Stacey and Matt were all giddy for the ceremony to start this weekend at The Shore Cliff Lodge. Stacey was calm about everything beforehand, except for repeating her vows. I even heard her trying to talk her mom into saying them for her! Apparently Stacey was a little nervous about messing up. =) Not to worry though, she made it through perfectly and then the party started! Dancing, laughing, great toasts, and a whole mess of competition. The people were just waiting for the plates to get cleared to start the dance floor rocking! Almost immediately, Table 10 challenged Table 9 to a dance off. (As the official judge, I'd have to give Table 10 the award...not wholly for style, but more for enthusiasm). Stacey and Matt...have a wonderful marriage! Stacey's mom was so happy looking at her daughter in her awesome wedding dress a few minutes before the ceremony started. And just look at how they beamed at each other during the ceremony. awwwww Check out the cool reception location on the bluffs... The MOST eager group of garter catchers I've seen...although it *still* landed on the ground. LOL! Love was definitely in the air for all the couples.

Beautiful couple: check Incredible church: check Stunning dress (and body to match): check Off-the-hook reception venue: check LOVE and LAUGHTER: double freakin' check!! Nancy and Ryan steamed up Palos Verdes this weekend with their awesome wedding! I've been looking forward to meeting their families and friends ever since I heard their stories during our engagement session from this summer. I was not disappointed at all. First, I had to meet Ryan's sister. After all, she's also happens to be Nancy's best friend and had predicted (before Nancy and Ryan even started dating) that they would get married. Second, I had to meet Nancy's amazing family. Nancy's family delivered THE BEST toasts that I have ever heard. EVER. More on that later though... A couple last make-up touches. Nancy gets a peek at friends arriving for the ceremony...just LOVE her expression here!! Nancy and her dad moments before turning the corner and walking up that aisle... Why is it that guys just never can catch that garter before it hits the ground??? =) And last, but certainly not least...a photo of Nancy's mom. Nancy's mom and dad adopted Nancy when she was just a tiny baby. Her parents had 4 sons already when they adopted Nancy. Her dad and brother's toasts were amazingly sweet and touching. I'm failing to find the words right now to describe how they affected me (and I'm still thinking about them today). So, when I fail with words, I usually turn to photos, and this one reminds me of just how I felt. Nancy's mom as she listened to dad describe bringing Nancy home for the first time. "Just 6 weeks old...an angel from above"

Considering a backyard wedding? Well, check out the awesome set-up that Ell and Will created (with the help of some friends and family). Honestly, it looked like a resort grounds with all the candles and lights for the reception. Loved it! Plus, just look at the awesome light we had for their ceremony... Getting ready, Ell's dress was a good old fashioned lace-up dress and corset type. She had expert hands helping lace her up faster than I've ever seen done before! Way to go Kristin! Like most couples (myself included), Will and Ell didn't want to see each other before the ceremony...but we *ALMOST* had a sighting. I love this shot of Ell running and laughing when we almost got caught by Will... We had just a tiny bit of light left over for photos together afterwards, so we mixed it up with some off-camera lighting. WOW! Doesn't Ell's dress just look awesome in the night lighting? Da Bomb. Ell's rockstar ring sitting on top of Will's band. Best of luck in Philly guys! I have a good feeling about that place!

Oh boy...looked like rain. We were standing under umbrella's during the rehearsal. But, the skies cleared for a fantastic day (and night) of blue skies, green and golden vineyards, and live oaks. Zenaida Cellars is a beautiful backdrop and host for getting married. They have this awesome 2-bedroom suite overlooking the ceremony spot, which makes it super easy to coordinate everyone and everything. And, I *knew* Annie's wedding would have all the spectacular details to just set the place on fire! She's got such a great eye for details. So...on to the pictures! I love it when a crowd of guys actually try hard to catch the garter. 9 times out of 10 though, it usually ends up on the ground. I have *never* seen a bouquet hit the ground unless the bride tossed it into a chandelier. Girls just don't mess around with that stuff. =)

Karen and Kal prayed for this day. And, it was just as they'd prayed. Surrounded by friends and family, their celebration took shape. The day started at Karen's house where I discovered a couple of things that we have in common. (1) She's a list-maker just like me. Check out how many things she accomplished in the week before her wedding (and I love that her list is on nerdy green engineering paper that I love and use too!) and (2) She's a photos-on-the-fridge-door person. After all, who wants to hide photos in albums?! If guys only knew how much effort went into looking beautiful for them =) Time got tight as they were getting ready...and I love how Karen's sister and mom were lined up all helping each other get ready. Karen's sister was giving her a countdown of how many buttons were left the whole time. The receiving line was full of hugs and smiles... and the dance floor was hopping...(and I still had the song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by IZ in my head, I finally had to download it from iTunes and listen to it on the ride home that night...love it!)