Oh wow, this couple, this day, and this wedding are one of my favorites to date. Not only because I know the couple (…and pretty much everyone that attended their wedding!!), but also because their day had such a timeless beauty to it. It was fantastic.
Marlee, Austin and I all traveled to Yosemite for their engagement and it was SUCH a fun time hanging out with them and exploring such an amazing park. When they told me they were getting married at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, I FREAKED! I’ve been to Pelican Hill previously for brunch and cocktails with my family, and I have previously attended a wedding there when I was in High School, and it is just the embodiment of class and spectacle. Such a beautiful place to get married!
On the big day, I was so excited. After multiple times walking the venue with Marlee leading up to their big day, I knew exactly what she wanted and what she envisioned – and we were totally on the same page. And it was amazing.
It was so cool to see everything she envisioned come to life in such a beautiful way! The reception was beautiful, the timing was great, and Marlee could not wait to marry the love of her life.
At the altar, Austin started crying as his bride walked down the aisle. Like the realization that the rest of his future was right here, starting right now, with the love of his life. It was emotional for me as well – having gotten to know these two better and be at such a special ceremony with them. It was amazing and so rewarding to be a part of.
As we continued into our Romantics, the sun turned golden on the Newport Coast, and it was just stunning. Golden hour is my JAM so getting to shoot these beautiful people in such beautiful lighting was such a treat for me as a photographer – and the photos turned out stunning.
The rest of the day unfolded flawlessly, and I had just a blast working with them and dancing with everyone I know on the dance floor! Weddings are a lot of fun when you know people on the guest list too. I went home sore from dancing – and that’s when you know.
-Dani