Rhett was at a friends house and noticed a picture of Elizabeth on the fridge. Everytime he went to his friends house he’d always say how he wanted to meet fridge girl. Finally, the timing was right, they met, and everything else fell into place.

When I met with Elizabeth and Rhett I was so happy to hear that their wedding was going to be held in Santa Ynez, about 30 minutes past Santa Barbara. Elizabeth had told me they were going to be married at her parent’s house -the same place her sister and brother were married. Her parents had just finished remodeling the house, and it just looked amazing. It was an ideal setting for the perfect wedding.

Enjoy your honeymoon in Maui!

You couldn’t ask for a better day. Two days prior it was just pouring rain and I kept my fingers crossed that it would stop by Friday! Betsy and Eric were able to have their outdoor wedding after all. Most of their guests came from all over the country so I’m sure they enjoyed the stunning ocean view at the Long Beach Museum of Art.

Betsy and Eric, your wedding was beautiful. Your friends and family were so much fun to photograph. We hope your honeymoon in the Cook Islands is amazing!

The dress was perfect –

All the details –

Betsy’s bouquet was the coolest ever –

Claire was the cutest flowergirl and she loved getting her picture taken –

Eric and Betsy decided to see eachother before the ceremony, it made the day flow so smoothly and we got tons of pictures –

Ryan and Vanessa were married on the 2nd day of January. Talk about a great way to start the new year. Their ceremony was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newport Beach followed by their reception at Salt Creek. When I arrived at the hotel I started taking pictures of her dress hanging on a metal hanger that spelled out the word “love.” I had never seen anything like it, who knew I’d like a hanger so much. As I was taking pictures of her dress I noticed a sparkle at the corner of my eye. It was Vanessa’s shoes. They were like Dorthy’s red glittery shoes in The Wizard of Oz, only in Gold. I love when brides go against the grain and incorporate their style with their stems. They were the coolest.

After her dress was on, she was ready to go. Vanessa’s cage veil just added the finishing touches just perfectly. Vanessa was so calm. She really didn’t care about anything other than marrying Ryan…she could not wait! When Ryan saw his future wife for the first time, his heart just melted. From out the door of the hotel to the ride to the church, then to their reception, their eyes were focused on one thing eachother.

After meeting at UCI, and having a long distance relationship between California and Washington D.C. for several years, their day had finally arrived. Congrats to the both of you. I hope your trip to Australia was the greatest!

The veil was perfect. Vanessa made the beautiful necklace she is wearing-

The simplicity of the bouquets were perfect -

All the deets -

Most people don’t prefer Mondays.  For many it signifies the end of a funfilled weekend and the beginning of the long work week.  While Desiree and Chris dated, it was the day they specifically set aside for eachother.  With that, they never frowned upon a Monday.  As their relationship grew and they became engaged and started planning their wedding, it was only fitting that their tradition of a happy Monday continue.  So, they chose to marry on their favorite day. 

Love the fall colors and ceremony decor -

Getting a few moments together -

Chris came prepared, their love for Superman -

We started off with Ada getting ready at The St. Regis, and then we proceeded to 7 degrees and I was just in awe.  If I had only one word to describe their wedding it would be…awesome, beautiful, amazing, marvelous, phenomenol.  No matter how much I thesaurus up the word, you get the idea.  The flowers, the lighting, the decor, the food - WOW!!  It’s so cool how lighting can transform a reception like it does.    

I first met with Jerry and Ada over a year and a half ago, and I knew immediatly, they were destined for eachother.  They are that couple that finishes eachothers sentences, they have the ability to make a bad day turn out to be the best day, they can make any nervousness disappear, they are that couple that others admire and strive to be.  Throughout their ceremony, Jerry just loved glancing at his beautiful bride and it would bring smiles across his face, literally from ear to ear.  No joke, when Ada was saying her written vows to Jerry, it brought tears to my eyes.  They had such a huge effect on me. 

Jerry and Ada, you both are the best.  Thank you for sharing your day with me. 

Love this shot -

I love the reflection -

Jerry adoringly looking at his bride -

Getting some alone time right before the reception-

Showing how they work it -

This pose turned out so well.  It was Jerry’s creative idea -

Details -

Venue – 7 degrees

Hotel – St. Regis

Florist – Flower Allie

Cake -

It’s the coolest thing ever when a bride and groom decide to see eachother before the ceremony.  When Amy and Mitch told me that is what they decided on doing, I literally jumped for joy.  This allows for more opprotunities for taking pictures and we definitly got many.  

Amy and Mitch were married at the Hyatt in Newport Beach last Saturday and it was beautiful.  Their colors were turquoise, beige, and red.  I’ve never seen those colors together before and it looked great.  Thank you for having me be part of your day.  Enjoy your time in Hawaii.

I love it when brides go against the grain and where shoes that aren’t white -

Amy’s ring was absolutely beautiful -

I love this shot, she was waiting for her girls to help her with her dress -

Mitch getting his time in front of the camera.  The last pose is priceless -

 Sneaking in some kisses 

 The layout of the ceremony was so beautiful-

Details, details 

Location – Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

DJ – Eric, So Cal DJ

Officiant – Greg Mohr, You May Kiss the Bride

Coordinator – Mardy, Your Divine Wedding

Videographer – Rick, MMAworldwide

As some people were having fun this past Labor Day weekend at the beach, the pool, Vegas, or BBQing, I had the honor of photographing Michele and Andy’s wedding at The Angel Stadium.  As we approached the gates to begin our day, there was no line to wait in, no crowds pushing their way around, and the man at the entrance didn’t ask to see our non-existing “tickets.”  I had never set foot on the field of the stadium or any staduim for that matter so I’m sure you could just imagine my surprise to be able to stand on home plate, the pitcher’s mound, and the outfield.  As guests were taking their seats, I overheard them saying how this is the coolest place for a wedding, and I must agree. 

Michele radiated with beauty and Andy looked quite handsome, they were so chill and excited to become husband and wife.  All 5 of their daughters looked like princess’ and were beaming as they walked down the aisle. 

After the ceremony, guests headed into the Diamond Club for the reception where they ate some good Mexican food and danced the night away.    

Andy and Michele, I have been excited to document your wedding from the day you booked me.  Your family is great and I wish you all the best!  Congrats.

Yep, the scoreboard has their names on it.

Right before their guests arrived-

The Dad, the Groom, and the Coach-

Michele looks so stunning -

Anjelica kissing her mom right before the ceremony - 

The bouquet was exquisit.  I’m partial to pink so yes, I am biased.

Pink heels, that is the bomb!

Such an awesome couple.  I just love this simple shot.

How cool is that, being able to steal a kiss in the dug out?

The beautiful family.

As the doors opened, I stepped out of the elevator and proceeded down the hall listening to the laughter that flooded the 4th floor of the Marriott in Dana Point.  Being able to hear the excitement from afar, I just knew this wedding was going to be a blast!  Barbara was beaming with beauty and that made my job that much easier.  Nathan and Barbara wanted as many pictures taken as possible so they chose to see eachother prior to their ceremony.  As we were taking pictures of his bride approaching him, Nathan tried so hard to get a sneak peak of her, he just couldn’t wait any longer. 

Something else that made my day, was Barbara and Nathan’s willingness to do anything to get a cool shot.  They were walking in dirt, laying in grass, climbing over rocks, and at one point they considered rolling down a hill of grass after their ceremony.  If they were this easy going and fun, I could only guess that their bridal party was the same.  Yep, they rocked!  Barbara and Nathan, congrats to you both –  I had a blast.     

Thank you to everyone who entered their story to my free wedding photography give-away.  There were so many great entries, I had such a hard time choosing someone over another when every story was deserving.   

Congrats to Ryan and Vanessa.  You both have overcome many obstacles to be together.  I can’t wait for your wedding this coming January!

Who: A couple who has an interesting story or has overcome great odds and deserves free photography for their wedding.
What: free wedding photography! Yes, that’s right. The winner will receive 7 hours of wedding coverage by me, a DVD with all images, and an album. There are absolutely no hidden fees or strings attached.
Where: Anywhere in the U.S.
When: Anytime within the next 365 days
Why: Because it’s better to give than receive  
How: Please submit your story (or a friends story) as to why you deserve free wedding photography, date and location of your wedding,  along with a recent picture of you and your fiance to rgb@reneebroughton.com.  I will submit the winner on my blog August 07, 2009.