jack and nicole

Vendors:
Venue: Roaring Camp
​Coordinator: A Paper Flower Wedding
Florals: Gal in the Glen
Hair and Makeup: Kala Ketchum
​Cake: The Buttery
Ice Cream: Sweet Surf Catering
Caterer: A Feast for a King

Jack and Nicole’s intimate wedding at Roaring Camp was a day full of love, quiet joy, and nature-inspired charm. As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer, I love capturing couples whose personalities and passions shine through their day — and this one was delightfully authentic.

Jack, originally from the Chicago suburbs, and Nicole, from Buffalo, met in a rather unique way: at a Dungeons and Dragons podcast convention. After a year of long-distance dating, they moved in together during the pandemic and built a life filled with shared hobbies like hiking, reading, tabletop RPGs, birdwatching, and volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society’s wildlife rehab center. Their wedding reflected their shared love of nature and simple, meaningful moments.

With roughly 50 close friends and family in attendance, their Roaring Camp wedding was intentionally low-key, focusing on connection rather than pomp. The forested surroundings provided a stunning backdrop, highlighting the warmth of the couple’s interactions and the joy of their guests. Every detail — from the quiet glances to candid laughter — was captured with a focus on authenticity and natural beauty.

For couples planning an intimate wedding at Roaring Camp or elsewhere in Santa Cruz, leaning into what makes your relationship unique and keeping the day simple and true to you creates memories that feel both personal and timeless. Jack and Nicole’s wedding reminds us that elegance and intimacy aren’t about grand gestures — they’re about meaningful moments shared with the people who matter most.

If you’re planning a Santa Cruz wedding and want a photographer who blends natural surroundings, storytelling, and a relaxed, personal vibe, I’d love to capture your day.