She sat on an overstuffed chair, her hair pressed in curls, with tears streaming down her face. She held his letter and lightly touched his hand-written words. He reminded her of their love…he promised her forever…he swore his love and devotion. Erica held the letter in her hands and wiped her tears. Their wedding day had finally arrived.
Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Erica approached Brian at the altar and the breeze brought in new beginnings. The Pacific ocean caressed the sandy shores of Palos Verde and their love seeped into even the deepest crevices of the Terranea Resort. Erica looked radiant in her wedding dress, but a special accoutrement was her mother's ring. After losing their home in a fire a few years ago, Erica's father discovered the ring in a pile of ashes. It was one of the few things that survived the blaze. The amethyst stone was originally purple, but the fire changed it to a soft yellow hue.
Love, much like her ring, changes through life's fiery moments, but still manages to remain beautifully intact when you're willing to search for it amongst the ashes.
Erica and Brian…thank you for the distinct honor of being your wedding photographer. It's been a joy working with you both and I have no doubt life is going to be even sweeter for the both of you. Your day was perfect and I couldn't have dreamt of a better experience. Hope you're having a blast on your honeymoon and I wish you only the best! Much Love and Appreciation… j*
The wedding day couldn't start any better…a pair of Jimmy Choos and Badgley Mischka
The florals were designed by R. Jack Balthazar and I was thrilled to work with them again…they're work always blows me away!
Erica wore a stunning Melissa Sweet wedding gown…
Erica and Brian just moments before their First Look…
Erica and Brian weren't going to see each other before the ceremony, but changed their minds a few weeks before the wedding. Their wedding was full of details and and events, so they wanted to make sure they allotted plenty of time for me to capture everything. I lovelovelove this moment of their First Look…
Erica, you're stunning…
While I was getting these photos…
…JD was getting this photo….
A classic wedding portrait still gets me…
The wedding day was extremely windy and bright at Terranea, but Erica and Brian were troopers and rocked it out…I love them!
Gorrrrrge!
Erica kept a locket with pictures of her grandparents on her bouquet…
Ceremony time along Terranea offers gorgeous views of the Pacific…
JD's view of the First Kiss…
While JD was getting this photo…
…I was at the end of the aisle getting these photos…
After the ceremony, we took ten minutes to capture more wedding photos along the beach of the Terranea Resort…and the sunset light was just perfect!
Now onto one of my favorite parts of the wedding day…detail photos!
The wedding was coordinated by the uber fabulous CARAVENTS…Erin and Cara did an amazing job with the ebb and flow of the day and I'm extraordinarily thankful to have worked with a team who understands the power of collaboration…love them!
When I walked into the ballroom, it literally took my breath away. R. Jack Balthazar rocked it out like none other and I could've photographed every detail for ten more hours!
The First Dance with lovely video light from Elysium…my most favorite videography company. Ever. Seriously, ever. I adore working with them!
JD captured this photo of Brian and he looks so proud…
Toasts…
I HAD to give a MAJOR shoutout to The Spazmatics, a fabfabfab 80s cover band. They kept the party rocking all.night.long…I want to throw a party just so I can dance to their music again!
Okay, so these glasses? Makes me feel like this photo was taken in 1987!
To see more of Erica and Brian's Terranea Resort wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!
