Michael & Amelia l Humboldt County, CA

September 28th, 2013

Bobby and I met Michael and Amelia in the fall of 2010. We had come to a sleepy little town called Blue Lake in Humboldt County, to study physical theater together at Dell'Arte International. Promptly upon arrival, Michael and Amelia fell in love, and their wild ride began. Now, three years later, we return to this beautiful part of the county to stand beneath the majestic redwoods and witness their union as husband and wife, or in this case, clown and clown.

The transformation of the Van Duzen Pamplin Grove Campground is in full swing when Bobby and I arrive. It's DIY central, so much care and creativity has been put towards these fabulous adornments. The giant trees seem to smile in the sunshine as the decorations go up and the magic begins. What a great weekend to be in love!

The stage has been set, quite literally, with a vaudeville show scheduled for tomorrow night. Camp Manager, Leigh, makes good use of some string lights and a velvet curtain. As the sun drops away and the temperature falls, campers enjoy delicious food from Chef (Uncle) Franklin and cozy up by the fire to listen to some music.

The next morning the bride and groom are stringing custom noses. Campers select a size and shape as they miander up the hill in search of coffee. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and there are bagels! The food seems endless, such generosity and abundance as friends and family soak up the entire weekend, it seems to rejuvenate us all.

The path down from Wedding Central leads to a beautiful open field, the site of tomorrow's ceremony. Beyond that, the river, just deep enough for a quick dip.The fellas enjoy some games in the grass and the puppies roam free. Ah Humboldt....

Back at camp, Chef Franklin and his team are in full swing, getting ready to smoke the lamb in the PIT! He leaves the heavy lifting to the young bucks and saves his breath for wise cracks.

After another stellar feast, it's time for a show! Harrison burps a lovely rendition of "You're Just Too Good To Be True," the bride shows off some impressive acroyoga skills, and some things that can't be pictured here take place. The night parties on, and in less than 24 hours Michael and Amelia will be getting married! I can't wait for tomorrow....

A perfect blue sky greets us on the morning of the wedding day. We meet our bride and groom in their "dressing rooms" for prep! When I get to Michael's tent, the picnic table showcases his groom's outfit. Pieces that he's been collecting and having made for him, but has yet to see all together, I give the nod of approval.

Just up the path Bobby hangs with our bride and her little sister, Belinda, the bride's personal hair dresser and make-up artist. Amelia's outfit is filled with handmade pieces (mostly from etsy) and a pair of leather boots she bought on her way to Dell'Arte, just days before meeting Michael.

Her something blue,

a piece of Michael's mohawk.

And she's ready to meet her groom

for their "first look"

With the duo hand in hand, we walk to the field, to meet the circus. Clowns of all shapes, sizes, and colors gather for the ceremony. Presided over by Anson Smith, aka Jamie, who seems to have forgotten the bride and groom's names, and struggles to hold onto his notes. But is otherwise a lovely officiant.

Much to the surprise of the groom, his father greets him under the arbor donning an admirable blue mohawk. Later in the ceremony, Mom reveals that she too, has gone blue. Just some of many surprises during a truly unique ceremony, complete with a puppet parade down to the river!

Time to party! Franklin and his team do not disappoint, yet again rolling out the spread. Fresh oysters on the grill, stuffed peppers, salmon, goat cheese salad, pork loin, yum yum yum yum.

With no shortage of excellent musicians the live music plays on. Uncle Allen rouses the party goers for an epic drum circle after the bride and groom share their first dance. The stars shine above us we head over for cake and cobbler (the best cobbler ever!) and toasts from family and friends. And we dance into the night...

Congratulations Michael and Amelia! So happy to have known you from the beginning of your journey together and to have been given the gift of documenting this beautiful weekend. All our love.

Story by: Kolleen Kintz

Photos by: Bobby and Kolleen Kintz

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