Luke + Marisa by Amanda Gillian Photography - Together Journal

A gentle ode to the past, softened by the magic of the redwoods.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

At our core, we’re creatures of comfort, as we find peace with accomplishing the quiet rituals of daily life. Grocery runs become morning dates, and we’re often in search of the perfect matcha or coffee. Indian and Mexican food mark our favorite dine-out cuisines, while a new TV series and our two kitties are often the perfect way to wind down. Luke finds joy in structure but also motion, whether it’s on the track or at the gym, while I’m drawn to the chase of the creative process: writing, cooking, film photography, finding hidden meaning in the everyday. Life together is less about grand gestures, more about presence, finding romance in the ordinary.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met in the cafeteria during our very first week of college. I was mid-conversation when Luke heard my voice and felt an immediate pull, he absolutely loved it. I was a little more reserved, not exactly searching for love at eighteen, but he was patient. Though we began as friends, it only took about a month for him to charm his way into something more. Looking back, it feels like fate was already at work, like we were simply orbiting each other until the timing aligned.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

We both agree there wasn’t one singular spark, but more a quiet accumulation of moments that built something immovable. Even early on, there was this strange, grounding knowingness between us, like we’d met in another life. Being around each other often felt like exhaling after holding a breath. Over time, that ease only deepened. There was no fanfare or epiphany, just the steady unfolding of a love that felt pre-written.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our wedding vision shifted over the years, but as the day approached, it crystallized into something both nostalgic and cinematic—a gentle ode to the past, softened by the magic of the redwoods. We were inspired by the season’s turning, late summer into early autumn, so we embraced earthy tones that mirrored the transition: soft creams, mauvy purples and pinks, caramel browns, and olive greens. The florals were especially meaningful. Foxtails and Queen Anne’s lace nodded to where we were raised, and somehow mirrored our personalities, a balance of resilience and delicacy. We wanted the day to feel like an echo of something timeless, as if it had always existed and we had simply stepped into it.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The redwoods were everything. Towering and timeless, they held our ceremony like a secret, which felt grounding, sacred. It felt important, almost ancestral, to be surrounded by them. Luke’s middle name is Redwood, and they’ve lined the path of our relationship from the beginning. Hosting just thirty guests beneath their canopy allowed us to feel deeply present, while the larger reception of one hundred and twenty guests gave space for celebration. The softness of the light filtering through the trees, the coolness and incoming warmth of late-summer hues, and the nods to heritage made it all feel intimate and expansive at once.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

We loved the act of creating something meaningful for the people we love most. Luke and I are natural hosts, and crafting a shared experience was such a joy. Watching our nieces see the ocean for the first time, try oysters, and dance with streamers up in the hills—it was a kind of magic you can’t plan for, but can make space for. If we could offer one piece of advice, it would be to stay rooted in your relationship. Let your values and shared history guide your choices. When you plan from that place, everything else becomes richer. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a story you’re telling together. And the more truth you pour into it, the more beautifully it will unfold.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

Our attire was a blend of heirloom, history, and heart. Luke and his groomsmen wore tailcoats, something we hadn’t seen at any other wedding, and it instantly brought an old-world charm, as if we were stepping into another era. I wore all second-hand pieces, each one holding its own story. For our welcome dinner, I wore a vintage 1990’s silk charmeuse gown from Efff. My ceremony gown was the “Love in Portofino” by J. Andreatta, passed down from another bride. I also wore my grandmother’s wedding dress from 1952, slightly reimagined, and the Belmont Dress from Park & Fifth Co., found on Poshmark. I layered three veils throughout the day: a cathedral-length mantilla for the ceremony, a draped veil for cocktail hour, and my grandmother’s short blusher veil from the 1940s. Each piece felt like a thread connecting past to present, woven into the fabric of our day.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

As a wedding photographer myself, photography and a wedding film were non-negotiables. I’ve always been moved by the power of imagery—how it preserves memory, light, and emotion long after the moment passes. Amanda and Madeleine, our photographer and filmmaker, were absolutely incredible. They didn’t just document the day, they translated it. Our wardrobe was also an important factor, as the vision I had in mind was “vintage cake topper”, which came to life beautifully through our outfit choices. Beyond that, we cared deeply about creating a beautiful experience for our guests—through thoughtful food, flowing drinks, and intentional seating. But ultimately, it was storytelling through visuals that mattered most. A way to relive something that already feels like a blur.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

There’s a story that still gives me goosebumps. Before the wedding, I’d done a mediumship reading for fun and was told that my late grandmother would send signs during the week—a white moth when it’s dark out, butterflies during the day. I smiled at the thought, but didn’t expect anything. Then, as we left for our wedding, a giant white moth danced around our front porch in the dark. After the ceremony, as we walked into the woods for our portraits, butterflies—vivid, orange and black—fluttered on nearby trees, one in particular. I had never seen them there before. It was surreal, sacred, and brought tears to my eyes. Not a laugh, perhaps, but certainly a moment of awe. A gentle reminder that love never really leaves.