Natalie and Austin found me on The Knot, and I couldn't have been more appreciative that they chose me to document their big day. The two love birds met years ago during work and have fallen in love with every day that passes. They both grew up in their childhood homes and will be starting their married lives together in their new home as husband and wife.
This romantic day began with the beautiful bride getting her wedding makeup done. She went with gorgeous curls and a natural makeup look for her fairytale wedding at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, California. The bride and her bridesmaids celebrated her big day popping champagne in their matching wedding robes. Natalie looked like an absolute goddess in her off the shoulder lace wedding dress. She could not hold back her smile while opening a beautiful pearl necklace wedding gift and spending her moments before the altar with those she cares about most.
The groom and his family/groomsmen decided they would take advantage of all the presidential things within the Nixon Library, and I was able to take photos of them in the Oval Office replica and in front of the presidential helicopter. It was so amazing that they got hitched in such a historic place with such beauty and character. The entire wedding party was so excited to be a part of such a special day for Natalie and Austin.
First looks are an absolute must, but that doesn’t mean it has to be only for the bride and groom. It can also be for family and friends. I’ve had brides do a first look with their bridesmaids and with their fathers, just like Natalie did with hers (and I love that she also included her brothers). It’s truly one of the most beautiful moments to be able to capture and usually there are tears involved. It’s so heartwarming capturing a father’s love for his daughter moments before she ties the knot.
I can’t forget to mention that the bridesmaids looked amazing in their neutral toned matching bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are perfect for a wedding in any season and paired so well with the bride's wedding day look. The bridesmaids bouquets were a smaller version of the bride's wedding bouquet with gorgeous white flowers that complimented their dresses beautifully. The groomsmen wore classic black suits with black ties, complementing the neutrals of the day.
Natalie and Austin's wedding ceremony was an absolute tearjerker and not just for those watching the beautiful couple make their union official. The bride and groom had to hold back tears as they heard each other’s wedding vows. This special moment is so pure and romantic to capture because there is no greater gesture than professing your love in front of all of your family and friends. When the two finally said “I do” at golden hour, it was truly magical. I love that I get to be a part of special moments and turn them into art for my couples to cherish forever.
After the ceremony we had time to explore Nixon Library's beautiful grounds as I captured the bride and groom's romantics. The love between these two is unmatchable and they looked amazing together. One of my favorite poses is when the groom dips his bride into a kiss, and these two did not disappoint. Everything about Natalie and Austin's wedding was so full of love and smiles, and I'm so glad I was able to capture that fully in their images.
Natalie and Austin entered their reception with the biggest smiles on their faces. After they greeted their guests, the two love birds had their first dance together as husband and wife. They listened to their friends and family give toasts, and of course I caught all of the love through my lens. The bride and groom had a traditional white wedding cake that was gorgeous. I thought the choice of white roses for their centerpieces was perfect as it didn't detract from the magnificent space, which featured "dazzling crystal chandeliers, golden silk draperies, beautiful wooden terrazzo floors, and imported marble fireplaces." And of course the night wouldn't be complete without dancing and a sparkler exit. What an amazing celebration!
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Vendors
Venue: @nixonlibraryevents Coordination: @jeneventsca Photography: @lisettegatliff Videography: @nestweddings Florals: @memos_florist DJ: @honoredoccasions Catering: @whitehouse_catering Invitation: @minted Hair + Makeup: @designvisage BridalGown: @pronovias Bridal Shoes: @badgleymischka Bridesmaid Dresses: @birdygrey Menswear: @friartux