I’m sitting here working on pictures from last night’s wedding, sipping green tea and munching on a slice of pound cake, thinking really, life doesn’t get much better than this, when I come across the email Mary sent me earlier this week. I just wanted to post this because it honestly is such a meaningful reminder of why I am SO blessed to do what I do:

I finished viewing all the photos …. and I have to say WOW!!! I have never liked so many shots that I have taken! If Larry likes these shots as much as I do, we will be ordering a LOT of these shots. They are WONDERFUL!!! Before I get too carried away, complimenting your work, please thank your boyfriend as well. THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU! I’ve never been happier with pictures that I have taken.

A bit of a backstory: when I first met with Mary, she explained how she was often self-conscious in photos and wasn’t always happy with the way they turned out (which is so hard to believe because she’s GORGEOUS!) so to hear that she liked the photos really meant so much to me. Why are my clients so awesome??

And just for good measure, here’s a semi-terrifying shot of Scott from last night’s wedding, when we were testing out our flashes:

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!