California Backyard Wedding

Los Angeles, California

Luke & Kristina are college sweethearts with a passion for ice cream, exploring, and dancing their hearts out. When they asked me to be their wedding photographer, I was beyond honored! A California backyard wedding was not their original plan. However, I think we would all agree that this was the way things were meant to be all along.

Their wedding day started with a slow morning at Vanllee Hotel. Kristina wrapped up writing her vows, while Luke hung out with his groomsmen. Then the two of them met up at a mountainside covered in wildflowers for their first look. We captured photos of them in this beautiful setting, and they had fun blasting music and practicing their dance moves for later.

The Ceremony

Their sweet, emotional ceremony took place in the courtyard of Kristina’s church. Beneath massive willow trees and surrounded by all of their friends and family, Luke and Kristina exchanged vows, laughed, and cried.

During the ceremony, they had a moment of prayer just the two of them. Kristina and Luke stepped aside to pray over the vows they were about to make. Meanwhile, their parents prayed over their wedding rings. It was such a beautiful moment right before they made their commitment to forever.

The Backyard Reception

Directly following the ceremony, the party began! After their original wedding venue cancelled on them, a family friend opened up their home for a beautiful, intimate backyard reception. The space was draped with market lights, surrounded by palm trees, and lit by the setting sun. It was so beautiful and romantic!

The artist of their first dance song, Drew Schueler, came to sing the song live while Luke and Kristina shared their first dance as husband and wife. Then the dance floor was open and the party began! Their guests enjoyed a taco bar and, of course, Bloomfield Creamery ice cream stand. Then to end the night, their family and friends lined the driveway with a sparkler exit. The perfect way to end their special California backyard wedding day!

Thanks so much for trusting me to capture your best day ever! You two sure know how to throw a party!!