Rehearsal Dinner

The Kodama Sanctuary

Wedding Day

Dinner

Ceremony

Celebration

We are coming together at The Kodama Sanctuary which sits on land that has been lovingly stewarded by the Black Family, a place created for connection, reflection, and shared presence. Our wedding is rooted in gratitude for the earth beneath us, the fire that warms us, and the community that surrounds us. The evening will unfold slowly and intentionally. We will begin by sharing a meal together at golden hour, then walk as a group into the ceremony space as daylight softens into night. Rather than a traditional format, this ceremony is designed as a collective experience. Family and loved ones will offer blessings, prayers, songs, and reflections, spoken from the heart, in the moment. There will be periods of quiet, moments of expression, and an open invitation to witness one another fully. We ask guests to arrive present and unhurried, and to set aside phones during the ceremony so we may all be fully with one another. After vows are exchanged, the evening will naturally transition into celebration - with music, movement, and joy - continuing around the fire under the night sky. Thank you for meeting us in this spirit of intention, reverence, and love. We are deeply honored to share this sacred moment with you.

Our Wedding

It all began on a cold January day in Capo Beach...

Derek and Dean playing in the sand, Emily unaware that her life was about to change… all because she decided to take an ocean dip.

No one knows for sure how it happened. Some say Derek may have strategically deployed Dean to charm a beautiful woman on the beach. Others believe Dean was simply drawn to Emily’s warmth and kindness. Whether by chance or by Derek’s quiet master plan, conversation began... easy, natural, and unforced.

They talked as the winter sun sank into the horizon, the ocean glowing gold. There was a calm between them, the kind that settles in your chest when something feels familiar in the best way. As darkness fell, Emily stayed true to her word and headed into the ocean. Legend has it that Derek leaned over to Dean and said, “Now that’s the kind of woman we need to hang with.”

At the heart of their union is a shared belief that love is both cosmic and chosen, a sacred dance between destiny and daily devotion. They honor growth, ritual, and gratitude, knowing that true partnership is something you tend to, like a flame or a garden.

On July 11th, 2026, beneath the veil of dusk, they will step into marriage. Celebrating not just a union, but a remembering. A promise made in this lifetime… and the next.

Thank you for being part of our circle of love. We are so grateful to celebrate this moment with you.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

🤍 Ceremony Whites & Earth Tones 🤍

This day is both a celebration and a ceremony. We invite you to dress with intention—choosing pieces that feel meaningful, comfortable, and aligned with the natural beauty of the setting.

Yes, we are inviting you to wear white to a wedding.For the ceremony, we ask all guests to wear white, tan, or earthy neutral tones to create a serene, unified, and elevated atmosphere that honors the land and the moment. Think soft whites, creams, sand, stone, taupe, and warm earth-inspired hues.

Flowy silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and soft layers are encouraged. We will be sitting on the ground during the ceremony, so please choose comfortable clothing that allows you to relax, move freely, and be fully present. The ceremony will take place outdoors with uneven terrain, so please wear comfortable footwear. July in Nevada City typically brings warm, sunny days (often in the mid-to-upper 80s°F) and cooler evenings that can dip into the upper 50s–60s once the sun sets. During the day, feel free to dress light and breathable — flowy dresses, linen pants, and even shorts are welcome (Uncle Ben, we see you 😄). As evening settles in, we recommend bringing a layer like a sweater, shawl, or light jacket so you stay comfortable into the night.

Thank you for helping us co-create a beautiful, harmonious space. We are so grateful to share this sacred moment with you.

Dress Code

Q + A

We’re so grateful you’re making the journey to be with us. Nevada City is a special place for our family, and we hope your time here feels both restorative and connected.

✈️ Getting Here

The closest major airports are:Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – about 1.5 hours awayReno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – about 1.75–2 hours away We recommend renting a car from either airport, as Nevada City is best explored by driving.

🚗 Getting Around

There is parking available on the land near the venue. From the parking area, guests will have a short but dirt road walk to dinner and then to the ceremony space. For those who prefer not to drive, we are exploring the option of a bus or shuttle from town. More details to come closer to the date.

🏡 Where to Stay

Nevada City and the surrounding area offer a variety of lodging options:- Cozy Airbnbs and cabins (please check distance as sometimes they look close on the map, but might have you on winding roads further away)- Boutique inns and small hotels- Nearby Grass Valley also has additional accommodations- Our favorites: The National Hotel, The 1856 Speakeasy Suites, The Holbrooke Hotel Because guests are coming from different areas and many prefer to stay in Airbnbs, we have not reserved a formal room block. We recommend booking early as summer weekends fill quickly.

🌲 A Note on the Setting

Our wedding will be held outdoors on family land in beautiful Nevada City, CA. July weather is typically warm and dry during the day, but evenings can cool off significantly once the sun goes down. We recommend bringing layers (sweater, shawl, light jacket) and comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain so you can relax and enjoy the entire celebration.

Travel

Nevada City is a place of rivers, forests, and slow wandering. If you’re arriving early or staying a bit longer, we invite you to explore the land that has shaped so much of our lives.

🌊 The Yuba River

Late May is the beginning of river season, and the South Yuba is known for its crystal-clear emerald pools, smooth granite boulders, and quiet stretches perfect for swimming, sunning, or simply being near the water. Some favorite access points:Hoyt’s Crossing or South Yuba Bridge (off Highway 49) — popular, beautiful, and easy to accessPurdon Crossing — a more tucked-away option if you’re looking for something quieter

☕ Nevada City Town

If you have time, wander through historic downtown Nevada City for coffee, local shops, and a sense of the town’s old-world charm. It’s a small place, best enjoyed without a plan.

Things to Do

Crystals for the Ceremony

Instead of traditional gifts, we invite you to bring a crystal to add to the ceremonial altar. These crystals will surround the fire during the ceremony and hold the collective intentions, prayers, and blessings of our community. Please choose something meaningful to you — it can be large or small, polished or raw. After the ceremony, the crystals will remain with us as a living reminder of the love that gathered around us.

Honoring the Land

This ceremony is taking place on land lovingly stewarded by Roman, Felicia, &amp; Ryder (Emily's Brother, Sister-in-law, &amp; Nephew) — a sacred and intentional space created for gathering, healing, and community. If you feel inspired to contribute, we welcome optional donations toward the ongoing care and nurturing of this land. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated and will go directly toward supporting the space that is holding us all. There is absolutely no expectation — this is simply an opportunity to give back to a place that has given so much to us and our family.