Hello friends! Thanks for stopping by and checking out this BEAUTIFUL southern California wedding I photographed. It was a magical trip in so many ways! I traveled from coast-to-coast to tell Michelle and Chris’s story and this Florida girl was ecstatic to be back on the west coast!
The lovely bride and groom, Michelle and Chris, had a stunning and incredible day at The Villa San Juan Capistrano. The Villa has a beautiful courtyard where the ceremony took place under the vast sky and ended with dancing and drinks under the twinkling stars.
Michelle was absolutely breathtaking (seriously wait until you scroll below and see for yourself) and Chris had a smile that lit up the room…especially when he saw Michelle. Which brings me to their first look! Michelle and Chris both read cards from one another just before the big reveal. The moment was so sweet. I’m so grateful I was the one who got to not only document it, but also witness such an intimate moment shared between two souls.
Their day was filled with so many BEAUTIFUL + FUN portraits! We used smokebombs, popped champagne, and so much more! Between the portraits, ceremony, toasts, dances, and the reception, I left with a happy heart (and super eager to get home and edit these images)!
I was lucky enough to work along so many wonderful vendors to create such a perfect day for these two (they’re all listed below)!
Michelle and Chris, thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of your MAGICAL day! It was an amazing experience photographing your wedding and meeting the both of you!
Now ladies and gents, heres a few words from the magical bride herself…
“Believe it or not, I never imagined my wedding. In fact, Chris and I were really close to eloping! Now a few months after what was easily the most heartwarming and special day of our lives, I am beyond thankful that we changed our minds. From the moment I woke up on 5.18.19 I felt a sense of calm. Normally an anxious person, my head was completely quiet (which rarely happens). It probably sounds cheesy but I knew that I was surrounded by our closest family and friends, that we were in the hands of the most talented vendors that felt like family, and most importantly that I was about to marry my favorite, wild-haired, big-hearted, best friend, at the most intimate villa. I don’t think anything ever made so much sense to me and I fully trusted that feeling… still do. And even though we were lucky enough to have the flowers, location, colors, food, beverage, and details all come together seamlessly, it was truly Chris just being Chris and seeing all of our loved ones so happy that made it so beautiful and memorable. We got married with unexpected bells ringing during the ceremony, we had shots of tequila, delicious food, and we danced under the stars until the bottom of my once white dress was basically black. There were even a few refreshing drops of rain at the end of the night. I hope that everyone can feel that loved, hopeful, and grateful in their lifetime. I wish I could have bottled every moment and all of the warm, loving, feelings in my heart. The closest I can get is through the photos. Autumn found the magic in every detail, she captured us authentically, she brought the ambiance to life, and she shined a light on the love that our guests surrounded us with. She froze our perfect day in time. These photos tell the story of us. What more could we ask for? Xo, Michelle”
I’m so excited for you to FINALLY view their wedding and see their story for yourself! xx
Vendors || Wedding Deisgner- The White Box | Coordinator Rachel Salas- Joy N Co Events | Floral- The Moody Blooms | Venue + Caterer- The Villa San Juan Capistrano | Bakery- Black Box Bakery | DJ/ Musician- Dj Keith Divel | Make-up Artist- Beauty + The Beach | Videographer- Olivia Jane Artistry | Dress- Made With Love Bridal | Stationary- August + White Designs | Signage- Sydney Beth Designs | Rentals- Signature Party Rentals + Archive Rentals | Table Runners- La Tavola Linen | Ring Box- Esselle SF | Hangover Kits- Age Quencher | Grooms Attire- Express ||
minimal aesthetic templates
