Hazel & Nathan
MAY 21, 2023
Hazel and Nathan's wedding was the second wedding for 2023 and it couldn't come any sooner. The morning that day was filled with the cold air of the winter and clouds invaded the skies but the sun would peak through them gracing us with it's warmth. This wedding felt like it was going to be good from the get go. It was.
Pre-ceremony
Maria and I, arrived at a beauty salon in LA. The salon was filled with chatter and laughter from the bridesmaids and mothers that were starting to get prepared for the special wedding day ahead. The air was filled with hair spray and all sorts of breakfast aromas. Hazel was the first person I saw as she turned on her chair with a big smile. You could tell the nerves have not got her yet. She was just happy. I left my Maria with her to photograph little moments as she was gettting ready to be the bride of the day. The rest of the brides story will be told by the photos below.
Meanwhile, I headed out to the airbnb where Nathan was waiting. As was with Hazel, he had a big smile. Not bothered for the big plunge he was about to take. It is always easier to photograph the groom because it takes us less. Nevetheless, one can help but to photograph the details of his outfit. Nathan brought a taste of his New Mexico culture with his western outfit complete with a bolo tie. But I'll let the story be told by the wedding photography below.
The First Look
Nothing is as unpredictable than 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 look so beautiful in her white elegant dress. She was stunning. So we knew that the reaction from Nathan was going to be a good one.
I never seen a man turn gitty like a little boy who just got the present he always wanted so fast. 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 because I don't want to get the ranger in trouble as 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 always wanted to photograph. The Los Angeles Union Station.
The Ceremony
This is going to sound biased since we are Jehovah's Witnesses, but, I love Jehovah Witness weddings becauses I love how wedding ceremonies are so simple and educational. Since all of the information given about wedding is straight from the Bible, One gets a refresher course on marriage as you do your work as a photographer. The ceremony talk are simple because they stay on course with the counsel without deviating into other topics and traditions. I say that with the upmost respect for other religious ceremonies.
Speaking of which, lets stick to this wedding, am I right?
This ceremony was simple and beautiful. Like every wedding, the venue was filled with big smiles and happiness. But the real tear jerker was after the ceremony when the newlyweds were alone in the backroom.e
The Wedding Portraits II
Photographing at the Union Station meant so much to me because this was a station that I frequently visited as a child because 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. So coming back to this station was a circle back for me. The amazing place with its art deco design was just so amazing to use as a backdrop. I could of photographed forever there as I was endulging in its nostalgia and romantic feel.
The Reception
What a way to end this beautiful wedding day then by having a great reception filled of happy people who wanted to celebrate with the newlyweds. There was tacos, there was good music, there was mexican soda, there was dancing, there was amazingness! But I'll be quiet and let you guys see for yourself.
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