needed to show off this amazing location and so my expectations were so high. I put a lot of pressure on myself when it comes to shooting weddings but I’m happy to say that in most cases, that pressure always ends up being a good thing!! The pressure for this wedding was that I wanted it to look and feel like California! I mean, what’s the fun in shooting a destination wedding on the pacific coast if it looks the same as all of my other weddings? This one needed to be a little extra awesome!

Well I’m happy to announce that this wedding was BEYOND awesome. It was absolutely beautiful from beginning to end. I have been excited to work with Brian and Kristen ever since their engagement session in Washington DC last year! They are such a fun, genuine couple. They’re the type of people that everyone just enjoys being around…. and that couldn’t have been more obvious at their reception. The GORGEOUS ballroom at Hotel Casa Del Mar was overflowing with friends and family from all over the country. Brian and Kristen live in Washington DC but Kristen grew up in southern California and so friends came from every direction. The tables were covered in long stemmed lilies and floating candles.  The band was amazing and the shimmering sequenced tablecloths made everything extra magical.   As the night started to come to an end, Rebekah (my second shooter for the weekend and past bride!) looked at me and said “Californians sure do know how to party!”…. and I couldn’t agree more! Brian and Kristen’s guests danced the night away!! Young and old, they filled the dance floor the entire time! The whole day was an beautiful celebration and I’m so honored that I could be a part of it.

Brian and Kristen, THANK YOU for allowing me to celebrate alongside of you and capture your day! And thank you for bringing this southern Virginia gal to LA!!! Wow! I’m now a huge fan of California weddings!! You guys don’t mess around!! I hope Turks and Caico’s is amazing (how could it not be?!) and I’m so excited for you to relive your wedding day through my images when you return!! Congratulations to the Mr. & Mrs.!!!!

STUNNING! Bridesmaid’s first look at the bride! Love this.
Nice work guys! They were one of the most cooperative group of groomsmen I’ve ever worked with! So thankful… there were a lot of them! First Look overlooking the valley! So beautiful! Thanks Rebekah for this beautiful shot!! Love it! I’d say he likes the dress:) lovvvve! They’re such a photogenic couple… we took these in a matter of 10 minutes!
Fierce!! Girl you rock the model face!

 Then their beautiful get away car was just sitting in the parking lot… so of course we took advantage of it! New favorite… like ALL time favorite. I love this. ha! Beautiful colors!! Married!!! Ohh California I love you! I could get used to this….
Hotel Casa Del Mar! Beautiful venue! WOW. How beautiful is this?!
Late night “snacks”!

Reception | Hotel Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica, California

Ceremony | Bel Air Presbyterian

Dress | Designer: Rosa Clara , Place of Purchase: White Dress Shop 

Floral and Event Design | Ed Libby Events 

Wedding Planner | Alicia Townsend, Details Details

Hair & Makeup | Lips and Locks

Entertainment | West Coast Music

Videographer | Julie Hill , Elysium Productions

Cake |  Vanilla Bakeshop

Catering | Shutters on the Beach

Bridesmaids | Amsale from Hitched Salon (Washington DC)

Groomsmen | Vera Wang Tuxes

Invitations | Rock Paper Scissors Design

Favors | Cookies: Charger Helmet, St. Louis Cardinals, Northwestern Wildcats

Honeymoon | Turks & Caicos

** A HUGE HUGE Thank you to Rebekah Hoyt for helping me and second shooting alongside of me! I couldn’t have done it without her!! **