Zachary and Elizabeth Johnson

Newlyweds Zachary and Elizabeth Johnson, of Woodbridge, California, both grew up in the Lodi area, yet somehow they never crossed paths until 2019. After texting for several weeks, Liz agreed to go on a date with Zach, at which point things “just fell into place,” he said. They laugh now about that evening, at how Liz insisted it take place the day after Valentine’s Day to avoid seeming cliche and at Zach’s insistence on going out for sushi being “every first date nightmare.” Yet, to this day, it’s become their favorite go-to for date night.

Dating rapidly changed for the couple in spring 2020. For Zach and Liz, life during this unique time accelerated milestone events such as meeting one another’s families and allowed them to spend a lot of time forming a strong relationship with one another and with their respective families. “Zach’s kind heart, strong family values and adoration for his nephew (now our nephews and niece) are a few of the qualities that made me know very early on that he was the one,” Liz shared.

She recalled, “Our engagement was everything I could have ever asked for.” The couple frequently visit Zach’s family ranch, which he manages in Garberville. To her it was another casual trip up the coast. Little did she know he was in a hurry to arrive before sunset so that he could pop the question. “We had just settled at the perch overlooking the vast redwood trees and poured a glass of wine,” she explained. As Liz began to assemble a charcuterie board, Zach dropped to one knee and proposed. “I simply remember jumping up into his arms and saying, ‘oh my gosh’ repeatedly before eventually saying ‘YES!’ The perch will forever be a special place for us to visit, especially because of that day.”

A lover of details, Liz began planning their wedding. She took great care to ensure the day would be interspersed with details that honored those closest to them as well as thoughtful references to their favorite things. She was very clear in her intention to create “an amazing celebration of the joining of our two exceptionally large and fun families” while also making sure that she and Zach kept their focus on one another.

“Sharing a first look allowed us to exchange our vows privately. This was such an intimate moment between just the two of us and truly the highlight of the day. Getting to share our most special memories, feelings and promises to each other before the ceremony brought a sense of comfort to both of us. From laughter to tears and everything in between, this beautiful moment set the tone for our wedding day,” she elaborated.

Keeping with the classic tradition in which the bride wears something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, Liz explained, “Each item was carefully curated to exemplify the importance of family and our remarkably close relationship.” From her dad’s monogrammed handkerchief to her new diamond pendant from Zach paired with the diamond earrings borrowed from her mom, and her late grandmother’s blue rosary beads, Liz’s accessories were filled with sentiment and meaning.
As the day unfolded, many clever surprises appeared for all to enjoy. In a nod to the groom’s love of golf, putting greens and a mini bar were featured during cocktail hour. Later that evening the father of the bride was surprised with an ice cream cart featuring his own famous Geno Scoop. Finally, they wrapped up the evening with a live band that kept the dance floor full for the remainder of the night.

“It was a dream come true for both of us” Liz beamed. “To see everyone having so much fun together in celebration of our marriage was such a blast. We feel so incredibly blessed and will forever remember our wedding as the most stunning, heartfelt, spectacular day.” Zach shared that sentiment and recalled that their wedding day was most likely “one of the only days in our lives when all of our family and friends would be in the same room together to celebrate us. It was the biggest blessing to be surrounded by so much love and support,” he affirmed.