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!

I left my very first meeting with Liz mentally crossing all my fingers (and toes) that we could work together. She was so super sweet, so excited about her big day, and planning the most beautiful & intimate wedding {see the proof in the pudding below}. At our meeting, she spoke adoringly about Adam & their relationship and when I met him at their engagement session I saw that her words rang true – they are honestly SO perfect for each other and so in love!

They were married last month at the stunning La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes. I love shooting in PV – the views are spectacular and it always feels a bit like home (probably due to all the Saturday mornings we’d drive up there from Torrance for ice skating lessons.. 7 years baby!) The La Venta Inn is probably one of the most beautiful on the hill with amazing architecture, gorgeous grounds, and the loveliest bride’s room – I most definitely have a soft spot for pale pink walls! They matched perfectly with the blush color palette that was expressed in all the elegant details of the wedding, including what were some of prettiest & most stylish bridesmaid dresses I’ve seen {from J.crew!}.

A big thank you to Tim at La Venta, one of the best on-site coordinators we’ve ever worked with! And of course to Liz & Adam… thank you for choosing us to document your beautiful July wedding & for just being you – I’m still in a bit of a tizzy that we get to work with such kind & amazing people!

The photo below was taken in Liz & Adam’s home – I was slightly obsessed with their pastel vintage piano which turned out to be a Valentine’s gift from Adam. Can we say best V-day gift ever?

On the way to meet Adam for their first look…

Partybooths provided lots of photobooth fun and was a hit among the guests!