Posts tagged backyard wedding
Julia and Kyle’s Los Angeles Backyard Wedding | A Real-Life Love Story 20 Years in the Making
 

Julia and Kyle tied the knot at Kyle’s parents' home in Los Angeles, and it wasn’t just a wedding; it was a full-circle moment decades in the making.

 
 
 

They actually go way back. Like childhood neighbors who once went on a family vacation together at age 12 (which resulted in awkward yet iconic kid photos together). They lived around the corner from each other, and their moms always half-joked about them ending up together. Turns out, the moms knew what they were talking about.

After 20 years apart, Julia and Kyle reconnected and realized they both had secret crushes when they were kids. I mean... that’s fate, right?

Instead of a traditional proposal, they chose something that felt more like them. No staged surprises or grand gestures - just a mutual, quiet knowing that this was it. The right person, the right time, the right decision.

Their backyard wedding was full of heart and intention. No flashy distractions. Just two people surrounded by the people who’ve known and loved them for a long time. Real emotions, real laughter, and a goofball flower dog (okay, maybe not the last one - but you get the vibe).

From a documentary wedding photography lens, this day was a dream. There were no stiff poses or fake smiles—just real, unfolding moments. A sweet embrace in the kitchen. Side glances full of history. Quiet laughter in the middle of the chaos.

We’re beyond honored to have been a part of this one. Because when the story runs this deep, every photo feels like a page in the best book ever.

Want your wedding photos to feel honest and unscripted?
Let’s document your day the way it felt.

 
 
DYI Backyard Intimate Wedding, Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles - Sehwa and Spencer

Sehwa and I have known each other… probably… almost 12 years now. It was almost right after she came here from Korea to start her life and pursue her career, and I was just one of her clients, but we had so many similar things in common that our friendship kept growing. We shared our deepest secrets and beyond, and she has become one of my closest friends in LA. Sehwa and I basically enjoyed each other’s personal and business growth and have been the biggest cheerleaders. When she told me about her groom Spencer, first of all, there was nothing wrong with this guy! You know how it is - as a girlfriend, you sometimes want to look out for your friend, so you try to read any red flags, but there was none! He was just so perfect. Little did I know, after such a smooth relationship ride with Spencer, they’re getting married and I couldn’t be more thrilled to photograph their intimate, backyard wedding in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles, California.

Sehwa’s immediate family flew from Korea for the wedding, and Spencer’s mom - who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease - almost couldn’t make it to her only son’s wedding; there were so much of happy tears.

Sehwa was also 9-week pregnant, and I cried out of joy when she told me privately on her wedding day. Then, they surprised everyone with a little Thank-You cards of the baby’s ultrasound picture.

It was just about 30 people including me and Brett at the wedding, and it was everything Sehwa and Spencer wanted.

Los Angles Backyard Wedding - Altadena, Pasadena Wedding - Mary + Jonathan

“Jonathan and I met in 2018 when we were working at KPCC (a public radio station in LA). He was working on the daily arts and culture show called "The Frame," and I was working on the daily news/talk show "AirTalk." We eyed each other for awhile but it took months to actually have an excuse to talk to each other (I semi-made up a story about needing a reference for an entertainment industry guest lol). That seemed to open a door with him because then he started doing cute things like emailing me links to a museum that specializes in rocks that look like people. It catapulted to dating pretty quickly from there.

In terms of what we are like as a couple, we are pretty relaxed, enjoy cooking and hosting friends, and we love each other a lot. He spends his spare time playing music and I spend mine reading/writing. We take care of each other as best we can and are excited to seal the deal and spend the rest of our lives together,” Mary said.

There. It just says everything about them.
I was crying at their wedding ceremony with them, sniffing a lot to the point where almost everyone saw me - apparently, I couldn’t hide it behind my camera!
Their love is just so pure. We all should love like Mary and Jonathan love each other. It’s so beautiful.