son had the honor of walking his mama down the aisle. As did Mark’s daughter, who also had the privilege of walking him down the aisle. So sweet!

Sandra and Mark choose to do a Unity Cross instead of a candle. Honestly, this was the first time I have heard of a unity cross and I think its symbolism is just beautiful! There are two crosses, the groom’s bold outer cross strengthens and frames his bride while the bride’s delicately carved inner cross brings fullness and beauty to her husband’s. During the ceremony, the groom and bride join their crosses together, and secure them with three carved nails, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since they have three children they included them in this symbolism of creating a new family. This is a permanent reminder to keep the faith, love, and commitment to their marriage/family.

Enjoy this sneak peak into this joyous day!