Romantic Serra Plaza Wedding – Melissa and Brad

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Melissa is such a gem. You can see it in Brad’s eyes when he looks at her. They met in a bar one night; they were both out with their own groups of friends. They exchanged words and even phone numbers but nothing ever came of it. Time passed and they ran into each other once again – in the same bar. This time they connected and ended up hitting it off, so much so that after dating for some time, Brad took Melissa to Hawaii with him and his family and brought something shiny in his pocket. It was on that perfect evening at the beach when she turned around and he was on one knee, as the sun was setting behind him.

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Before you look any further, this first look was so special. It’s a common misconception that doing a first look takes away the feeling of the groom seeing his bride for the first time walking down the isle to him. In my experience, a first look is always more emotional and special than that. It’s an intimate moment between a couple, before all of the excitement and overwhelming feelings come from being surrounded by so many loved ones. It’s not about saving time. Sure, it’s a perk, but I see a first look as something better than a time-saver. I see it as an opportunity for two people who love each other to have moment alone before they get to celebrate with everyone. I see it as a groom being able to express his feelings to his bride without all of his best guy friends standing right behind him. It’s a time where myself and my team step back and are completely quite until we are given the cue by the bride and groom that they’re ready for photos, because until that cue, we want them to feel like no one else is there with them. Brad and Melissa’s first look was nothing short of that special time together, and because of it, they got to sneak away to the bride’s suite after the ceremony and just be alone for a few minutes! That never happens!

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These were so delicious! Fresh, warm donuts! If you’re considering a non-traditional dessert option for your wedding, you must book the donut junkie. There is nothing better than freshly made donuts with a side of icing to dip them in!

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Venue: Serra Plaza
First Look Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano, CA
Coordinating: Sugar Branch Special Events & Design
Catering: Jay’s Catering Company
DJ: Eric with Extreme DJ Service
Florals: Flowers Etc
Hair & Makeup: Beauty and the Beach
Ceremony Music: Jessica Louise
Officient: Richard with Christ Lutheran Church, Brea
Donut Bar: Donut Junkie
Photobooth: SoCal ShutterBooth
Photography: Jenna Petersen Photography

3 comments
  • […] share more of their engagement session this morning! Katie found me when I was shooting her cousin Melissa’s wedding at Serra Plaza in San Juan Capistrano. She told me that she noticed me working and just had to […]ReplyCancel

  • […] to see they way he looked at her. I had the pleasure of photographing Katie’s cousin Melissa’s wedding last November at Serra Plaza, and I was so happy she contacted me after their big day so I could […]ReplyCancel

  • […] to see they way he looked at her. I had the pleasure of photographing Katie’s cousin Melissa’s wedding last November at Serra Plaza, and I was so happy Katie contacted me after Melissa and […]ReplyCancel

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