The day began at the Fairmont hotel in downtown, where the couple got ready for their big day. We setup the “first look” at the bright and classy loby of the south tower, complete with a staircase, love letters, and a family to witness it all. =0)

The Saint Joseph church hosted their elaborate and beautiful wedding ceremony.

The reception started with the First Dance and set the mood for a wonderful, energetic party. No one had to tell Kyle and Veronica that weddings are a celebration – they set an example and everyone followed.

The Love Temple at the villa was the perfect place for the bride and groom to lay their eyes on each other for the first time, and offered many photo opportunities. The ceremony was emotional and sweet, and later everyone enjoyed themselves to the sounds of the mariachi band and the open bar.

Precious and Blooming Floral Design did an excellent job with the flowers, and Mariela’s wedding planner, Amy (Twitterpated Weddings) was a pleasure to work with as well.

We will let the photos tell the story in full…

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Nicole’s extended family and two days later, re-united with them to watch Randy and Julia get married. As their wedding photographer I was granted the behind-the-scenes access, and photographed them in the beautiful home of Randy’s cousin Leah and her partner, John, who so gracefully allowed us to use their house.

Randy and Julia had a private ceremony and reception attended by a small number of their closest family and friends. Thank you for choosing us to capture one of the most important days of your life.

The day started at the Pacific Victorian Inn, where Lena and her girls were getting their makeup and hair done by the talented Shelly Willis of Fierce Faces.

Meanwhile, Mike and the boys were already at the ceremony site, awaiting Lena’s arrival…

I hope you guys are having a blast on your honeymoon!

The wedding transpired at the Highlands Park in Santa Cruz, California. Surrounded by greenery, both ceremony and reception took place outside.  The couple got ready at the premises, in the bright, clean rooms of the house. The excitement in their eyes, and the joy in their smiles made it such a pleasure to be around them, and be able to capture this beautiful event.

The light blue walls of the room open the doors for wonderful texturing treatments.

Since the couple was to see each other before the ceremony, we wanted to make it special.  Luis in the foreground, looking at me, anticipating the arrival of his beautiful bride. The door in the background opens, Cassie walks in and flashes a smile. The hands go around Luis’ eyes and he grins.  Cassie’s ready and it’s time to turn around and see the bride for the first time. The look on his face is pricelsess (2nd image on the right).  Watching this moment unfold was a gift that I share with you.

Some bridal party fun followed.

The Mariachi band was entertaining the arriving guests. They. Were. Awesome.

Finally, it was time for the wedding ceremony to begin. The father walks the emotional bride down the aisle in the gaze of the admiring groom.

And so it begins…

Cassie sheds a tear of joy, as she reads her vows.

The mixing of sand was a wonderful alternative to the unity candle… they were in Santa Cruz after all.

Thank you Luis and Cassie for the wonderful experience. You were an absolute joy to photograph, and I look forward to showing you all the fun photos I couldn’t put on the blog!