LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Hazel and Nathan's wedding was the second wedding of 2023, and it couldn't have come any sooner. The morning of that day was filled with the cold air of winter, and clouds invaded the skies. However, the sun would peek through them, gracing us with its warmth. This wedding felt like it was going to be great from the get-go. It was.
Pre-Ceremony
Maria and I arrived at a beauty salon in LA. The salon buzzed with chatter and laughter from the bridesmaids and mothers who were starting to prepare for the special wedding day ahead. The air was filled with hairspray and a variety of breakfast aromas. Hazel was the first person I saw as she turned in her chair with a big smile. You could tell the nerves hadn't gotten to her yet. She was just happy. I left my Maria with her to photograph the little moments as she was getting ready to be the bride of the day. The rest of the bride's story will be told through the photos below.
Meanwhile, I headed out to the Airbnb where Nathan was waiting. As with Hazel, he had a big smile, not bothered by the significant step he was about to take. It's often easier to photograph the groom because it takes less time. Nevertheless, one can't help but photograph the details of his outfit. Nathan brought a taste of his New Mexico culture with his western outfit, complete with a bolo tie. However, I'll let the story be told through the wedding photography below.
The First Look
Nothing is as unpredictable as the first look. You never know what the reaction will be from either the bride or the groom. Hazel and Nathan were no exception to this. Hazel looked so beautiful in her elegant white dress. She was stunning, so we knew that Nathan's reaction was going to be a good one.
I had never seen a man become so giddy, like a little boy who had just received the present he always wanted, so quickly. It was cute and tender.
Stunned, he slowly walked to her and embraced his bride.
The Wedding Portraits
Now comes the part where I have the most fun: the wedding portraits. This one was personal for me because of one thing: the location.
We actually had two locations for this wedding, which was rare. I won't disclose the first location where the first look and first portraits were done, as I don't want to get the ranger in trouble; she was gracious enough to let us photograph inside one of the exhibits. Yes, we were very careful. But the second location was at one of the places I had always wanted to photograph: the Los Angeles Union Station.
The Ceremony
This might sound biased since we are Jehovah's Witnesses, but I love Jehovah Witness weddings because I appreciate how wedding ceremonies are so simple and educational. All the information provided about weddings is directly from the Bible, providing a refresher course on marriage while I work as a photographer. The ceremony talks are straightforward, staying on course with the counsel without deviating into other topics and traditions. I say this with the utmost respect for other religious ceremonies.
Speaking of which, let's stick to discussing this wedding, shall we?\
This ceremony was simple and beautiful. Like every wedding, the venue was filled with big smiles and happiness. However, the real tear-jerker moment was after the ceremony when the newlyweds were alone in the backroom.
The Wedding Portraits II
Photographing at the Union Station meant so much to me because this was a station I frequently visited as a child. My mom would take me to see my dad who lived in Los Angeles. We lived in Anaheim at the time, so we would take the train and stop at the Union Station. Coming back to this station felt like completing a circle for me. The amazing place with its art deco design was a fantastic backdrop. I could have photographed there forever, indulging in its nostalgia and romantic feel.
The Reception
What a way to end this beautiful wedding day than by having a fantastic reception filled with joyful people who wanted to celebrate with the newlyweds. There were tacos, good music, Mexican soda, dancing, and all-around amazingness! But I'll be quiet and let you all see for yourselves.
