I don’t even know where to begin other than by saying WOW!
This California wedding was filled with a breathtaking and heartfelt ceremony on Sunset Cliffs…. a reception at the couple’s Escondido home filled with endless creative and personal details…. and a Bride and Groom madly in love.
I happily flew from Virginia to California to capture Lauren and Alex’s big day!
And, it wasn’t until the day before the wedding that I actually got to meet this lovely couple, but after countless emails and chats beforehand, I felt like I had known them forever. I am so honored to have been a part of such an beautiful day and am SO happy for these two! Seeing the bond between them, as well as their family and friends, was incredible and proved immediately that they are no doubt the perfect match!
Lauren and Alex’s wedding date – September 20th – was significantly chosen in remembrance of Lauren’s grandparents who were married the same day and enjoyed sixty years of married together!
Below are just a handful of my favorite shots, but you can browse even more here!
BRIDE’S ATTIRE: wedding dress and veil were originally her mother’s from 1979 (completely re-altered), Seychelles gold metallic peep toe shoes, silver pendant capsule necklace enclosed with bride’s fathers ashes in remembrance of him looking over them smiling on this special day, and lace aqua accent medallion garter from The Bridal Garter Shop on Etsy.
BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Free People lace aqua dresses, hand-crafted necklaces by the bride, gold Kelsey wedge sandals by Adrianna Papell
All of the incredible flowers and crowns were designed and made by the Bride.
All of the beautiful paper details were also designed and hand-crafted by the Bride!
I just love the story behind their rings….
Alex helped design the engagement ring he gave Lauren – complete with an infinity engraving inside and 9’s that wrap around symbolizing their 9-year anniversary when he proposed.
Her wedding band is yellow gold mimicking the 9’s engraved in engagement ring.
His wedding band is brushed yellow gold with inside engraving “Forever a Team in the Adventure’s of Life.”
Lauren had seen the painted hangers I offer in my Limefish Etsy Shop, and I was thrilled to created these for their big day!
Lauren, you are stunning!
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Suit and shirt from Men’s Warehouse, bow tie from Etsy, socks from Nordstroms.
GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: White shirts and grey slacks from Mens Warehouse, aqua
checkered bow tie from the Tie Fetish shop on Etsy, grey suspenders, wing tip shoes, and fun socks from Nordstroms.
This one is priceless and definitely one of my favorites!
This beautiful ceremony trellis was built from scratch by groom and his dad. It will later be displayed at the couples’ home afterwards for memories!
The musicians, Jimmy and Enrique, were AMAZING!
They performed beautifully during the ceremony and kept the guests moving during the reception!
At one point I remember asking them if they could pretty please perform every wedding I photograph!
At one point I remember asking them if they could pretty please perform every wedding I photograph!
I just love capturing candid guest moments!
It was such a sight to see this incredible flock of birds pass overhead just as the wedding party made their way down the aisle!
Lauren’s brother Patrick walked her down the aisle in memory of their father whom they lost in 2001. Patrick shared a special bond with both his sister and (now) brother-in-law. Over the years Patrick has looked up to Alex and even followed a similar career path. When the time came for Alex to propose, he was sure to ask Lauren’s brother Patrick for permission first!
And, just look at the smile on Alex’s face as he sees his gorgeous Bride walking towards him!
Lauren and Alex were thrilled to be married by one of their closest friends (and former roommates) who became an ordained minister for the sole purpose of marrying them.
“He is the most genuine, big hearted guy!”
I loved that Lauren and Alex chose the unique twist of alternating their bridesmaids and groomsmen for the ceremony! In my opinion it’s much more visually-pleasing, and I only wish I’d thought of it for my own wedding 🙂
“Throughout the past decade, our friends have interwoven as one big group of friends,” said Lauren.
MR. AND MRS!
I always try to capture individual shots of the Bride and Groom with their wedding party attendants and just love when they add their own personal flair to posing! ha!
This is definitely my favorite shot! I love the way her veil is flying in the wind!
After taking photos on the Cliffs, we made a quick stop at another nearby location for these forest photos!
What a stunning Bride!?!
Before they took off on their shuttle, I had to grad a quick party picture!
To add even more sentiment to this wedding, the couple opted for hosting the rehearsal at their newly-purchase home in Escondido! Lots of hard work and preparation transformed their property into a stunning site for guests to enjoy!
All of the gorgeous setup and decorations were put together by the Bride and Groom!
During the speeches, the Maid of Honor and Best Man surprised Lauren and Alex with The Shoe Game! I knew immediately what was happening (since I too had this at my own wedding), but seeing the confused couple (and confused guests) was priceless! Everyone was entertained with creative trivia questions as Lauren and Alex raised a shoe to represent their answer choice.
CONGRATULATIONS Lauren and Alex!
It was truly a joy to be your photographer and I hope you cherish these images for years to come.
Your love for each other is so radiant and the thought and creativity that went into your wedding made your day truly unique and memorable! Wishing you two all the best!
BRIDE’S ATTIRE: see above
BRIDE’S HAIR: Summer Babineau at Head East Salon
GROOM’S ATTIRE: see above
BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: see above
GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: see above
FLOWERS + CROWNS: DIY by the Bride
PHOTOGRAPHER: Limefish Studio
VIDEOGRAPHER: Several GoPro’s in the hands of all guests, bridal party and participants!
BAND: Jimmy and Enrique
CATERING: Giuseppe Fine Catering
CUPCAKES + CAKE: Whole Foods
PAINTED HANGERS: Limefish Studio
OFFICIANT: friend, Sam McAllister (former roommate of bride/groom).
COORDINATOR: friend, Nikisha Belt
PAPER DESIGNS (Wedding Invitations, Ceremony Programs, Reception Signage & Menus, Flower Arrangements, Table Decor): DIY by the Bride and Groom
