Valentine’s Day. The Beverly Hills Courthouse. It was quite the busy day for a courthouse wedding, with a long line of excited walk-ins forming down the hall of the 2nd floor. I met Shannon & Reggie there on this sunny morning, accompanied by his mother as well as their 3 beautiful daughters.

I’ve photographed quite a few weddings here, but it was my first time shooting on this holiday. Usually when I arrive we walk right in for the couple’s appointment, but I was happy to find that this waiting time that morning provided an opportunity to tell a little more of the story. Of them shimmying down slowly in line, the two older girls playing hand clapping games, the littlest one passing out, Shannon fixing her daughter’s bow, of the simple loving interaction between a family. By the time we reached the front of the line and walked into the ceremony room, I felt as if I knew this couple and their family so much better than when I had arrived.

This is a truly beautiful family, and it was an honor to help tell the story of this day :)

We didn’t plan for the fog.

We figured out sunset times and when to meet for the optimal golden light, and when I woke up that morning the sun was streaming in my window. It was cheerfully sunny on my drive over as I passed through 4 different cities, and literally just as I pulled up to the block before the beach, the sun hid away and we found the entire shoreline was blanketed in a cloudy mist. And now when I see these photos, I couldn’t imagine it any other way. The fog was perfect. Ala {my dear friend and fellow photographer} and her hubby Steve were perfect. The quiet, calm and empty beach was perfect. Her dress? That flower crown? The simplicity of just this one location, of following a couple and documenting their love? All perfect.

At the end of the session, I told them I could photograph this session all day every day, and I meant it.

I’m totally smitten by Rosie & Daniel’s story: they met years ago when she first came to him for a tattoo, and he’s been the tattoo artist for every tattoo she’s gotten since :) I never tire of photographing sweet simple ceremonies at the Beverly Hills Courthouse – this one included their closest family members, who surprised them with a confetti shower upon their exit (never get tired of these either!) Crossing my fingers that 2014 bring more fun courthouse weddings my way!