As a photographer, I’m always trying to pay attention to when I do my best work, so that I can try to do it more often.  Austin & Heather’s wedding reminded me of what some of those essential things are.  Basically, I love to photograph things that make me happy.  This wedding was full of them.  I shot all of these photos in someone’s back yard, in a pretty ordinary church in Tehachapi, and at Heather’s parent’s house (which was really cool). But what makes them so cool is that everyone was overflowing with genuine joy, and it made for a beautiful wedding.  I couldn’t help to get good photos… in fact, I had a really hard time narrowing down my favorites for this blog.

Enjoy!

Heather’s dad passing off the bride…I didn’t see this one coming!

He’s a groomsman, not a ring bearer.  Don’t get them confused.  🙂

Their grandma made the cakes herself!

Rachel was Heather’s inspiration for wearing red shoes on her wedding day. She was really excited to show them to her afterwards!

Austin & Heather, thanks so much for letting me be a part of your wedding.  It was so fun to spend the day with you and your friends and family as you commited your futures to each other.  Thanks for organizing a wedding that was delightful to be at, as well as to photograph. Blessings!

View all of Austin & Heather’s photos here.

It’s quite natural to get these weddings mixed up.

The week after Roger and Jennie’s wedding, Jon and Miranda got married.  One reason for the potential confusion is that many people think Roger and Jon look alike.  And then there’s the fact that Jon was a groomsmen in Roger’s wedding, and Roger was in Jon’s.  After all, they have both been very involved in each other’s Bible studies, lives, and ministries over the years.  Plus they’re both awesome couples!  So just to keep it straight, let me tell you a few unique things about Jon and Miranda’s wedding.

1. Heat.  It was really hot… Southern California’s August special.
2. Laughter.  Jon & Miranda’s wedding was filled with it… as you’ll see below.
3. Chinese Food.  While both had Chinese elements, Jon & Miranda wanted their reception to have the feeling of a huge family gathering, so we took over an entire Chinese restaurant.  Yum!

Check it out!

Jon & Miranda played a great game at their reception. They would have the MC read the name of one of the couples on their guest list, who would proceed to stand and kiss…

…Jon and Miranda would carefully watch their technique…

…and try to mimic it the best they could. It was quite a show!

And, in traditional Chinese fashion, they toasted everyone, too… including me!  🙂

Jon & Miranda, it’s been awesome watching your relationship grow. I’m so encouraged by your love for God, and one another. Thanks for letting me be a part of your wedding, and everything that it involved! It was a blast!

View all of Jon & Miranda’s photos here.

I love those things that make every relationship unique!

Roger lived in Albania. Jennie called Ohio her home. But she met him on a mission trip, and thus began their romance of thousands of flier miles.

Their wedding was no less outstanding… the ceremony had the stately Ritz Carlton as the background on one side, and the rolling hills, cliffs, and ocean of Half Moon Bay on the other. It felt like a dream. But enough of me describing it… see for yourself!

Jennie’s Family!

Relaxing before the ceremony…

It may have been formal, but that doesn’t mean everyone was buttoned-down…

Roger and his parents…

A trumpet fanfare to announce the entrance of the bride!  Wow!

I loved the decorations…

These guys were great!

The couple picked creme soda for the toasts…

I’d never seen lion dancers perform indoors before… these guys were amazing!  I’ve been to some of the finest lion parks in Africa, and these guys had adopted their mannerisms in the most realistic way.  A few times, I had to remind myself that they were just people, because my heart was racing being so close to them!

The Ritz’s trademark intermezzo… complete with individual, glowing ice sculptures filled with champagne sorbet.

And, following tradition, Roger & Jennie toasted each of their guests’ tables.

Roger and Jennie, I’m so glad God brought you together, in such a remarkable way!  I know Albania has gained much from your partnership.  I can’t wait to see which country I get to meet you in next!  God bless!

You can order prints here, or simply view the whole gallery here.