Cathy found me through a referral through Saddleback – and for that, I am so thankful! I met with Cathy and her sister Krystine, at a Starbucks about 2 months before her wedding day. We talked about the wedding day and about life, and they decided to hire me on the spot. It felt like divine intervention for me to meet them and photograph Cathy and Jeff’s wedding day. The next couple of months flew by SO fast! Before we knew it, the wedding day was here.
When I arrived at the hotel where Cathy was getting ready, you could feel the anxiety and nerves fading and replaced with excitement. You could feel everyones joy throughout the room. The day ran very smoothly and every problem that came up, was quickly and easily handled. Cathy’s sister Krystine, sung through the ceremony along side the church’s student ministry worship leader. The reception was so much fun and included a dance off between two of the kids. For my third wedding as the primary photographer, this one was definitely one to remember.
In this post, you’ll find the getting ready photos, the ceremony, a few family portraits, as well as the reception. You’ll also hear straight from the Bride and Groom about their wedding day. You’ll find their notes sprinkled throughout this post.
You can also see their full wedding day through their beautiful PASS gallery by going here.
Thank you so much Nathan, for second shooting for me at this wedding!
Please enjoy!
{Ceremony Venue} Pacific Hills Calvary Chapel in Aliso Viejo, CA.
{Specific song choices} I walked down the aisle to: “To Know You” by Little Big Town. The lyrics of this song say it all. To think God love could be demonstrated in finding the right person well, “to know love is to know enough.”
{Specific song choices} Our First Dance was to: “Free” by Zac Brown Band. We are simple people, where we often talk about the places we could travel to together just us, hanging out and we love the beach (got engaged at “our spot” at the beach….anyhow it doesn’t have to cost a lot money to be love, it doesn’t have to cost a thing, and being with the one you love well that is both free and freedom unlike any other.
{What was your favorite moment?}
Bride & Groom: There were so many – it would be impossible to pick but, going to the ATM in a wedding dress at the end of the day will always be a funny memory for us both.
P.S. from the Bride…to dance with my non-dancing husband – that was awesome!
{Advice for brides-to-be and/or engaged couples} We are borrowing this advice from our church wedding coordinator and passing it along “you, your fiance and the pastor” …”that’s all you need and so remember no matter what happens nothing else matters, as long as you have you, your fiance and the pastor - you’re getting married and that is really what it is all about”
{Any vendors you would like to suggest to my readers?}
Flowers: If you are on a budget, and have anyone creative who wants to help, and if what you want is simple enough.. Go to downtown LA the Thursday or Friday before your wedding and buy the flowers. You can also buy candy station stuff there too – at close to wholesale. If someone wants to help in this way, you can save a bundle – that’s what we did. Thanks Mom and Aunt Ana. 
DJ - Jonathan Ditmer, PES/DCDJs. Also a very amazing vendor, super flexible with our needs and helpful. Got our guests to their feet and we all had a fun time. Even those that don’t dance, were dancing. He has a great personality, too!
Reception: Stillwater in Dana Point. We spoke to Christina. They were so reasonable and incredibly awesome. All our guests loved the time there, the atmosphere was perfect and comfortable. Room for a DJ, dance floor and up to 130-140 guests. They gave us the entire restaurant as a private party – it was really amazing. SUPER GREAT for daytime afternoon wedding receptions and VERY REASONABLE.
“They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” ~ Psalm 1:2-3
Stay tuned for Cathy & Jeff’s couples session – it will be posted on Thursday! You’ll learn more about Cathy and Jeff’s love story and also hear their testimonial for TMinspired Photography!
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