Olivia Amundsen and Matthew Castrejana met during their senior year at the University of Oklahoma, when Olivia was a server at Blackbird Gastropub. She waited on his table and, after they began to flirt with each other, Matt left his number on the check with a note to call him. Initially, things were lighthearted and playful; but Matt and Olivia quickly realized their relationship was developing into something more.
A year into their relationship, Matt knew Olivia was the one for him. Olivia’s 26th birthday was coming up, and the couple both wanted to celebrate her special day with a wine country trip to Napa Valley. One of their first stops was at Etude Wines in Los Carneros. After some wine tasting – and a bit of liquid courage – Matt asked Olivia to take a walk with him through the vineyard. Olivia turned to pluck a grape from a vine and, when she turned back around, Matt was down on one knee with an opened ring box, asking her to be his wife.
A THEME OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND IN OLD-WORLD PARIS
The newly engaged couple and their families knew they were in for a long wedding planning process, so they gave themselves roughly 18 months to plan. Olivia’s mother, Amy, played a major role, ensuring every detail would be perfect.
When the wedding day arrived, the bride enjoyed a peaceful morning of getting ready with her bridesmaids, mom, and close family in the bridal suite of the Oklahoma Golf and Country Club. One of her favorite moments was when one of the flower girls – her cousin’s daughter, Savannah – helped the bridesmaids hold the train to her dress. Savannah wasn’t asked to do so, making it even sweeter.
The groom was calm and collected until the ceremony trumpets sounded and the doors opened for Olivia’s grand entrance. A traditional Roman Catholic ceremony was held at Christ the King Catholic Church, where Olivia and most of her family members had attended church and school for generations. Halfway down the aisle, both the bride and groom began to cry from the emotion of it all.
For the décor, Olivia and her mom pieced together a theme of “Alice in Wonderland in old-world Paris.” The reception entrance displayed two massive trees decorated in mixed florals, giving the room an enchanted forest vibe, and the couple’s favorite element was an oversized balloon sculpture hanging in the ballroom, overlooking a white acrylic dance floor.
With the newlyweds both being lovers of food and wine, guests were treated to an incredible menu of comfort food including Sam’s Famous Fried Chicken, southern-style spicy shrimp and grits, Kobe beef tenderloin sliders, fried green beans, Caesar salad, homemade biscuits and honey, and truffle fries. In lieu of a traditional groom’s cake, Matt opted for freshly iced homemade donuts; and at the end of the evening, artisanal tacos were passed around to hungry guests.
The newlyweds capped off their wedding experience with a European honeymoon to Barcelona, Rome, and Florence. Their most memorable moments were experiencing the culture and food of Barcelona and learning how to slow down and genuinely enjoy the meal and company around them.
WEDDING TALENT
Photography: Sarah Libby Photography, Oklahoma City, OK
