In April 2021 my husband and I were traveling to Southern California to attend my brother-in-law Luke’s wedding to his awesome fiancé Kimi. Josh was of course in the wedding party, so I figured I’d just bring my 35mm film camera along for fun.
Well, the day before the wedding, Josh and I were out to breakfast in Huntington Beach when we got a phone call from Luke. As it turned out, their original photographer tested positive for COVID. Obviously, I volunteered to step in, and quickly figured out a game plan. Luckily being close to LA was in our favor and I was able to grab a quick rental from Fullerton Cameras with everything I needed and it was game on.
Unfortunately, Kimi and Luke originally planned an October 2020 wedding which obviously needed to be rescheduled. Their original venue was no longer an option, but it all worked out for the absolute best. Our aunt works at the beautiful Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church and secured it for their ceremony location. The outside is stunning; they were married along the blooming wisteria which was particularly suiting because Kimi is a huge plant lover. One of Luke’s Marine Corps buddies officiated and it was a lovely ceremony.
Afterwards, we took family photos in the back court yard and Kimi surprised Luke by having their two Great Pyrenees pups Leia and Brady show up for a quick kiss and photo opportunity. Next we walked a few blocks west to grab some epic beach photos.
Their reception was held at a private estate in Laguna Beach and featured delicious Mexican catering from a family member. Everything was held outdoors with the backdrop of the canyon, tall cacti and string lights. All of the decor was handmade by Kimi and her mother; and Kimi even grew all of the plants decorating the space! (She’s awesome.)
It was an incredible day celebrating two people I love dearly, and I’m so glad that things turned out as they did because these are some of my favorite images from 2021.
Vendor credits
Ceremony location - Laguna Beach Presbyterian
Reception location - a private estate in Laguna Canyon
Hair and makeup - Makeup by Paru
Bridal dress - Davids Bridal
Florals - Freesia Lillies
DJ - DJ Old Head
Camera rentals - Fullerton Cameras
