Wedding Coordination: Courtney Lollis Petruzelli of Bellagio Design Group
Bridal makeup: Mariah Nicole
Ceremony Venue: Wayfarer Chapel, Palos Verdes, CA
Transportation: Classy Chassis Rentals
Reception Venue: Double Tree, San Pedro, CA
Invitations: Papeterie
Wedding Favors: C Salt Gourmet in Long Beach, CA
Dress Designer: 2be Bridal by Gavin Michaels
Bridal Accessories: The Wedding Pantry
Bridal Shop: The Dresser in Fullerton, CA
Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic suit, Burberry tie, Burberry cuff links
Guest sign in: paper hearts from Paper Source, vintage suitcase
Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden (gold shoes), GAP (blue shoes)
Musician: Paul Lemire
Dessert: Sprinkles Cupcakes
Heart Banner: Etsy
Floral: Los Angeles Flower District

Yay!! Real Wedding from the Wayfarer Chapel in Palos Verdes, has been published in the Spring/Summer 2011 magazine.

• Wedding Coordination: Courtney Lollis Petruzelli of Bellagio Design Group
• Bridal makeup: Mariah Nicole
• Ceremony Venue: Wayfarer Chapel, Palos Verdes, CA
• Transportation: Classy Chassis Rentals
• Reception Venue: Double Tree, San Pedro, CA
• Invitations: Papeterie
• Wedding Favors: C Salt Gourmet in Long Beach, CA
• Dress Designer: 2be Bridal by Gavin Michaels
• Bridal Shop: The Dresser in Fullerton, CA
• Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic suit, Burberry tie, Burberry cuff links
• Guest sign in: paper hearts from Paper Source, vintage suitcase
• Bridal Accessories: white feathered purse, and Tessa Kim headpiece, The Wedding Pantry
• Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden (gold shoes), GAP (blue shoes)
• Musician: Paul Lemire
• Dessert: Sprinkles Cupcakes
• Heart Banner: Etsy
• Floral: Los Angeles Flower District

I love this wedding, this couple, this magical adventure in the heavy rain.

This couple won my wedding photography services through a contest on So You’re EnGAYed.
To see more from this wedding check back to their blog.
Thank you so much ladies for letting me be a part of your beautiful day.

As photographers we “click”… with our clients. We have to connect to them in some way, well, really in every way. If I am there to capture the most lovely and emotional day of their lives, you bet that I am going to make sure the day is perfect for them. With this wedding, the couple and I are friends. Dear friends.

The bride and I breezed through bridal magazines and lattes together searching for ideas, folding pages, and taking notes on how we envision the day. We searched blogs, DIY resources, and websites. I felt like a wedding planner/bridesmaid/photographer, even more than usual. From time to time, her day would change, first a backyard wedding, or city hall, then Marina del Rey, or maybe Cabo. I can relate. Perhaps I can relate too much to wanting the perfect wedding, and wanting to incorporate all my ideas into ONE day… When it comes down to it, we are celebrating our friends and families coming together. We have a party to symbolize all the joy we are going to have from now until the future… When you think of it like that, sometimes the little details are less important. Perhaps it switches the momentum of the day to be more about the couple, the families, the guests, and less about the decorative party favors, and candelabra.

Getting ready upstairs in her sister’s house lend to some advantages… No traffic or travel time, and everyone can come up and help you get ready…

I used my infrared camera for some of the ceremony and romantic shots. I thought the foliage looked so dreamy and lovely.

During the vows I try to move to get both sides of the couple to show the expressions when they are receiving the vows. I think it shows so much into the emotion of the day.

The ring exchange

Ready for the hotness. This couple brings it… Although both of them aren’t outgoing, or really comfortable in front of the camera… You would of never guessed it… Woot.

Since we were in a residential neighborhood, we walked around the Paseos in Valenica, and there were folks out and about walking their dogs, or taking a stroll. I bet they never expected to see a newlywed couple  kissing and as hot as this…

More dreamy and romantic photos… then we had to get back to the reception.

Sometimes the first dance is a big show, and other times it is just a private moment between the couple. I get to see both sides… I was really happy to see them enjoy their moment together.

The flowers and centerpieces were all down by the groom’s sisters and mom. I think she did a fantastic job and I might go shopping with her sometime to the downtown floral district if this the flowers she gets there.

Cake cake cake

The toasts were super sweet and emotional. I love it when I am not the only one crying… Then off to cut the cake.

What a wonderful way to end the wedding day… with cake and a kisses :)

On the Gold Coast in Chicago there is a nostalgic venue called Germania Place.

From their website: “Germania Place is one of the truly special ballrooms in Chicago. Set in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast – just North of Division near Clark Street – this National Registry Historic Building, designed in 1888 by the architectural firm Addison & Fielder, it endures as one of Chicago’s most famous and important landmark buildings.”

Just wait till you see inside the Saint James Cathedral on Rush Street in Chicago…

I couldn’t leave without sharing a few more beautiful moments from the day… If you want to see more, check out Fantasy Frostings blog after they get back from their honeymoon. Or cruise over to Broke Ass Bride blog for more.

After the ceremony Dawn Thomas performed a lovely little tune, She’s No Lady, by Lyle Lovett, dedicated from Earl to Leslie.

Dawn Thomas is a songwriter with a soulful edge. She put together a personalized set list for the happy couple, and played a soulful acoustic version of Patty Griffith “When it Don’t Come Easy”….

Cute little personalized sign created by Katy Carrier

My dear friends, Leslie Anderson and Alex Rembac (owner of Sterling Engagements)
It seems in this photo we are making a wedding choo choo.

Thank you again Earl and Leslie, for having your friendship be such a gift.

I was more than honored to provide the photography as a gift to the happy couple.

Weddings can be planned from long distance, for a Thursday in July…and on a boat in Newport Beach.

I loved the brides’ dress, a high collared, sleeveless with a string of buttons down the back. Her veil was her “something borrowed” and her smile was luminous.

Just a sneak peek, more to come next week.