Backyard Vintage DIY Wedding | Pasadena, California | PART TWO

Jeff & Abby // Backyard Vintage DIY Wedding

PART TWO // THE VOWS

They stood back-to-back, porch door between them. The moment he grabbed her hand it was that cinematic moment where the buzz hushed, giggles muffled, mom sniffed, flower girls peaks around the corner. They giggled. They were awkward. Abby fought back tears. Jeff couldn't stop smiling. It was one of my favorite moments of their day. And the way he prayed for his bride; surrendered their expectations and their party; honored and anticipated his beloved...Guests started to trickle in and there was a cranky ring-bearer in the room, something about somebody's hair wasn't done, a mason jar broke somewhere outside, the flurry picked up once more....but something had been diffused. All was right in the world.

Abby's laughter was the centerpiece of the wedding ceremony. Jeff literally fist-pumped his way through "you may kiss the bride." Afterwards, family meandered to the front yard to catch some formal pictures followed by a good chunk of time navigating the wedding party, their ravenous hunger, the beer in mason jars, cheese and crackers, reminiscing, sillyness....so. much. bonding. 

And then the bride and groom pulled away for their sunset session in the foothills...

To check out Jeff & Abby's stellar downtown Pasadena engagement session Go Here.

To check out PART ONE of Jeff & Abby's Pasadena Backyard Wedding Go Here

Check back for the third and final part of Jeff & Abby's wedding day! 

Backyard Vintage DIY Wedding | Denim, Burlap & Lace | Part One

Jeff & Abby // Backyard Vintage DIY Wedding   

PART ONE | THE PRELUDE 

Fresh spring air rose up over Pasadena's foothills. The private residence was quaint. Decorated with nostalgia, family heirlooms and frosted with more make-up and DIY favor remnants than we knew what to do with. Chickens clucked on the trampoline, tablecloths waved in the fresh morning breeze and the laughter of long-time friends sprinkled throughout last minute responsibilities, anticipation and the emotion of, "FINALLY." 

My highlights from the very beginning were the way her girls took care of her. They tended to details. Painted vases in their PJs. Put Abby first. And then there was the bride herself.  Abby's up-do was one of the most beautiful i've seen. Her one simple jewelry choice was this perfect blue stone on a gold chain. The denim jackets, the flower girls and their boots, the tosses of babies breath against these perfect bridesmaid dresses...

And then she put that dress on...and her girls were laughing and her mom was crying and all Abby could do was LAUGH. SO. HARD....

Meanwhile Jeff waited in the foothills with his merry men...

More from this Pasadena Backyard DIY Wedding tomorrow!

Arizona Wedding Photography | Catalina Foothills Private Estate | Inspiration: Hippies, Biceps and Burlap | Part One

{Arizona Wedding Photography | Catalina Foothills Private Estate | Inspiration: Hippies, Biceps and Burlap}

Brent & Erica are beasts. They love the outdoors, thrive in physical activity, boast of outdoing eachother's push-up count--the first conversation I had with them immediately turned to Erica's emphatic insistence that humans have simply forgotten that were were designed to run and 50 miles is no biggee. riiiiight... They are a hoot. And madly in love. Since they actually had a destination wedding in Tucson and had to plan their wedding long-distance from Colorado, Erica's mom and aunt were the wedding planners. I met with them first and legitimately choked on coffee the entire time because I was laughing so hard. Laughter just runs in the veins of these people. It's incredible. I was STOKED to be able to capture the laughter on such a special day...They warned me prior to meeting Erica...'she's no frills. totally relaxed. no crazy demands. pretty hippie'...and when I met the bride-to-be--ms. blue eyes and blonde dreads  she simply said..."Just do your thing. I'm not even sure what I want...except that people are happy; that we look happy--stay happy." And to quote one of my movies: "Their happy was so very LOUD." | lkmErica had these awesome uber-hippie  sandals made from scratch. real leather. tanned and stained just for her. she also wore her grandma's pearls and kept an heirloom of a hankerchief with her throughout the day the prelude to the whole shibang was awesome. so chill. sisters hanging out with cousins. it was great! Erica was such a fun bride! Lori, mom, is an amazing mom. She pretty much made me cry just watching her get weepy throughout the day. And then they had a first look moment...so tender and special. They couldn't WAIT to be together that morning. And as soon as she, literally, flew up into his arms, it was like a very definitive "start" switch was flipped. like the day had officially started and they were going to be side by side the whole way through. biggest. bouquet. ever. they totally insisted on this pose...boys, boys, boys. (props to my 2nd shooter Tony Bernardo for snatching this shot below) (check back for PART TWO tomorrow!)