Central Coast Modern Beach Vow Renewal

From Renoda Campbell Photography:

Bryan and Nick celebrated their three-year anniversary in June 2019. They allowed me to photograph their special time together and capture the renewal of their wedding vows in an intimate styled shoot. Here is the couple’s love story and answers to a few of my questions:

Bryan and Nick’s Romantic Story:

It was love at second sight...and lust at first [sight]! Bryan and Nick first met at a local gay bar in Denver, CO, where Nick showed up with a friend of Bryan’s. There was an initial spark after Bryan pulled Nick up on a box to dance. The night came to an end, and both left that night not knowing if they would ever see each other again.

The next week at a University of Denver Fundraiser Gala, Nick and Bryan reconnected! Bryan spotted Nick and thought he looked familiar, they approached each other. The two, after chatting a bit, exchanged numbers, and that night Bryan and Nick took their photo together. The next day, they met for a coffee. Coffee turned into brunch and brunch turned into a walk around the neighborhood. They spent the whole day together and the next week Nick went to Jackson Hole for a ski trip. They both knew they were madly in love with each other as both their hearts ached from being physically separated. By the end of the trip, each one knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

Q - How long have you been together?

Both: We have been together for a little more than 5 years and just celebrated our 4-year anniversary in 2020!

 Q - Is there anything that you found meaningful at your vow renewal session?

Nick: Yes! It was close to our anniversary and was such an amazing way to remember the day we married each other and one that I will never forget. Since we did not have a professional photographer at the wedding, this was special to us to have our love captured in such a beautiful and special way (Thanks Renoda!). At our marriage, I also thought I could come up with my own vows on the spot, but being so emotional, this was very difficult to do! This was very meaningful since I was able to write and say the entirety of how I truly felt about what our marriage stood for to the love of my life, Bryan.

Bryan: There is so much that I found meaningful! First and foremost, this moment was made special by Renoda. The small touches and getting a detailed overview of the day put me at ease, since I like to know processes and a plan. Renoda gave so much care to us in this experience that I was able to focus on the moment with Nick.

Writing our vow renewal statements was also a meaningful process. I think we often lose sight of the significance of our relationships and it is also easy to get distracted or get caught up in life, work, family, and pointless arguments (like dishes or who put what where) that we need significant reminders. This, in so many ways, was ours. I was able to communicate to Nick what I think of him every day and what I appreciate about him. His love for me, even when I am at my most difficult to love at times. Nick isn’t someone to show his emotions often, and hearing him share those made a whole new moment and memory for us.  

Q - Are there any rituals (weekly/monthly) that you have as a reminder of your love for each other?

Bryan: Date night is a nice ritual that we don’t do often enough!

Nick: For me, it’s the little things we do - whether it’s cooking dinner together, binging a favorite show (more likely Bryan’s favorite show!) on Netflix, or my favorite, wine tasting Saturday!

Photographer: Renoda Campbell Photography | Photography Assistant: Malorie Morello | Event Planner: Renoda Campbell Events | Event Planning Assistant: Emily Stevens | Florist: Flourish Event & Floral Design | Cake: Vons | Suits: Men’s Wearhouse | Rentals: Got You Covered Tents & Events | Linens: Bella Couture Linen | Location: Private Residence, Pismo Beach, CA