Up the 101, twisting alongside the ocean, into the pretty little city called Santa Barbara lies the most beautiful courthouse you may have ever seen. I was so excited to photograph Li-Ann & James’ little elopement there on the lawn of the courthouse, surrounded just by their closest family and friends. We were then free to roam around the beautiful grounds for portraits, incorporating the lovely arches, bougainvillea-framed doorways and of course the bell tower on top.

These types of sweet intimate weddings are always some of my favorites and I was so so honored to document it!

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 :)

You may remember Mara and John from their stylish Palm Springs engagement party. I was so overjoyed when they asked me to photograph their wedding as well! They were married at the Beverly Hills Courthouse {always love shooting there!}, in an intimate ceremony shared just amongst their family and closest friends. After some portraits, the celebration continued at Caufield’s with mingling amongst cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Their wedding was the perfect example of a day that is low-key and relaxed, while still being beautifully elegant and classy.

To top it all off, their special day was announced in the New York Times! You can read their sweet story (and see a little photo feature! :) in the article here!