So many factors go into building the perfect wedding, though I believe that it really all boils down to one thing – the people. Of course, at the very center the bride and groom, but also the loved ones with their toasts, the laughter across tables, the dozens of happy bodies filling up the dance floor… this is what breathes the life into the day and makes it perfect.

Although a picture-perfect venue, serving as the backdrop for all your memories with all those wonderful people, cannot hurt either, and a picture-perfect venue is precisely what the Mission Inn is. Part historic landmark, part hotel, part crazy crazy maze, it is an amalgamation of architectural styles, unique buildings, and ultimate portrait backdrops. Kay & Brenn’s reception was held in the stunning Spanish Art Gallery and after dark, we got to take a few more night portraits around the grounds. Even then, after hours and hours of talking/dancing/laughing/mingling/getting-married, they were as sweet and enthusiastic and in love as ever. It was a beautiful day!

You all know of my weakness for bougainvillea…

Jasmin & Huy booked me for their July wedding through email, and though we hadn’t met at the time, I had an inkling that they would be amazing to work with. My Jasmin-and-Huy-must-be-awesome theory was supported by the fact that:

(a) they live in Portland, one of my favorite hip/lovely/artsy cities,
(b) they were getting married at the historic Greystone Mansion, &
(c) we were hooked up by planner extraordinaire Uyen of Sassy Girl Weddings.

When we finally did meet over coffee on one of their visits to LA, I was so excited to see my theory proven wildly true – they were all kinds of warm, laidback & fun and their wedding plans, which they shared with me excitedly, sounded phenomenal.

And how perfect it all was! The day was intimate and filled to the brim with love – shared between Jasmin & Huy, and between all the guests there celebrating… an intermingling, blending of families, hugs-all-around type of love. The wedding had a simple vintage French theme that fit in perfectly with the venue, with bright summery accents of color. Love that the bridesmaids all wore different dresses & shoes.. added so much brightness to every photo! And while we’re on the topic of dresses, is Jasmin’s not the most wonderful whimsical beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped completely to the floor when I waltzed in that morning and saw it hanging all flowy & ethereal-like by the window.

But on with the photos – enjoy this peek into their day!

I generally take an inordinate number of shoe shots, but I may have gone especially overboard in this case… so dreamy!

I always love first looks, and this one was one of the most sweet & tender ones I’ve witnessed…

I love this moment.. before Jasmin had been handed her bouquet we snapped just a few and on cue, they all held hands. So sweet!

After wedding party portraits, Jasmin waited in the shade for the ceremony to begin & I couldn’t resist snapping a few (bajillion) shots… love the pastel tones in these!

A quick hairstyle change {complete with the perfect pink rose} before the reception…

And the details! Lush & elegant arrangements, gold vases, a dainty cake topper…

Jasmin & Huy’s perfectly choreographed first dance was amazing! They spun & trotted all the way around the fountain…

And if that wasn’t enough, Huy’s nephew followed it up with a fantastic rendition of Train’s “Hey Soul Sister”. He knew ALL THE WORDS!

Mai & John were married last month in beautiful Dana Point. For most weddings, we do portraits at the venue, but we were lucky enough to squeeze some time into the schedule to visit one of my favorite rustic backdrops in the OC! Mai & John (and their super fun bridal party) were so laidback and wonderful and we loved photographing their intimate wedding!

It was an extra fun weekend, since we were working two back-to-back weddings with the superwoman Uyen of Sassy Girl Weddings. We all soaked in Mai & John’s amazing day and then woke up the next morning to hang out all over again! :)

I love the moment right after the bride & groom recess and exit, when the wedding party & the guests are all still inside… such a sweet intimate moment:

Love the whimsical details & the subtle bird theme…