I sometimes feel there is an extra special dynamic between couples who have been doing long distance during the span of their relationship. When they’re together, and perhaps especially on their wedding day, you can almost feel them treasure every single moment, you can see the excitement of being reunited, you can sense the appreciation and enjoyment of having their favorite person by their side. To witness it is a reminder for all of us – that to be able to hold the hand of the one you love, to see the way their face breaks into a smile, or find the way your head fits perfectly on their shoulder, are beautiful things never to be taken for granted.

For much of their relationship Harnnull had been in Seattle while Kristy was in LA, and I couldn’t be happier for them to both be together now here! They are seriously some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and their wedding day was brimming with the sort of joy and gratitude I described – I caught them more than a few times expressing “I love you” to each other when few others could hear :)

To top it off, it all came together at one of my favorite city venues, Cafe Pinot, and we had a complete dream team of vendors – Sassy Girl Weddings coordinating everything perfectly, and Bunch Studio creating all the lovely blooms. And not to be forgotten – Coolhaus providing dessert! :)

I love this tradition! I’ve seen a few different unity or sand ceremonies at weddings, but this has to be one of my favorites. Kristy and Harnnull each wrote each other letters and sealed them up in this box along with a bottle of wine, to share with each other come their one year anniversary :)

The internet is a crazy thing isn’t it? It creates these connections with people you may have never otherwise met, and in this industry, this often means couples {just like Jackie & James for example} who happen to live 3000 miles away, but somehow find you nonetheless. And it’s exciting, because when you finally meet, maybe for tea lattes at Coffee Bean? you find that they’re really just like you, and everything is a perfect fit, and it’s as if you’ve known each other all along :)

Jackie & James’s wedding was held at one of my most favorite urban venues, Cafe Pinot, a quiet green oasis in the midst of downtown LA, flanked by skyscrapers on all sides (which resulted in reflections galore and the.most.amazing light!) Jackie was exactly how a bride should be on her wedding day – a perfect blend of smiles, laughs, excitement, joy. There were a few moments – while she was getting ready, while walking over to the venue – where she would have a moment of realization, and whisper “oh my goodness, I’m getting MARRIED today..”, her eyes welling up with tears of joy.

It was a perfect day :)

The photo below is perhaps one of my favorite images ever. Jackie wanted to do a private first look, so her bridemaids & mom stayed behind as she walked over towards James… the moment she spotted him in the distance, she started tearing up and paused for a moment, as her bridesmaids & mom encouraged and comforted her to go on… it was such a beautiful moment…

A shot of the guys courtesy of my awesome second shooter for the day Ayumi Pantell!

Sometimes, I think my clients just might be superheroes. Take Sarah & Brad for instance – in the span of 2 months, they finished up law school on the east coast, graduated, flew back to LA, studied for and took the bar, and got married. It was a beautiful Jewish ceremony at what is now one of my most favorite venues ever – Cafe Pinot in downtown LA. I am a true LA girl down to my very core, and I fell immediately in love with the little tree-laden park, nestled in the middle of the cafe and the Los Angeles Central Library. Something about the contrast of the calm, green courtyard against the tall skyscrapers that surround it makes it the perfect city venue. And at night, it becomes a spectacle of city lights and such a fresh and classy spot for an outdoor reception!

We also had the honor of photographing the rehearsal (+ a mini engagement session) the night before and it was great so great to getting to know Sarah & Brad at such an exciting time in their lives. Thank you so much for giving us the honor of documenting your wedding!

After a sweet First Look in the lobby of the Biltmore, we headed to Cafe Pinot for portraits…

I LOVE the blue tones Sarah chose for the wedding! It was such a unique choice and was applied so beautifully!

Everyone gathered for the signing of the marriage contract:

More blue tones were incorporated into the petite varied arrangements at the reception – they were so creative and perfect for the long tables!