Eric and Chrissy were married this weekend!

We were so excited to be asked to photograph a wedding in Orange County, California.  The ironic thing?  While we had no snow on the ground in Minnesota, it actually snowed in Aliso Viejo!  It only briefly stuck around but it was pretty surreal.  Anyway, getting off the plane into seventy degree weather was fabulous and we looked forward to a weekend of happy wedding events to cover.

We started off at Toni&Guy Salonin the Irvine Spectrum.  Chrissy loves surprises, so she didn’t peek at her hair or makeup until after it was completed.  The stylists did an amazing job with all of the ladies, creating a cohesive look while still letting each individual have the hairstyle that they love.  The same thought went into the dress choices for the maids.  Each bridesmaid was allowed to choose a dress with a look they wanted in the same plum color.  Melinda Keane, the floral designer, tied it all together with fabulous arrangements of purple, red, and white with hints of gold that gave everything a sophisticated winter look without being too Christmassy.

Chrissy loves all things Disney and occasionally bursts into song.  So she channelled her inner Cinderella for the look of her wedding.  Chrissy’s Maggie Soterro gown was simply gorgeous and she added some bling with a belt full of sparkles.  Add a sophisticated up do with curls, a tiara and a sixpence in her shoe, and this princess was ready to get married! 

The ceremony took place at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Laguna Woods.  There was an audible “ooh and ahhh” when Chrissy walked down the aisle, and such a sweet moment when her dad lifted her blusher and kissed her on the cheek.  Between Chrissy’s students, church members and friends and family, the sanctuary was full and got rowdy at the end when Eric gave Chrissy a very enthusiastic first kiss.  There were many happy cheers and much laughter under the roof that afternoon.

After a cake reception at the church, a dinner reception followed at The Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa.  This venue is simply breathtaking.  Gorgeous mission architecture surrounded little grottoes, fountains and palms.  The outdoor courtyards were perfectly lit under the night sky and everywhere you turned there were terra cotta staircases and little vignettes.  It definitely felt like a Disney set.  Cinderella and Prince Charming toppped the Creative Cakesdesign (with a second topper from the Nightmare Before Christmas…just as romantic…for Eric).  White gloved butlers passed creative hors d’oeuvres including mini grilled cheese sandwiches in shot glasses of tomato soup.  Later that night, a full coffee bar allowed guests to truly customize their drink and a variety of chocolate covered strawberries were laid out with the guests’ choice of liquor filling.  The service was over the top amazing here and from start to finish the guests were pampered. 

The couple was announced at the grand march and went right into their first dance.  When the lights were lowered, the ceiling above the dance floor lit up like a starry sky!  As Eric spun Chrissy around it was easy to see her fairy tale vision come to life.  After speeches and a delicious dinner, DJ Bruce Battleson gathered the entire group onto the dance floor to start the party.  And party they did!  It was like a club in there and Chrissy was on cloud nine dancing with all her friends.  At the end of the night, Chrissy was whisked off for the surprise honeymoon…Eric is one fantastic guy =)

Eric and Chrissy, thank you so much for having us be a part of your day.  We loved every moment of it!  Here are our favorites, enjoy!