Posts tagged documentary photographer
Point Dume Beach Wedding in Malibu: From Elopement Dreams to a Handwritten “I Do”
 
 

Ariana always dreamed of eloping. Something quiet, easy, just the two of them. But Ben convinced her to go for a real wedding - something still small and intimate, but shared with family and close friends. And now? She jokes that he owes her… big time. 😅

Their Point Dume Beach Wedding in Malibu turned out to be everything they didn’t know they needed - peaceful, beautiful, and completely true to who they are.

Ariana and Ben have been together for 14 years (WOOT!). They met as college coworkers at a coffee shop, and over the years, they’ve grown up together, rescued and fostered dogs, rebuilt a home, and built a life full of love, laughter, and shared purpose.

As a documentary wedding photographer, I can tell you - this day was special. The kind of wedding that isn’t just pretty but meaningful.

Every guest received a handwritten note from the couple, including me! (And I still have mine pinned in my office.) It’s little things like that that make a wedding unforgettable.

The whole day felt so “them.” They chose Point Dume Beach Wedding in Malibu for its natural beauty and calm atmosphere - perfect for a Southern California intimate wedding. Their sweet rescue dog was nearby, and the love from their people filled every moment.

It wasn’t the elopement Ariana imagined years ago… it was better. Because it was real. Simple. Honest. Full of the kind of love that’s grown over years and shows up in all the little things.

So here’s to Ariana and Ben - and to more quiet mornings, long walks with rescue pups, handwritten notes, and 14 more years (times a million) of love. ❤️

Thinking of having a wedding that feels like you?
We’ll document your story just the way it unfolds - authentic, emotional, and full of heart.

 
Alta Vista Country Club - Katherine and Jose’s Love Story | Real Life, Real Love, Real Nerdy and Cute
 
 

Okay, okay, okay… can we talk about how adorable Katherine and Jose are for a second?! 😭

These two met in school while studying aerospace (yes, the actual rocket science kind!) at Cal Poly Pomona back in 2019. And now, years later, they’re planning a future together with their 12-year-old daughter and a whole lot of love and laughter in the mix.

They're both mellow souls who love art, nerdy things, and weekend adventures. They make you feel instantly cozy in their presence. Katherine is all sweetness and brains (with the BEST goofy sense of humor), and Jose is the type of guy who’s strong, gentle, and goes all in when it comes to supporting the people he loves. I mean… swoon. 💛

Their wedding at Alta Vista Country Club was nothing short of magical. As a documentary wedding photographer, I live for days like this - real, emotional, and full of meaning. This Southern California wedding was the perfect blend of relaxed and romantic.

The venue was beautiful, but what made it unforgettable were the small, quiet moments: the hand squeezes, the soft looks, and the laughs during vows. Their love felt steady and deep - like a warm hug wrapped in sunlight.

From El Monte and Venice, CA, to now building a home together, their journey is rooted in family, deep connection, and total trust. Their daughter was such a sweet part of the day, and you could just feel how much love surrounded them as they said, “I do.”

This wedding wasn’t just about the pretty details (though yes, the details were gorgeous). It was about them - their story, their bond, and their joy. The kind of love that grows stronger over time and doesn’t need to shout to be felt.

If you're looking for a real couple love story, this one is it. And if you're dreaming of a wedding that feels true to who you are, I’d love to help tell your story in a way that feels natural and honest.

Want your story told in a way that feels real, not forced?
Let’s make it happen. I’ll bring the camera. You bring the love. 💛

 
 
Durango Colorado Wedding, The Black Diamond Lodge Wedding - Crystal and Hunter
 

Crystal and Hunter’s wedding was our LAST wedding that was postponed and rescheduled from the COVID pandemic. I believe their date has changed at least 4 times, and a couple of location changes as well. Crystal and Hunter are very spiritual, so of course they wanted something simple and unique and gathered their beloved ones to celebrate their “overdue” wedding. Oh, and Brett and Crystal have known each other for many years when Crystal was a musician back in the days. I believe Brett photographed Crystal when she was in California.

Their wedding at The Black Diamond Lodge in Durango, Colorado offered a stunning backdrop, celebrating the couple’s love amidst the mountains. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, we took a short car ride into lush aspen and pine trees. It definitely provides a picturesque setting that was ideal for their celebrations.

Their day was “perfectly” coordinated by Amber from Perfect Day Co., and the lodge offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with rustic decor that complements the stunning scenery outside. As the sun sets, the lodge transforms into a cozy retreat, where everyone can celebrate into the evening. They created a truly memorable experience, including a candy piñata for children, a kid’s room, pizzas, fires pits, and sparklers send-off to end the night.