“Your ability to tell a story is exactly what I’ve been dreaming of in a wedding photographer” were Makenna’s first words to me. After a few email conversations and a phone call with her & her sweet mother, we knew we had a connection and that we were a perfect fit, which left me feeling confident that I could create some magic for them on their wedding day. Less than a year later, I hopped on a jet plane to LA, grabbed a rental car, and drove up the coast to Santa Barbara to meet them and photograph the happiest day of their lives. And let me tell ya, their story is one well worth sharing.
A few notes:
Makenna & her family made me feel like I was one of their own. To know them is to love them, and good grief do I feel blessed to now know them.
Makenna got ready at her parent’s gorgeous home right near the ocean. As I drove up to the house I could hear Taylor Swift blaring, ocean waves, and wafting in the wind was the faint smell of hairspray. I knew I was in the right place.
The morning with the girls was one of the most joyful getting ready settings I’ve yet to experience. Love was floating around all over the place, along with tears of joy, laughter, mimosas, floral robes, beautiful light, loads of hugs, and music impossible to stand still to.
Their ceremony was in an oak grove, with the most beautiful seeping light pouring through the canopy.
How about Tyler’s reaction to seeing his bride for the first time?! #melting
Cocktail hour was a short walk right down to the beach, where they also had shared their first dance, father-daughter dance, and mother-son dance.
Its been years and I’m still not over the florals yet. (Carissa from JL Designs is too talented for words)
Dinner was also in the same oak grove, now with sprinkled with strung lights from tree to tree, with drool-worthy table settings & details.
We scooted back down to the beach for some more sunset portraits while the guests ate, which may have been the best decision of the day.
Tyler is Samoan. He & his family performed a traditional Samoan wedding dance (the “Sasa”) complete with traditional get-up. After, Makenna performed a Samoan bridal dance (called a “Taualuga”) as everyone danced along.
The energy on the dance floor blew my mind. In all of my 160+ weddings, this was the first that every single one of the guests were dancing their hearts out. The celebration was real.
Makenna & Tyler, I just love you two. Thank you for being so genuine, kind, thoughtful, and head over heels for each other, and thank you for allowing me to come into your lives and tell your story.
Viewers, feel free to pull up this song in a new tab and let it be your background music as you peruse the images from this glorious October day in California. 
