Steven & Lisa Hettinga!! {Visalia/Tulare Wedding Photography}

On one date, he pulled the car over and asked her to dance in the middle of the road.  When she left for college, he flew her home a few weeks later, just because he missed her.  And then on another, he took her up in a hot air balloon . . .and proposed.  So does it really come as any surprise that he wanted to marry the love of his life on New Year’s Eve?

I had the ultimate pleasure of being the photographer for one of the most amazing and beautiful weddings I’ve ever seen.  The guests in attendance were in for an amazing treat!  It was probably the most amazing New Year’s Eve party I’ve ever attended.  And what a beautiful way to end a year and start anew.  The night was all about new beginnings . . .  new love . . . and new hope for the future.

Steven and Lisa Hettinga, married on New Year’s Eve 2009, were married at Tulare Community Church.  The evening wedding began with a beautiful photo slide-show of the bride and groom’s life put together by John & Val’s Video in Tulare.  The stunning church decorations were provided by Sweet Memories.  Lori DeHaan of Tulare made the most beautiful church aisle runner.  It was personalized with Steven and Lisa’s name.  GORGEOUS and so unique!

After the ceremony, we all headed over to the Visalia Convention Center where almost 500 people were served and amazing candlelight dinner.  Kathleen Burke was the brains behind decorating the reception venue.  The draping of the ceiling and walls was MAGNIFICENT!  Oh gosh . . . and I can’t forget about the SNOW MACHINE that greeted the guests as they walked in.  The lighting, by Lighting Resources in Fresno, was probably one of the most elegant touches to the room.  Very different . . . yet so very Lisa!    On all the table, beautiful curly willow sticks adorned with crystals and flowers were provided by Sweet Memories and Details Party Rentals provided some of the decorations including the large round crystal globes.  The catering of the DELICIOUS food was done by Sue Sa’s Creative Catering.  YUM!!  And  the beautiful cakes were created by Shelly Wade of Gourmet Desserts in Visalia.  Absolutely stunning and the groom’s cake was just perfecto!

Other important vendor who provided services for this wedding were Erin’s Announcements, the creator of all the invitations, programs, thank yous, drink tickets, table numbers, EVERYTHING!!  They were so so special!  It was so exciting to receive such a special invitation!  Lisa’s beautiful wedding dress and the “midnight dress” was purchased at Annabelle’s Bridal right in Visalia.  And probably one of my favorite special touches added to the bride’s wedding day attire were the bling bling CUSTOM shoes.  Of course, I don’t think I’m partial or anything because Miss Glitzy Bella herself is one of my dearest friends, but the shoes were TO DIE FOR PEOPLE!   The family was so HAPPY with the service that they received from everyone listed.   Isn’t it great to know that you can get such great service right here in the valley???  You would have thought we lived in Southern California with such fabulous wedding vendors!!

Thank you Steven and Lisa for choosing me to be your wedding photographer.  I absolutely ADORED getting to know you and sharing all the special moments of your amazing wedding day.  I had absolutely no doubt that it would be a wedding to remember.  The date couldn’t have fit you better!  What a fun and special way to spend New Year’s Eve.

To see just how fabulous the wedding day was, click here to see a photo slide show on a new page. Or just watch the smaller one below . . . but the big one is fantastic!  ENJOY!!!  (for best results, let the slide show load entirely before viewing)