Posts tagged southern california wedding
Museum of Latin American Art Wedding in Long Beach, California | LGBTQ+ Documentary Wedding Photography
 

Color everywhere. Joy everywhere. Love everywhere.

That is the only way to describe Alexis and Katherine’s wedding at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California. 🌈💛✨

Family and friends from all corners of the LGBTQ+ community came together with so much heart. Kids were running around, hugs were constant, and happy tears showed up in the most beautiful moments. Everyone who loves them most gathered in one place to celebrate two women who give so much love right back.

Their ceremony was unforgettable. Their drag queen officiant brought so much energy, heart, and personality. The vows were meaningful, the vocals were incredible, and the celebration continued on the dance floor with everyone joining in. It created a space that felt joyful, safe, and full of life.

The Museum of Latin American Art wedding venue in Long Beacho their day. Every corner felt vibrant and expressive, which made it the perfect setting for a celebration like this.

As an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer in Southern California, documenting days like this means capturing real connection and honest moments. This is what makes documentary wedding photography so powerful. It preserves the energy, the emotion, and the feeling of being there so these memories can be held onto for years to come.

 
Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photography - Heidi + Alex

Heidi is the coolest and only sister of Tessa (whose wedding Brett and I’ve photographed 3 years ago, but I had not blogged her wedding here - Sorry Tessa! I will eventually get to it!), and it was our absolute thrill to join Heidi and Alex for their small intimate wedding/gathering at Santa Barbara Courthouse. The courthouse’s COVID rule was still pretty “strict” so only 8 people could be near the judge and couple. Heidi was six month pregnant then (and I was 6 weeks pregnant; but my pregnancy ended at 12 weeks; it happens and it’s very common…) I’m happy that we were able to celebrate that “6” week/month pregnancy together though :) hehe. Anyway, Heidi’s baby girl is expecting in Sept.!!! Ahhhhh!!! Super excited!

They’re planning to have a bigger party/reception next year and Tessa is the most excited aunt in the world to dress the baby as the flower girl. I can’t wait either!!!

Bel Air Country Club Wedding Los Angeles Photoshoot - Sierra + Alan

One day, I got an email from Sierra, "We want a wedding photographer that won't do all the usual things (a million posed pictures or any for that matter or pictures of expensive shoes etc.). We would love to have you just capture everything as it actually happened so we can look back and laugh and remember what it was like, not how hot we are (b/c WE KNOW jk jk ;)" My heart literally started beating so fast because I was that excited. Because... you know, it's harder than you think - meeting like-minded people/friends in life. That's what I felt with Sierra and Alan from the start - from that email. Sierra was finishing up school in London when she met Alan, who is a talented film director, working with other fellow brilliant filmmakers such as Wes Anderson, and they were moving to LA, where Sierra grew up. (Oh, and it turns out, this amazing London-based documentary wedding photographer Lyndsey Goddard had already photographed their UK wedding and helped the couple find me for their California Bel Air Bay Club Wedding photoshoot. Yayyyy, thanks Lyndsey!)

Truly though, in all my experience as a wedding photographer in CA, Sierra and Alan are the two nicest and most genuine people I've ever met, and I admire how they enjoy life and appreciate the true meaning of being in the moment. It was probably my first event where a giant sign at the entrance to the wedding ceremony read, "There's a LOVELY LADY with an IMPRESSIVE camera out there SOMEWHERE. So tuck your camera and smartphone away and RELAX." It was pretty amazing to see how a group of 200 people already knew what was important in life - living in the present, because, you know.. even with that sign, there would be at least one single person who still pulls his/her mobile phone out. But no, not here. It was simply beautiful to feel and document the love their friends and family were pouring on them all day and all night; in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Palisades at The Bel Air Bay Club.

Contact Annie Bang today to learn more about her wedding photojournalism photography and videography services in Los Angeles!