Emotion-filled Wedding Day in San Juan Capistrano

Weddings

Sep 8

On May 24, 2025, Jillian and Riley welcomed their loved ones into a celebration that felt as timeless as their story itself. High school sweethearts whose love had been nurtured through every season of life, they designed a wedding that honored not only their journey together but the constellation of family and friends who carried them to this day - both those present and those dearly remembered. Every detail was chosen with intention, every gesture layered with meaning. From the quiet moments shared between them to the grandeur of gathering everyone they cherish, this couple’s wedding unfolded as a portrait of devotion - an exquisite balance of legacy, elegance, and living wholly in the moment.

Shot on a even mix of film and digital photography, I’m excited to show these highlights from this gallery:

Getting Ready

This was one of my very favorite pre-wedding getting ready to be a part of. From the very beginning, Jillian carried herself with a rare calmness, rooted in intentionality and a deep presence in the moment. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, the room was alive with a sense of girlhood joy - laughter spilling out as they watched guests arrive from the bridal suite window, everyone in the room helping the bride jump from a chair into her dress, passing around the perfume, and fanning an overheating bride with a glossy fashion magazine. I was honored to be there and be trusted enough to be let into these personal moments, and preserve the memories in an honest and beautiful way.

The Bridal Party

These two have an extraordinary gift for caring for the people around them—and it’s no surprise that they’ve cultivated the most beautiful and meaningful friendships along the way. Their bridal party reflected that love: a group of friends who were not only supportive, but genuinely overjoyed to stand by their side on such an intentional and elegant wedding day. The energy in the room was filled with laughter, encouragement, and an unmistakable sense of loyalty that only comes from years of true friendship. For a couple who have always been the kind of friends everyone hopes to have, celebrating them as bride and groom was a natural extension of that devotion - and it made documenting their wedding party one of the most heartfelt and joyful parts of the day.

Details

I’ve always been drawn to photographing the details - the intentional pieces that weave together the visual poetry of a wedding day. Each element carries its own story, from the invitation suite and carefully styled florals to the rings, shoes, and treasured heirlooms passed down through generations. These details are more than objects; they are memory pieces, evoking emotion long after the day has passed. It’s in the quiet beauty—the textures of paper and fabric, the play of color and light, the understated elegance—that the soul of a wedding is revealed. Capturing these meaningful details is what allows a wedding gallery to feel timeless, personal, and complete.

Ceremony

This was one of the most meaningful ceremonies I’ve ever attended. Jillian lost her dad years ago, but he was so ever-present in the day. She was walked down the aisle by her brother (who also officiated the wedding), which brought tears to most guest’s eyes. The ceremony itself was filled with surprises - from a friend giving a “reading” that ended up being the lyrics a song that Jillian’s dad used to sing to her at bedtime growing up, to Riley pulling out one of the letters he wrote to Jillian in high school, saying how much he loves her and wants to be with her for the rest of her life. It was one of the most emotion-filled ceremonies I’ve had the honor of photographing - I only hope I did the emotion justice.

Portraits

This part of the day is always among my favorites - the rare, quiet moments when a couple can step away from the energy of the wedding and simply be with one another. Jillian and Riley’s first look was filled with tenderness and anticipation, a chance to reconnect and share the joy of the morning before stepping into the celebration ahead. Later, as the sun dipped low, we stole a few moments during golden hour to take their portraits. The light was soft, wrapping them in a glow that felt as timeless as the day itself. Beyond the beauty of the photographs, these moments were meaningful pauses—opportunities for Jillian and Riley to breathe deeply, hold each other close, and savor the reality that they were now husband and wife.

Family Photos

Family portraits are often one of the more complex parts of a wedding day - gathering loved ones, organizing all desired combinations, and ensuring every set of eyes is smiling at the camera can feel like a whirlwind. Yet, despite the coordination it requires, I always encourage couples to make time for these photographs. Beyond the celebration itself, family photos become an irreplaceable part of the legacy of a wedding day. They preserve not only who was present, but the love, connection, and joy shared in that moment. Over time, these images often become some of the most treasured in a gallery - sometimes even the last quality portraits with certain family members. It’s for that reason that I approach family photos with intention and care, knowing they hold a significance that will only grow deeper with the years.

Decor

The florals and décor for Jillian and Riley’s celebration were nothing short of extraordinary - an artful reflection of the wedding’s refined atmosphere and intentional design. I’m always drawn to photographing these details, because while flowers and décor may be fleeting, they are often the very elements that shape the feeling of a wedding day. From lush floral arrangements to delicate glassware, glowing candlelight, and every carefully chosen accent in between, these pieces transform a space and create the setting where memories unfold. Capturing them ensures that their beauty doesn’t fade with time - preserving not only the design itself but the emotion it evoked for each guest.

Cocktail Hour

Right after the ceremony, guests headed into cocktail hour, and there was such a warm, celebratory buzz in the air. We took time for family photos while everyone else sipped, mingled, and settled into the joy of the evening. I love the moment when the bride and the groom join cocktail hour - there is already so much excitement, and it always grows tenfold the second the couple walks in. The light was beautiful, the energy was easy—it was the perfect transition into the celebration.

Dinner

Golden sunset light, a sweet first dance and emotional parent dances, loving toasts, and the celebratory buzz of the guests eating dinner. Dinnertime is a often under-photographed part of the day, but usually has so much beautiful light and sweet moments happening in every direction the lens points.

The Party

A live band, a lively dancefloor - the celebration really began. I’m a party-girl at heart, and there’s no better party than a wedding reception. Jillian left the dance floor briefly to change her dress, and I love going with the bride when she changes into a reception dress. There’s just something about those late night getting-ready moments, after the stress of the day has passed, the nerves have ended, and it’s just a true exciting and joyful getting ready moment. Jillian changed into tennis shoes for the rest of her dance party - and they stole the show if I’m being honest. We love a good excuse to dance the night away, comfortably!