Don’t you love when you meet someone and you just click? Maybe they also like funky-colored socks, or have an unhealthy obsession with blogs, or like putting ketchup on everything, or think Back to the Future was the best movie ever made. (I mean, reallllly think about it for a second, wasn’t it?) What’s extra exciting is when you meet them online first, only to find that they’re just as awesome, if not moreso, in person.

Susan and Mike hired me as a second photographer for their wedding reception last month and I loved corresponding with Susan, even if just through email. Susan had a wonderful enthusiasm and attitude that poured through her words and it was a delight to find she and Mike were just as sweet in person! The reception was held at the stunning San Gabriel Hilton and it was truly a feast for the senses, with splashes of fuschia and blue filling the reception hall. There was a great team of vendors on board: Peter of Icons Photography as the main photographer, Blue Sky Videos doing videography, and the fabulous Uyen of Sassy Girl Weddings, who worked so tirelessly to put on such an amazing event.

Thank you Susan & Mike for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful wedding! Wishing you all the best!

The tea ceremony:

First dance:

Could the decor be any more fabulous?

Loved this father-daughter dance moment:

And this mother-son one as well :)

Susan’s mom and Mike’s mom each sang a song at the reception. Both had spectacular voices that put my singing-in-the-car interludes to shame.

Annette and Ken wed last year, but decided to hold a reception last month to celebrate with their family and friends. And a wonderful reception it was, with decadent food and beautiful decor, but most of all a happy bustling energy that arose from a room filled with so many people who were there to celebrate their love. Joyful voices and cheerful smiles spanned the space from corner to corner – everyone there was just so excited for the two of them (including yours truly)!

Annette & Ken, thank you so much for giving me the honor of documenting this beautiful occasion. It was such a joy to share in the day with you – wishing you all the best!

During the dinner we snuck out for just a couple of shots!

Can’t forget to include a few images of the cuties – look at how happy the little one is with the bouquet!

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!