Now why can’t I be as pretty and organized as Brenda and charming and easy-going as Joel :)? These two love birds tied the knot this past Sunday at Rancho Capistrano. The weather was beautiful, the bridal party (especially all the lovely bridesmaids!) was a joy to work with, and Brenda and Joel performed the most unique and amazing first dance I’ve ever seen, one that is certainly YouTube-worthy.

She’s the small-town girl from Minnesota. He’s the So Cal city guy who loves to Skate. Together, they make a perfect team. Brenda and Joel are definitely one of my favorite couples; one big reason being they gave me nearly two whopping hours for portraits (a new record!). Not only did Brenda and Joel agreed to see each other before the ceremony (major brownie points from me), but they had all of their bridesmaids and groomsmen ready for photos at the scheduled time. We even had another 20 minutes or so for photos after the ceremony. Another thing I loved about Brenda and Joel is they each wrote their own vows. They were funny, emotional, and truly from the deepest parts of their heart and soul.

On a related note, I absolutely loved this line from one of the dad’s speech: if you’re going to lie, lie together. If you’re going to cheat, cheat death. If you’re going to drink, then drink with me (or something to that nature). Now that is classic! Thank you a million to Brenda, Joel, their family, and friends for making me and my second shooter Miguel feel welcomed at your wedding. We truly had an amazing time experiencing the love you all have for each other.

A special thanks goes to all the bridesmaids that helped me throughout the whole day. You lovely ladies, one of which I’ll be working with this coming Sunday ;), made my job so much easier. Also thanks to DJ Danny and Barb for coordinating with me on all the ceremonial and reception activities. I love it when all the vendors work together to provide awesome services to the couple!

Ceremony and reception location: Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Wedding coordinator: Barb

Make-up artist: Beauty by Solana

Hair stylist: Salon Revelation

MC/DJ: DJs Plus

Florist: Jenny

Videographer: Joel’s skateboard friend? Lol help me out here guys…

A trash the dress session? Maybe. A day-after shoot? Not quite. A wedding? Nope. Although Elizabeth and Dat officially had an e-session this past Sunday, it was actually much, much more. Their shoot took place at two gorgeous locations in Southern California: Crystal Cove and Downtown Long Beach. This shoot was all Liz and Dat. They took the meaning of “going all out” to a whole new level for an e-session. I can’t commend and thank these two enough for giving me one of the most amazing shoots ever. It was the first time I had a couple get completely drenched at the beach and also shoot at night…while wearing their attire for a wedding day. Some of you might be thinking that is bad luck, but technically, the dress and suit that Elizabeth and Dat wore respectively are NOT the ones they’ll be wearing when they tie the knot in December :). Clever kids aren’t they?

I absolutely love how Liz and Dat went that extra mile, which only motivated me to go that extra distance with them. Not only did I have an amazing couple to work with, but I had the best light around the entire afternoon and evening. Almost all the shots were taken with natural light, even the ones around Downtown LB. I’d like to thank Liz and Dat again for being such a fun (and daring!) couple to work with. You guys have inspired and helped me find a new/refreshing look into an e-session. Can’t wait for your wedding in December, it’ll be Christmas come early for me!