When I first accompanied Kristen on a visit to the house where the wedding would be held, it was still in the process of being built. There were mounds of dirt, and construction crews, loose frameworks of buildings – but I could tell even then, with the open lot & rich wooden beams & gorgeous views, that it would be one beautiful wedding location.

But seriously? I still wasn’t quite prepared for how amazingly it all came together in the end. The house belongs to their aunt and uncle, and as they put it, to have the wedding held there right upon it’s completion, and to have it filled corner to corner with the love that was present that day, was truly a special thing. The tangible beauty of the location and details was only surpassed by the emotions that ran deep throughout the day – Kristen & Tristan have a love that is so so inspiring, and it was mirrored in the smiles & words of every guest there that day.

I would also like to say, that this wedding and the photos you see below, are exactly why I recommend doing a first look. Logistics and timelines aside, these moments like the ones you see below alone are worth the decision. To be able to hold each other, and laugh through happy tears, and have a quiet moment just to savor the day together, is such an amazing thing.

{ Special thanks to Heather from LVL Events for introducing me to this wonderful couple, and planning & coordinating each and every bit of the day you see below! A second thank you to 24 Carrots for their coordination and delish eats! }

The guests, grouped at candlelit tables on a warm Californian fall night, grew quiet as the best man began his speech. The way he described their relationship summed it up perfectly: “when I asked Larry about Mary, he simply replied ‘I love her man, I just love her.‘ Now, we all say we love our wives, but no one says it like THAT!” The reception came to life with laughter, but you could see it in everyone’s eyes that they knew what he meant. The way Larry beamed with joy as Mary walked down the aisle, the way he made her laugh. I could tell from our very first meeting, digging into pastas and BBQ chicken pizzas at CPK, that they were absolutely perfect for each other.

The wedding was held in the backyard of their stunning Walnut home. I was so impressed with all of the details (organized by the fabulous Ada of Fresh Events Company!) that transformed their home into the most beautiful and intimate of venues. I loved that Mary and her bridesmaids were able to get ready upstairs and then waltz downstairs for the ceremony – none of the stress of running between different sites! At night their backyard was transformed into a beautiful reception site, with a cozy bar and floating candles across the pool. Mary’s vision for her wedding perfectly matched her own admirable qualities – elegant, friendly, and warm.

Mary & Larry – thank you so much for choosing me to document your special day! Scott and I had such a great time at your wedding and wish you all the best in the years to come!! :)

Starting off with some details…

Something about lace dresses gets me everytime – love it!

Mary was absolutely radiant!

The ceremony begins… Larry’s smile just kept getting bigger and bigger as Mary walked down the aisle!

Catching the last of the light with a few portraits:

Love the rays Scott grabbed in this one!

And then it was time to morph the place into reception-mode!

Could this BE any cuter?? (*insert Chandler voice here*)

Mary and Larry rocked the rhumba for their first dance:

Their cake was from Ms. Ruby’s Bakery, renowned for their scrumptious red velvet. When we first met up to discuss their wedding plans, they so kindly gave me a piece, and it was honestly to DIE for!