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.

I believe I uttered an audible “wow” when I first stepped out onto the ceremony site at the Charthouse Restaurant in Dana Point. The sky was bright blue, the ocean a refreshing shade of aquamarine, and stunning crimson roses adorned the sides of a perfect assembly of white chairs. The location and the weather were both to die for! It was the start of a perfect day, that waltzed us through a heartfelt ceremony and a lively reception, all the way to the Ritz Carlton, where we finished up with some photos at the bar and on the balcony of their oceanview room! Heather and Rory were both so full of joy and happiness and it was an honor to share in their amazing day! It was great getting to shoot with the ever-furious Doug and Tang again too! :)











Loved all the classic details:







Excuse me bartender?





Wrapping it up with a few shots at the Ritz:

It was during her father’s toast that we learned about Beth’s special appearance in the OC Register when she was just 4 years old – featured for her best smile in all of Orange County. Which came as no surprise; on the day of her wedding, Beth was all smiles – the kind that can light up not just a room, but an entire reception hall – and radiated a pure joy that was absolutely contagious.

Beth & Eric got married at the gorgeous Summit House in Fullerton a couple weekends ago and it was an incredibly warm and heartfelt wedding. Beth and Eric were both so excited and just so straight-up happy – all the things everyone hopes to be on their wedding day. I felt so blessed to share the day with them and their awesome families. A big thank you to Dave for having me along!

While Dave met up with Beth & her bridesmaids, I hung out with the guys. We went out into the backyard to “get some air” (sorry, I just couldn’t resist being punny):

I also caught a glimpse of Beth’s stunning and timeless ring:

Meet the gorgeous Beth. See? All smiles! :)

Beth’s grandparents walk down the aisle as the ceremony begins. You can really see that the awesome cheerful demeanor runs in the family!

Loved the wine-influenced hues!! And I know I say that about every color palette, but seriously, I fall head over heels for the colors at every.single.wedding I go to!!

Portrait time in the most delicious light:

Loved this moment of Beth’s mom capturing the Father-Daughter dance:

Like all of the weddings I’ve attended with Dave, the guests sure knew how to break it DOWN! Everyone was up and about, including Beth’s mom and Beth’s 92-year-old grandfather! Too awesome!!