They have to thank that friend-of-a-friend who introduced them a few years ago. They were going out with a group of people–everyone excited to see the Chicago Bulls game that night–when DJ saw Emily. The area was crowded, but DJ made room right next to him and called Emily over. She was beautiful, even under the iridescent lights of the United Center, as she watched the game. A few days later, DJ made more room for Emily, but this time in his phonebook. He procured her cell number from a friend and asked her out.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Emily's mother and father vacationed in Newport Beach, California years ago and returned home to Chicago, recounting sunset and beach stories that would make anyone's eyes grow large with excitement. When it was time to plan her wedding, Emily knew Orange County was the place it had to be. Especially because Emily's mother would be watching from Heaven. During reception toasts, Emily's father looked at her and DJ and said he knew–and felt–her mother's presence. The gorgeous day was a celebration of life and legacy, and sunset was befittingly perfect.
Emily and DJ…from the moment I met you and your families, I felt like I was part of the crew…like I was a division of Chi-Town in the OC! 🙂 I can't express how much I enjoyed photographing your wedding and I couldn't think of a more fabulous couple deserving of such wonderful lives. Thank you for opening your hearts and lives to us and I wish you only the best together. Enjoy the rest of your time here in California, and any time you're back, JD and I would love to take you out for dinner and a gorgeous sunset! Much Love and Appreciation…J*
When I saw Emily's wedding Oscar DeLaRenta wedding gown, I lost my breath…seriously. It was absolutely, positively the most radiant dress I've ever seen…
Emily and DJ stayed at Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach for their wedding and it was simply STUNNING…
I adored Emily's father, and here he is looking at his daughter dressed on her wedding day…
Talk about eye candy…Emily just glowed!
I love this picture JD captured…just seconds before the First Look, and Emily's father debated opening the door to the villa! 🙂
Emily and DJ opted to see each other before the ceremony, and I think her face says it all…this is precisely why I LOVE when couples see each other beforehand…
The lovely bride and groom decided to take wedding photos around Pelican Hill and I was more than happy to oblige!
I asked JD to focus on Emily's shoes…they were her mother's and a perfect piece to walk alongside her on her wedding day…I loved this picture as soon as I saw it…
Hey, DJ, thanks for being such an awesome model…you were a total blast to photograph!
I think this is my favorite shot of the day….
We headed to the Montage Laguna Beach for the ceremony and the Ketubah signing…
Talk about gorrrgeous light during the ceremony…
In Jewish tradition, the bride is to walk around the groom seven times…
Mr. and Mrs…
Just after the ceremony, we darted off the beach for more wedding pictures…
Every time I've shot at the Montage, I've always wanted to have a bride and groom pose on the lifeguard station…lucky for me, Emily and DJ were totally game…love them! 🙂
With many, many thanks to event coordinators Patty Burns and Jaime Puffer of Montage Resort Laguna Beach, the reception was decorated by Square Root Designs and orchestrated perfectly…I seriously love those girls!
The Montage creates miniature wedding cakes and they're simply divine!
Emily's reaction during toasts…
JD captured this photo of the cake cutting and I love the mood, energy, and moment!
To see more of their fabulous wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow
