Intimate wedding in the Canyon, in Northern California

Work-life balance is always an adventure for a small business owner. While it’s important to set boundaries and stick to them, sometimes you meet a couple worth bending the rules for. As soon as I met Matt and Courtney, I knew I wanted to work with them—even though their wedding day fell on my birthday—and I am so glad I did!

Matt and Courtney are both Chico State alums but didn’t meet until they matched on Bumble while living in San Francisco. It was Courtney’s first app date, and while she was anxious, encouragement from her best friend bolstered her confidence to meet Matt in person. That first date was all it took to form an instant connection. The two bonded over similar experiences at Chico State, mutual interests, good beer, and lots of laughter. Matt and Courtney couldn’t get enough of each other and spent the next two years dating and adventuring around the San Francisco area. They then decided to move back to their mutually-beloved city of Chico together for Matt to undertake Chico State’s credentialing program. On December 31, 2019, Matt proposed to Courtney while on a hike in Ashland, Oregon. Courtney says it was the easiest question she ever answered. Although wedding planning during a pandemic created challenges, Matt and Courtney decided to stick to their original wedding date in the fall of 2020, no matter what.

When their wedding day arrived, Matt and Courtney found themselves excited for the intimacy their smaller guest list allowed. These two committed that on their wedding day, they would stay present and focus on what the day was truly about—devoting their lives to one another in front of their most beloved family and friends.

Matt and Courtney hosted their ceremony and reception at the Sundog Ranch just north of Chico, overlooking Rock Creek Canyon. They chose a natural fall color palette that played off the property’s ranch house and sweeping views of the canyon, valley, and distant coastal range. Matt and his groomsmen dressed classically in black suits with simple burgundy ties. Courtney’s bridesmaids each wore a dress of their choosing in rich autumnal hues ranging from blush to rose, maroon, and rust. Matt and Courtney looked the perfect pair with Matt in a dark suit and burgundy tie and Courtney in a simple silhouette set off by dramatic lace and long train.

Matt and Courtney’s commitment to staying present and enjoying the company of their cherished guest shone throughout their ceremony and reception. The warm fall evening was full of love, laughter, and unadulterated joy towards the future Matt and Courtney are building together.