Posts tagged wedding photographer
Eli and Cory’s Los Angeles Backyard Wedding | Documentary Wedding Photography Magic
 

Eli and Cory got married in the most heartfelt way - a cozy backyard wedding at Cory’s childhood home in Los Angeles.

They met in 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic. Eli messaged Cory on OkCupid, and their first “date” was in Minecraft (yes, really!). For their second date, they walked and talked so much that Cory actually injured his foot and ended up in a boot for months. I mean… if that’s not a meet-cute for the ages, I don’t know what is.

Cory is a video game designer, and Eli is a comic artist and illustrator - and together, they’re endlessly creative. One of my favorite details? Cory proposed in their Minecraft world, building a scavenger hunt, musical number, and even a replica of the first home they built together in the game. I’m still swooning.

Their Los Angeles backyard wedding was filled with all the good stuff: family, friends, laughter, and a whole lot of color and personality. And from a photojournalistic perspective, this day was magic - no stiff posing, just real, unscripted love. Cory’s sister Monique catered the whole thing (she owns three restaurants!), and Eli’s family flew in from Miami to celebrate.

We’re beyond honored to have captured such a joyful, meaningful celebration - right where Cory grew up, surrounded by all the people who shaped their story.

 
 
What to Do After You Just Got Engaged
 

First of all - congratulations! You just got engaged, and this is one of the most exciting moments of your life. But after the initial wave of emotions settles, you might be wondering… what now? Here’s a guide to help you soak it all in and take the next steps.

 
 
 
 

1.  Take It All In

Before diving into wedding planning, pause. Breathe. Look at your partner and let it sink in. This moment is yours - celebrate it in whatever way feels right. Pop some champagne, have a quiet dinner, or just spend time together reminiscing about your journey.


2. Share the News (Your Way)

Not everyone wants to do the classic ring selfie, and that’s okay. Decide how you want to share your engagement - whether it’s a private call to loved ones, a heartfelt Instagram post, or a full-blown engagement party. Just remember: tell your inner circle before posting online.

 
 

3. Get Your Ring Insured

Not the most romantic step, but absolutely necessary. Look into jewelry insurance or add it to your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Better safe than sorry.


4. Start Talking About Your Vision

Before jumping into bookings, have a conversation with your partner about what kind of wedding you both want. Intimate backyard wedding? Grand ballroom affair? Destination elopement? Align your vision before family opinions start rolling in.

 
 

5. Set a Budget

Money talk isn’t fun, but it’s crucial. Sit down together and decide on a realistic budget. In the U.S., the average wedding costs around $30,000, but that number varies widely depending on location and guest count. Prioritize what matters most - whether it’s photography, food, or the perfect venue.


6. Choose a Rough Date

You don’t need to set a specific day right away, but having a general timeframe (spring 2026? Next fall?) helps guide your planning. If you have your heart set on a popular venue, vendor or season, booking early is key.

 
 

7. Research Marriage License Requirements

Every U.S. state has different laws about marriage licenses, waiting periods, and required documents. Check your state’s requirements early so you don’t run into surprises down the road.


8. Plan an Engagement Session

An engagement session isn’t just about getting great photos - it's about celebrating your love story at this moment. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get some professional photos done together, capturing this stage of your life, and also to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Pick a location that means something to you, whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, the city where you met, or an epic landscape that matches your vibe.

 
 

9. Build Your Vendor Dream Team

Photographers, videographers, planners, florists - the best ones book fast, sometimes over a year in advance. If you have must-have vendors, reach out early to secure your date.


10. Enjoy This Season

Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but don’t let it consume you. Make time for date nights, spontaneous trips, and just being engaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime season - soak it in.

 
 

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t rush into planning. Give yourself time to enjoy yourself before making big decisions.

  • Don’t feel pressured. Family and friends will have opinions, but this is YOUR wedding.

  • Don’t compare. Social media can make you feel like your wedding has to be extravagant - focus on what’s meaningful to you.

Planning a wedding is a journey, and photography is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your love story deserves to be told in a way that’s real, raw, and authentically you. Let’s capture this season of your life - reach out to book your engagement session or inquiry about your wedding date today!


Ready to Capture Your Engagement Story?

We believe your love story deserves to be told in the most authentic way possible. Let’s ditch the awkward poses and create something real, raw, and uniquely you.

 
 

📖 Want more wedding planning tips? Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography! Download Here

 
Elopement Wedding at a Riverside Courthouse - Sarah and Bobby
 

Here is a little glimpse (behind the scenes) of how I'd photograph an elopement of a couple at a courthouse. We spent 1 hour together. And my partner Brett filmed and edited this video.

Sarah started talking about how her mom Monica had to endure the toughest time of her life - when her mother died and then, Sarah "died 4 times" and didn't know she would be able to walk again.

Sarah and Bobby eloped with Sarah’s mom, aunt and granpa, and got married at a Riverside Courthouse, vowing to be with each other forever and ever. I was so fortunate to witness their love.

Some love stories are straight out of a fairytale - others are written with grit, strength, and a radiant smile that defies all odds. Sarah has been battling a rare disease which doctors are still trying to understand, and yet, she radiates more joy than most will in a lifetime.

With the biggest smile and the purest heart, Sarah and Bobby reminded me that love isn't just about finding the right person - it's also about embracing every single moment, no matter how unpredictable the journey.