HAPPILY EVER AFTER
The wedding of Courtney Goldman to Bradley Smittcamp
The much anticipated wedding of Courtney Goldman to Bradley Smittcamp was held on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church. This couple’s whirlwind romance can only be described as something from a fairytale, so it was no surprise that the day they joined as husband and wife would be just as perfect.
“We wanted to create a memorable event for our families and guests,” explains Courtney. “We wanted to work with people who could create a beautiful and unforgettable evening for us and our guests.”
Courtney and Brad’s vision for their special day was simple. In their words, what they wanted most was, “to make the event magical.”
Specifically working with a list of people the couple admired was of major importance in the manifestation of the couple’s vision of their day. This list included expert professionals and artists, some of whom were family friends, including Kristan O’Neill of Wildflower Designs and Susan Vang- Xiong of Circle of Events (event planners), Reverie VP (photography), Kara Anne Paper (stationary), Judy Gentile Gaither of Gentile’s Flower Basket (floral design), Pardinis’s Catering (food) and Jean-Charles Boisset (wine and champagne) and many more.
The couple’s choices proved discerning; from the elegant ceremony in one of Fresno’s most beautiful churches, First Presbyterian, to the reception that was truly decadent and took place on the gorgeous grounds of Brad’s family estate, the couple created something breathtaking.
All fairytales have a beginning, though, that forms the background of the story. Courtney and Brad’s story began in Fresno, where both the bride and groom were raised in well-respected families in the community, and knew one another socially.
The night they met was at one of North Fresno’s favorite restaurants, FIVE. Both Courtney and Brad were single at the time, and Courtney was out with some friends, when they were reacquainted.
“We knew we knew [one another] and when I saw Brad [that night], I knew I just needed to get to know him!” Courtney recalls. They didn’t stop wanting to see one another and began a sweet courtship. Soon the couple confessed their love to one another, and they began to talk about the possibility of marriage.
“Bradley proposed on August 9, 2015 on a family vacation to Aptos, California,” Courtney remembers fondly of the defining night in their love story. “It was a special moment surrounded by our families.”
“Courtney and Bradley are the perfect combination for each other,” said Catherine McDonnell, Courtney’s Maid of Honor. “They balance each other perfectly, bring harmony to each other’s lives, push each other in the right ways and make each other even better people (if that’s even possible). The way they love each other is admirable, refreshing and beautiful.”
When the wedding day finally arrived, it was a beautiful April morning. Many young girls imagine their wedding day like something out of a storybook, and part of that is “looking like a princess,” but when Courtney was ready for her wedding, she didn’t have to imagine. When Brad and Courtney shared their “first look,” the moment when he first caught a glimpse of his bride in her finery, with the wedding party, their closest and dearest friends, watching from a balcony above, the bride looked every bit a princess.
Courtney’s natural beauty and elegance was enhanced by a dress designed by Oscar De La Renta. Courtney saw the dress in the Spring 2016 runway show and fell immediately in love. “When I attended the trunk show for the Spring 2016 collection it was the first dress I tried on,” Courtney says, and it is no wonder since she is as style-savvy as she is charming.
Peeking out from under her gown was her “something blue:” Manolo Blahnik’s that she spotted shoe shopping with her Maid of Honor in New York. It was love at first sight for the bride, and the shoes made a striking statement while still evoking nostalgic “slippers” on the feet of a long-ago princess.
With her “something blue” ready for the wedding day, Courtney assembled the traditional “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” details with care.
“My ‘something old’ was my grandmother’s handkerchief that my mother-in-law embroidered with my monogram. My ‘something new’ was my diamond and pearl earrings, a gift from my parents. My ‘something borrowed’ was my mother’s diamond bracelet. My ‘something blue’ was my shoes!” Courtney says, and adds, “Both Brad and I had something blue for our wedding day! His was a signet ring that was given to him by me as a wedding present.”
We asked Courtney what stood out most on her wedding day, and her response reveals her and Brad’s connection and love for their family.
First she describes that “first look” she shared with Brad in his parents’ garden, while the wedding party celebrated on the balcony overhead. Next she remembers: “When they pronounced us husband and wife the church bells rang when we kissed, and as the Bach Children’s Choir sang ‘Going to The Chapel’ while we walked down the aisle.”
Lastly she recalled the fun tradition in Brad’s family that was continued by Brad’s cousins performing a choreographed dance to a medley of songs. The couple didn’t know what the songs would be, and were surprised when they performed. “They were fantastic!” raves Courtney.
Amidst the decadent swaths of white fabric, candle-lit tables dripping with lush floral arrangements, music and delicious food, the bride and groom made an intentional effort to greet and connect with each guest. So many details were artfully rendered to the couple’s specifications and executed so professionally, the couple says they were able to enjoy the people they love. Not only that, the couple ma
Contributor Asher Corey
Photographer Reverie VP
Location First Presbyterian Church and Smittcamp Family Estate Event Planners Susan Vang-Xiong and Kristan O’Neill
Date April 2, 2016
Total Guests 350
