As a wedding and engagement photographer, I love getting to follow couples on their journey to the altar.  I had the pleasure of meeting Ellie & Michael for their engagement session last year.  (You may remember their fun date night session on the beach!)  As much as I loved that session, I was even more excited to capture their sunset wedding at Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, California.  This was an event I will remember for a lifetime.

These two are SO in love and it’s obvious if you spend even a few minutes near them.  Ellie & Michael radiated happiness.  They couldn’t take their eyes off each other and I didn’t even have to guide them much on poses! Given how well their engagement session went, I’m not surprised.  Before their engagement photos, Ellie mentioned her love for Bridgerton and the influence it would have over the ceremony.  Believe me when I say she knew exactly what she was doing!  This wedding from start to finish was beautifully planned and full of romance.

Sunset Vows 

When planning a ceremony, timing is everything!  I’m not sure I can think of another I’ve attended scheduled as perfectly as this one.  Their entire day was scheduled to ensure  their ceremony started right at sunset.  I swooned!  I got beautiful shots of this sweet  couple right at golden hour before the ceremony.  What could possibly be more romantic than exchanging vows as the sun sets behind the newlyweds?! Their planning paid off in a way I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before that day! 

Timeless Details

Ellie & Michael thought of everything.  Not only was the sunset wedding ceremony dreamy, the decor was perfect & their floral arrangements were gorgeous. Classic, white roses and fresh greenery adorned the altar & made up Ellie’s bouquet.  To the side,  a panel of musicians played their string instruments during the ceremony. It was every bit as sophisticated as Ellie had described it during their engagement session! 

Then, of course, there was the reception.  This crew brought their A-game and had a blast.  Both families as well as the newlyweds were so lively and brought a ton of energy to the dance floor. It was great getting to see both families coming together and mixing their cultures. A good time was had by all!

It was so rewarding to get to be a part of Ellie & Michael’s story and one of the most stunning weddings I’ve had the honor of attending.  Thank you all so much for trusting me with your big day.  I wish you nothing but happiness and good fortune for many years to come.  Congratulations, you two!

Here are some other SoCal Wedding Venues I am loving!
Franciscan Gardens Wedding
Richard Nixon Library
Ole Hansen Beach

If you are engaged and looking to have an engagement session in the SoCal Area — here are some of the sessions I have loved doing!

Crystal Cove State Park Engagement Session
My Top Favorite Orange County Photography Spots
Lake Arrow Head Engagement Session

Alaina Elizabeth Photography is a couples, wedding and elopement photographer based in Southern California, but serving couples world wide!
Hudson Valley , New York Engagement Session
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Anniversary Session