The room filled with joyous conversations sprinkled with Hebrew, English, and tons of laughter. Maya surrounded herself with friends and layers of family, most who had flown from Israel for her wedding to Uriel. A few floors down at Casa Del Mar Hotel, Uriel and his groomsmen fluttered from the pool to the beach before getting dressed against the Santa Monica skyline. They both nervously exited the hotel to see each other for the first time as husband and wife, but that was just the start of a perfect day.
The wedding was steeped in traditional and a rich cultural history, all leading the moment when they kissed under the chuppah. They spent the evening ensuring every guest felt comfortable, but–above all–also as a cherished piece of their day. That's what type of couple Maya and Uriel are: a duo who makes those around them feel blessed to feel the presence of their love.
Maya and Uriel, thank you thank you thank you. Your wedding was stunningly perfect, but I'll never forget how special you made me feel shooting on my birthday. The warm wishes and the surprise birthday cake was one of the nicest things clients have done for me. Ever. I appreciate all you are and the joy you share. Much Love and Appreciation… j*
It was a stunning day in Santa Monica and the light at Casa Del Mar Hotel was simply divine…
Maya was one of the most calm brides I've worked with…she made time to enjoy every moment and ensured to relax with her bridesmaids…
In the final moments of Maya's preparation, JD waited with Uriel downstairs just before the First Look…
Uriel and Maya opted to see each other before the ceremony–which provided plenty of time for photos along Santa Monica beach–and his reaction is priceless memory of such a special moment…
We roamed the nearby streets of Casa Del Mar Hotel and the beautiful couple enjoyed a few private moments together…
While Uriel and their parents were in a different room signing the ketubah, Maya greeted every guest during the bedeken. Being the amazing person she is, Maya said a personalized blessing for each person…it was a beautiful thing to document. Most guests walked away with tears in their eyes because she knows how to speak from the heart and blesses everyone she encounters.
Here's a reaction of a wedding guest…which was very similar to my reaction when Maya gave me a blessing at the end of the night. Okay, fine, I cried a little too!
The bedeken is the veiling ceremony and just after Uriel covered his bride, he took in the sight of her beauty and threw her a kiss…
Then the wedding ceremony began…
Maya was escorted down the aisle with her mom and mother-in-law…
In Jewish tradition, the bride circles the groom a few times…JD captured this moment of Uriel enjoying every moment of it…
After the ceremony, we visited the rooftop of Casa Del Mar Hotel for private moments…
…and a relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean…wedding photos in Santa Monica can do no wrong in my book!
The ceremony site was turned into the reception in a short time…I was overwhelmed with the hard work of Larissa of Inviting Occasions and Katie of Intertwined Events for working tirelessly to ensure the wedding flowed smoothly…
Maya and Uriel live in Washington DC, but opted for a destination wedding Santa Monica…they'll also be having another reception in Israel in a few weeks…if it looks anything like this, I wish I could shoot it all over again…
The First Dance…
The night was filled with heartwarming and hilarious speeches…
The couple spent the night away on the dance floor, making memories to last a lifetime!
Many {many} thanks to the talented team who helped make this wedding come to life…
Wedding Venue: Casa Del Mar Hotel
Coordinator: Katie with Intertwined Events
Wedding Designer and Florist: Larissa with Inviting Occasions
Hair + Makeup: Kacee Geoffroy
Lighting: Honored Occasions
DJ: Get In the Groove DJs
Wedding Cake: The Butter End
Furniture Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals
Photographer: Jasmine Star
