In front of their closest family and friends, Rose and Vincent renewed their wedding vows, 65 years after their first exchange of vows. Their children and grandchildren were there to see it. Some friends and family who were there on their wedding day were there for the renewal. There was hardly a dry in the house as they recited their wedding vows again, 65 years later. It was a beautiful reminder that the promises couples make to each other on their wedding day create something bigger than themselves. I hope to witness this reaffirmation of commitment for other couples in the future.

And I hope Chris and I are lucky enough to have 65+ years together. Actually, I hope that for everyone. Here’s to a lifetime of love for all.

I was honored to get to document this day for them, and was thrilled when I got this awesome couple alone to myself for portraits at the Arboretum, before the ceremony that was held at Marcella’s mom’s house. It was a beautiful Autumn day and we actually found some trees with golden leaves fit for the season! Here are just a few of my favorites from their day, hope you enjoy them.

Congratulations, Marcella and David!

Sharon and Nick, thank you for trusting me with your wedding day. It was such a pleasure to be a part of all of the fun and emotional moments you two had together.

Sharon got ready at her parent’s house, which is full of awesome pop-culture references – hundreds of McDonald’s Happy Meal toys and cool posters. I just love this shot of Sharon checking out her make-up with Audrey Hepburn looking on in the background.

Sharon and Nick chose to do a First Look, which allowed us ample time for photos before the ceremony. This one was extra special because they took the opportunity to read personal vows to each other, which made it sort of like a pre-ceremony ceremony. It was seriously beautiful and unbelievably special.

Sharon and her coordinator, Eva from Red Velvet Occasions, spent an entire day making these awesome buttons, which were placed at each table setting. They incorporated such a fun personalized element into the wedding. I took home four with me and have them proudly displayed in my office since I am totally Team S&N!

I loved their cake, and the cake topper, made by a friend of the couple, is just perfect. It’s their Wii avatars! So cute.

Nick planned a little surprise for Sharon, and it was so sweet and adorable I could barely stand it. He sang “I Want to Grow Old With You” from the movie The Wedding Singer. He stood up there and sang it right to her, as if no one else was in the room. Love!

Congratulations, Sharon and Nick!

Vendors:
Coordinator: Red Velvet Occasions // Videography: Shade Tree Films // Flowers: Flower Mart // Hair and Make-up: Susie Chhour Hair | Makeup Studio // Bride’s Dress: Allure Bridals // Groom’s Suit: J. Crew // First Look Venue: Los Angeles Arboretum // Church: St. Thomas More Parish // Reception Catering: Golden Soup Restaurant

The LA Times wrote a small vignette on Justine and Steve and told their story better than I ever could. It ran in the paper yesterday and I know Justine was SO.EXCITED. about being featured, so go over and take a peek! Congratulations, Justine and Steve! You two are simply wonderful and I couldn’t be more honored to have been a part of your day!

Justine’s gorgeous dress is from Mary Me Bridal. Fit her like a glove.

Justine is a makeup artist and I caught her doing one of her bridesmaid’s makeup. You don’t see the bride doing someone else’s makeup every day. Loved it!

While Justine was getting ready, Steve was on the other side of the hotel getting his hair just so. Apparently Steve and his hair are “a thing.” I was asked by more than one person how long it took him to do his hair.  The answer? It took a while, but Rome wasn’t built in day, right Steve!?

My favorite part about Steve getting ready is the awesome faces he made while concentrating. James Dean, anyone?

The ceremony took place at the adorable Fleur De Lis Chapel in Upland. I was facing Steve when Justine first entered the room and I knew the precise moment she entered without turning around because he became emotional instantly. It was really sweet and I definitely cried from behind my camera.

Having your wedding reception at Planes of Fame means you spend the evening in an airplane hangar surrounded by vintage airplanes. Not a bad way to celebrate, I’d say! Florals were provided by In Flower.

Justine and Steve planned several surprises for their guests. One of my favorites was their grand entrance. Rolling up to their reception in a 40s-era plane? Yeah, that happened.

Shout out to the other vendors that made the day special: Day-of Coordinator: Be Dazzle My Events // Catering: Spaggi’s Restaurant // Cake: Cinderella Cakes // Officiant: Rev. Tom Mosley // Photobooth: Photobooth for Parties

Their wedding was a simple and elegant affair and it was such an honor to witness the celebration. Their friends and family were so happy for them and it was clear that the couple is madly in love. That’s the stuff memorable weddings are made of. Sherry and Aaron, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day. I know your life together is going to be wonderful and full of so much love!

The other vendors:
DJ: Raul of Elegant Event Entertainment
Caterer: Red’s Barbecue
Cake: Westlake Village Viktor Benes Bakery
Second Shooter: Jenny Smith

Sherry wasn’t interested in having photos of her getting ready, but the room she got dressed in was so beautiful, it would have been a shame not to photograph it.

I asked Sherry if she wanted to get a head start on Aaron and warm up to the camera first with some portraits and she decided that was a good idea. She looked absolutely stunning, don’t you agree?

During the ceremony, I was so moved by the way these two stared into each other’s eyes. Their love for each other is very obvious.

Married!

This photo cracks me up. These kids were mesmerized by the disassembling of the cake. They stood there like that the entire time. Hilarious!

Sherry and Aaron got the dance party started and their friends and family quickly followed suit. It was so fun to watch them all cut a rug, and they were all dancing away even when it was time for me to go home. Such a great party!

Congratulations, Sherry and Aaron!

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