Sedeel and Fred celebrated their marriage at The Duke Hotel of Newport Beach over the weekend, and all I can say is WOW! This was such a fun wedding. It was absolutely beautiful as well, but most importantly, Sedeel and Fred were a dream to work with. They were so incredibly kind and so was every single person we encountered while documenting this special day. It really goes to show how amazing a couple is when all of their wedding guests share the same kindness and warm hearts as they do.

These two had their formal wedding ceremony previously in another state and brought their family and friends together for a wedding reception here in beautiful Southern California. They met through a mutual friend when Fred was in Chicago for a recruiting conference during grad school. Fred’s charm and sweet soul instantly won Sedeel over and she quickly became the most beautiful best friend Fred had ever had. They dated for a year until Fred popped the question on their one-year anniversary in the most incredible way Sedeel could never have dreamed up!
She went to Michigan to celebrate one of her best friend’s birthdays and little did she know all of her closest friend’s were in on Fred’s surprise! They told her they wanted to go to an event, so she got ready with them and they all went out together. When she arrived, it was an art gallery beautifully decorated with gold and white balloons.on the floor. She walked in and as she opened her mouth to say “Happy Birthday!” to her friend who was there waiting for her, she was greeted with a “Happy Anniversary!” Understandably, Sedeel was completely confused, and then a recording began to play from the speakers with Fred’s voice. She began to look around and realized there were photos all over the walls with descriptions next to each one telling their love story. As soon as she finished reading, Fred walked in the door and their song–The Way You Look Tonight—started to play. He took her hand and they slow danced until the song came to an end. That’s when he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife! In tears, she exclaimed, “Yes!” Fast-forward a year, and now I am sharing their wedding images with you today!

If you want to experience their wedding to the tune of their first dance song, just hit play below. You won’t regret it. 🙂

 

Up until the wedding, Sedeel lived in Chicago as an art director, so of course she put thought and time into every last detail of this special day! Her colors were blush and ivory with touches of gold. She designed all of her own wedding stationery, menus included, and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing them knowing that she made them herself! After we captured some of her gorgeous details, she got into her dress with the help of her mom who was also her matron of honor. Her mom couldn’t hold back her tears, and it was so precious to see!

Fred got ready down the hall and sure enough he put thought into every last detail he wore, too! He even made sure to sneak in a surprise for Sedeel, one she would never have let him get away with had she known prior! When Sedeel and Fred first met, she shared with him that she is not a fan of Hawaiian shirts, but Fred had several! He thought it would be fun to sneak one under his suit for the first look to surprise Sedeel. I’ve never seen the bride so expressive during the first look as I did on this day! Usually the groom is the shocked one, but the tables turned! They laughed hysterically, and Sedeel shared with everyone how she was secretly fuming on the inside (but honestly, she is the sweetest thing and didn’t show the slightest sign of being mad at him!). Then Fred checked out his gorgeous bride and couldn’t hold back the love in his eyes for her. They had a sweet moment and we captured it from afar. I didn’t have to tell them anything and their chemistry was so perfect for the camera! It was the sweetest thing to see!

After their first look, we photographed the two of them with their closest friends and family. Sedeel had bridesmaids mismatched in gold and blush, and Fred chose not to have groomsmen. Instead, he got some photos with his closest friends before the party got started!

As wedding guests arrived, the bride and groom stayed tucked away and waited for their grand entrance to greet everyone. The ballroom doors opened for guests and it was adorned with gold, blush, and ivory. The chandelier sparkled above the dance floor, and the candles filled the room with romance. There was seating for nearly 300 guestsl grand is truly the word that comes to mind when I think about my experience walking in the doors for the first time!

When it was time for the grand entrance, everyone got seated. Sedeel and Fred had a professional drummer lead them in and all of their family members surrounded them as they walked through the hall and into the ballroom. They had a long moment of celebration and the drummer continued! Their wedding reception was one of the most fun dance parties I’ve ever seen!

I truly loved every moment of this day. Sedeel and Fred, thank you again for having my team! We adored you and your amazing loved ones. Cheers to a beautiful couple inside and out!

 

Vendor Love…

Venue: The Duke Hotel

Wedding Coordinator: Atoievents

Photography: Jenna Joseph Photography

Videography: ByDesign Films

Catering: Cham-Ya

DJ: DJ Dandana

Hair: Hair by Farah

Makeup: Makeup by Nelly

Floral Design/Decor: Le’toile

Bouquets: Greenleaf Designs

Cakes/Deserts: Cinderella Cakes

Tuxedo: Calvin Klein

Stationary: Designed by the Bride