Greg and Maite worked hard to keep their guest list short, so I felt privileged that I was able to experience their wedding as their photographer. (It’s not much of a secret that I think the photographer enjoys the wedding more than anybody else, with the possible exception of the bride and groom!) I love getting to be part of all the moments, big and small, that make the day special, and immortalizing them for others to enjoy.  Greg and Maite have been together for longer than anyone I’ve ever known, so there were a lot of those kinds of moments… check them out.

Their first time seeing each other…

We were planning on doing photos at the Observatory, but had been misled about the requirements for getting a permit.  So they kicked us out.  We finally found another park, and though the light was fading fast, we grabbed every last glimmer of it.

Laughter…

Tears of joy…

Everyone had so much fun dancing!!!

Greg and Maite, I’m so glad I got to know you!  You’re both so kind and cool (even while we were getting kicked out of Griffith Park!), and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of your wedding.  All the best to both of you!

View all of Greg & Maite’s photos here .

As Jaxon and Esmeralda told me the story of their relationship, I smiled.  They were asking me to photograph their wedding, so I knew that the story was going to end with them falling in love; but it sure didn’t look that way from the way the story started.  Esme flatly refused Jaxon more than once… but he gently and respectfully pursued her until she was ready to open up her heart.  I left with a respect for both of them, and great anticipation for their wedding (but not quite as much anticipation as they both had!)

Jaxon.  He’s the man.

Esmeralda tried to tell me she’s shy, but I don’t believe it.

The ringbearer was all too eager to give Jaxon the rings.

I love this.

This shows what kind of guy Jaxon is: willing to lend his back for his best friend to write on.  In this case, he’s signing Jaxon’s marriage license.

I love the glasses on the girl in the front right.  🙂

Another favorite!

Esme loves water.

Jaxon and Esme hosted the reception at their home.  They brought in a taco truck to cater the food… soo good.

Esme came up with the idea of making the heart in the bushes

Their first dance… to Alicia Keys!  I LOVED how the reception brought Jaxon’s African-American heritage together with Esmerelda’s hispanic background!  They came up with a great mix of music, and everyone, regardless of their background, got into the celebration.

My flash didn’t fire on this shot of Esme and her dad, and I love how the bare bulb above them gave this shot soo much mood.

Jaxon sneaking in a peek at his new ring.

Jaxon and Esmeralda, thank you so very much for giving me the privilege of shooting your wedding day.  I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to know you, and I’m thrilled for your new life together.  I really do have a lot of respect for both of you, and look forward to seeing how your marriage grows as you both follow the Lord together.

See all of Jaxon & Esme’s photos here.

Whenever possible, I try to meet the bride and groom before their wedding.  I love to hear the story of how they met (both versions), watch for expressions of their love for each other, and let them know what I’m all about.  Since Chris and Emilie live in San Diego, it wasn’t practical for us to meet up ahead of time, and as I drove down that morning, I wondered if it would make our interactions a little less comfortable.

It definitely didn’t.

Chris and I had briefly overlapped at college, and I knew him to be a cool, soft-spoken guy with a great taste in music. I’d never met Emilie, but after spending the day with them, I doubt you would have known that.  Emilie took the time to explain their whole relationship history to me, and at the end of the day, I felt like was leaving a friends’ wedding instead.

Here’s my visual tribute.

A reverse on the usual trend…

Thanks to Heroes for the inspiration for this groomsmen comp…

Seriously, girls.  This is the best “Charlies Angels” pose ever.

They had a custom aisle runner made… “S” for Southward!

Possibly my favorite bouquet toss photo ever.

Congrats, Chris and Emilie!  Thanks so much for inviting me down to SD to be your photographer.  I had a great time being a part of your day.  The rest of the photos will be online here soon!