A bride as shown in magazines and movies is elegant, sophisticated, graceful. But a bride in real life is so much more – she’s excited, she’s effervescent, she’s unique, she’s real – a down-to-earth girl who who just happens that day to be adorned in the most stunning white dress. Susan served as a beautiful reminder of this – throughout her wedding day at the elegant beachside Portofino Hotel, she laughed, she cried, she cracked jokes, she mastered a silly pose in a shot or two, and showed everyone present why a real bride is more beautiful than anything you’d find on the cover of a magazine.

Their wedding was simple and fresh. Gerber daisies, which have always been some of my favorite flowers, graced the room and popped against the cool ocean colors. Susan and David have a beautiful connection and it was great to see the bond between their families as well, as they danced together and laughed together and celebrated the union of two individuals and two households.

A big thank you to the amazingly talented Tracy Kumono for inviting me to come along!

Loved this moment of prayer:

There were bouts of dancing throughout the entire reception!

The moving father-daughter dance:

Near the end of the reception we snuck out for just a few portraits:

I must admit I was a just a teensy bit excited when Dave invited me to come along to help shoot the wedding of a real-life “Real World” celebrity. I didn’t immediately recognize her name, but when Beth breezed through the doors of the Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica, I remembered her from some of the Real World/Road Rules challenges. Both her and Matt were honestly such awesome people and so full of joy on their special day, and it was such an honor to witness their stunning wedding at the Beach Club in Santa Monica!

A big thank you to Dave for having me along!

Up next, a weekend visit to my new favorite city…

It was during her father’s toast that we learned about Beth’s special appearance in the OC Register when she was just 4 years old – featured for her best smile in all of Orange County. Which came as no surprise; on the day of her wedding, Beth was all smiles – the kind that can light up not just a room, but an entire reception hall – and radiated a pure joy that was absolutely contagious.

Beth & Eric got married at the gorgeous Summit House in Fullerton a couple weekends ago and it was an incredibly warm and heartfelt wedding. Beth and Eric were both so excited and just so straight-up happy – all the things everyone hopes to be on their wedding day. I felt so blessed to share the day with them and their awesome families. A big thank you to Dave for having me along!

While Dave met up with Beth & her bridesmaids, I hung out with the guys. We went out into the backyard to “get some air” (sorry, I just couldn’t resist being punny):

I also caught a glimpse of Beth’s stunning and timeless ring:

Meet the gorgeous Beth. See? All smiles! :)

Beth’s grandparents walk down the aisle as the ceremony begins. You can really see that the awesome cheerful demeanor runs in the family!

Loved the wine-influenced hues!! And I know I say that about every color palette, but seriously, I fall head over heels for the colors at every.single.wedding I go to!!

Portrait time in the most delicious light:

Loved this moment of Beth’s mom capturing the Father-Daughter dance:

Like all of the weddings I’ve attended with Dave, the guests sure knew how to break it DOWN! Everyone was up and about, including Beth’s mom and Beth’s 92-year-old grandfather! Too awesome!!