Jenna + Billy // MCASD Wedding

La Jolla, California. This seaside town would be our destination for this magical wedding day. I arrived early on a beautiful November day. The sun was out, a light breeze was blowing, and the smell of the ocean was in the air. I made my way over to the starting location for today's wedding. La Valencia Hotel. A picturesque hotel perched over the Pacific Ocean A fantastic venue in its own right, but just the starting location for our wedding day. I made my way down to the villa, where our bridal party was getting ready. When I knocked on the front door, I was greeted by a familiar face, Siobhan. I had filmed Siobhan and Kelly's wedding the year prior, and she was the one who recommended me to Jenna. I made my way into the suite and saw several familiar faces from the previous wedding. Jenna was in the middle of her hair and makeup process. After grabbing a few candids, I began where I always do: the details. The hotel offered several locations for the dress. However, conveniently located just outside the room was a mural with some colors I thought would work well with the dress and our starting location. I was soon joined by the photographer Natalie, and we joined forces to film the rest of the details. When we returned to the room, Jenna's hair and makeup had been completed, and it was time to get her into her dress. With the bridal party waiting, Jenna made her way into the room for the big reveal. With the help of her sister, Kelly, Jenna put the final details of her outfit together. The Museum of Contemporary Arts, the venue for the rest of the wedding day, was located just down the road from the hotel. Billy, our groom, was patiently waiting by one of the exhibits for the arrival of his bride. With the cameras in position and a tap on the shoulder from our bride, Billy got his first glimpse of his stunning soon-to-be wife, Jenna. Once the emotions began to settle, we made our way around the museum, grabbing some portrait shots of the couple. The sunlight peaking through the tinted windows of the museum truly made for some breathtaking imagery. Outside the bridal party and families gathered for their portraits, this is where I also got to meet the true star of the show, the couple's golden retriever, Enzo. Once portraits were wrapped up, guests began to arrive for the ceremony. Champagne in hand, they made their way to the courtyard in preparation for the procession to begin. The sun began to set as each bridal party member made their way down the isle. Today's ceremony was going to be truly stunning. Jenna, escorted by her father, Ken, made their way down the aisle, where Billy was patiently waiting. The two exchanged their heartfelt and lighthearted personal vows to one another before sharing their first kiss under the setting California sun. Once the ceremony had concluded, we had a choice to make. Do we stay for cocktail hour, or try to rush down to the beach for some epic sunset shots? Luckily, the couple chose the latter, and I was left speechless at the results of that decision. These were some of the most epic shots I have ever gotten. Upstairs, the transition into the reception was underway. The coordinator, Sabrina, had outdone herself with the details. The couple was introduced, shared their first dance, and had a dance with each of their respective parents. DJ Justin kicked off the dancing, and the party was underway. Having shot this group before the previous year, I knew it would be a wild one. My evening came to an end, as did my time in Southern California. Until next time! 

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