Posts tagged wedding photojournalist association
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.

 
 
Walnut Grove Wedding - Candice + Warren

Oh.... Candice and Warren... <3

Their wedding day started with Dodgers and ended with In-N-Out burgers. Ladies, forget the cute bathrobes or Kimonos when you put on make-ups and do hairs on your wedding day; here goes a customized Dodgers T-shirt (with your name in the back) for everyone and after your wedding, who doesn't want to walk in In-N-Out in your wedding dress? It was the cutest moment I've witnessed. And since then, it's become my ritual to eat In-N-Out burgers (or at least McDonald's lettuce wrapped BigMac) after photographing a wedding 10-12 hours nonstop. It's the best.

I love how Warren makes Candice laugh and how she makes him a little more emotional. Candice is the most chill and fun friend/bride you can ask for, and Warren is someone who would watch your back and make sure you're well. And oh boy, can they DRINK!? Every time we hung out, we drank and talked about food; and engagement session and wedding were no exception. (No wonder we get along so well!) In fact, that's how Candice and Warren first met - they were "drinking buddies" in a marathon team with their mutual friends. I don't know anyone else who drinks as much as they do but then stays active and fit (they do serious stuff too - marathon is no joke and mountain hiking is just another one). They constantly inspire me to enjoy and live your life and I'm so happy to share some of my favorite images from their wedding. The couple got ready at Westlake Village Inn while the ceremony and party were at Walnut Grove.

Sweet Close Knit Wedding in Arcadia - Erin + Mike

When I first met Erin, I couldn't wait to meet Mike, and the entire family - both sides. This backyard wedding in Arcadia was by far one of the most love-filled weddings I've ever been to and photographed, and it was my absolute pleasure witnessing what two-families-become-one truly feels like; both fathers officiated and married their daughter and son; and two religions - Catholicism and Judaism - came completely together. This was also probably my very first time to look at an older (than me) couple in person and thought, 'I really love what they have (their love) and I want to be just like them when I grow up.' I had NEVER I seen both parents at their age SO IN LOVE that it actually gave me hopes that a true/everlasting love exists. It was filled with so much love, laughters and happiness, and every single family member and friends cheered for their joyful occasion. That's somehow/surprisingly rare to find these days.

Please enjoy some of my favorite images; Michael Bezman was there with me to document this summer day last year.