Big Bear Forest Wedding at the Inn At Fawnskin from Ashley Durham Studios

"Matt and Amanda’s wedding has been one that Randy and I have looked forward to for so long. From the very first Skype date oh-so-many months ago, I knew that Matt and Amanda were just the perfect match for us. Both so committed to each other and to God, they spent the last few months preparing for their wedding all the way from Ohio. They decided to get married in Big Bear, Amanda’s hometown, and they pretty much did everything from afar with the help of their family. Amanda’s mom, Donna, and their family friend Dena just did the most marvelous job planning every little detail; Dena homemade the cake and cupcakes (which were lemon flavored – my absolute FAVORITE flavor for wedding cake!) and it all just looked so yummy (I was SO bummed that I forgot to try some out!). And the catering buffet? Absolutely delicious!!There were so many little things that we just loved about Matt and Amanda’s special day. I think my personal favorite little detail actually happened right before the ceremony; while Matt was still getting ready, Amanda’s best friend/maid of honor Hayley delivered handwritten letters written to her “future husband,” which Amanda had started writing when she was only 11 years old. She’d told Matt about them when they first started dating, but waited until their wedding day to show them to him. I think that’s so cool!Their day started out pretty early, with an early afternoon ceremony. When Amanda’s dad, Steve, came out the bridal suite with Amanda on his arm – I could actually just feel the love in the air. Matt had tears in his eyes, and as Amanda walked toward her husband-to-be, she couldn’t stop smiling at her dad. As Steve said later on during his speech at the reception, he didn’t lose a daughter – he gained a son … and you could just see the joy and happiness in his eyes as he gave his daughter to Matt.Pastor Fred Snider of Grace Harbor Ministries was the perfect choice to officiate Matt and Amanda’s wedding day – he has been part of many of the Fisch family’s most important moments and was actually Amanda’s childhood pastor. He spoke of God’s love and the value of marriage, and concluded the ceremony with communion. It was one of those ceremonies where I actually stood and truly let the words the Pastor was speaking wash over me; you know it’s a great wedding when you feel like the Pastor is not only speaking to the bride and groom – but to all of the married folks in attendance. I only wish we lived closer, I would LOVE to attend a sermon from Pastor Fred!My other favorite DIY detail was their homemade photo booth. They simply set up a table with all kinds of fun props, in front of a pretty lush backdrop of evergreens, and their guests just loved it! Everyone was taking selfies and posting pictures on social media, and it was so easy to do! All of their guests just had the best time with it, and had showed their skills on the dance floor until sunset!" 


Vendors: Photographer: Ashley Durham Studios // Dress Store: David's Bridal // Event Venue: Inn at Fawnskin // Hair Stylist: Kelly Ohlson at Village Hairsmith // DJ: Leo Mongelli // Groomsman Attire: Men's Wearhouse // Officiant:Pastor Fred Snider