I met Charles & Sarah for the first time in person during their engagement session in Los Angeles! If I had to describe this couple in two words (because I couldn’t narrow it down to just one) it would be silly and caring. The chemistry between the two of them was so evident when I first met them, and whether you believe that it’s because of “destiny” or a product of their long term dating relationship, you can’t help but notice how well they complement one another with their differences! If you want to hear more about how the two of them came together, feel free to mosey on over to their engagement blog here! :)
For those of you who’d like a special Cliff Notes version about this sweet couple, Charles & Sarah met in college where they attended the same Christian fellowship, Intervarsity! Charles charmed Sarah with his “dorkiness” and humor, and Sarah reeled in Charles by putting her head on his shoulder during class one day. Their friendship grew with each day, and each hang out to a point where each of them began to question their “friendship”. And as history would have it, the two of them realized that their relationship had potential of growing into something more, and so their dating relationship began!
While the two of them are quite opposites on their own, together their traits have helped them grow incredibly over the years! When Charles proposed quite romantically by the beautiful beaches of Palos Verdes, it wasn’t a surprise to anyone. And this all leads us up to their beautiful wedding day that I was honored to capture and photograph!
It was a beautiful day in Placentia, and as John and I arrived to the Alta Vista Country Club, we were so excited to meet back up with this sweet couple! :)
There was nothing but excitement in the women’s locker room when I arrived! While everyone was calmed and relaxed, I could just feel the joy everyone had!
Sarah looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress (which she later informed me that she got at a steal of a price)! On its own, its a very classic, elegant dress, but Sarah made sure to glam it up a notch by adding some bling! ;)
John met up with Charles to see what the guys were up to! Charles and his groomsmen looked so dapper!
Once everyone was ready, Sarah and I met back up with John and Charles for their first look. :)
“I was actually super nervous about seeing Charles for the first time for the first look. I felt like I might have been shaking a little because I was so nervous. I was also nervous because I knew soon I would have to be in front of 200 people with all their attention on me, which you think I’d be used to because I’m a teacher, but I really don’t like being in the center of attention. I was also nervous because I was worried that I would not turn out well in the photos because my nervousness/stress would show on my face. I wasn’t worried about how Charles would think how I looked because that has never been an issue in our relationship (my sense of style or the way I like my makeup). I also wasn’t worried about how he looked because it’s so easy for boys to get ready haha. I was definitely excited to see his reaction though!”– Sarah
Well, Sarah, let me tell you, you looked nothing but beautifully happy! :)
“I was thinking, this is probably the best we’ll look for the rest of our lives. Haha, kidding, I felt kinda speechless at the sight of her. And started getting super excited about what the next day, week, month, year would bring.”
– Charles
First looks (& the bridal session) are always my favorite part of the day since they’re the most intimate moments the bride and groom have with one another. Charles & Sarah also mentioned loving this moment together the most as well. :)
“It was nice to be present at that moment with her.”
– Charles
After the First Look, we hid away and waited for the ceremony to begin. It was such a bright, sunshiney day, and Sarah’s sunflower details were so appropriate for their joyous event! :)
Charles beamed just as happily as he did during their First Look when he saw her walk down the isle! His face, full of pure joy and love, reminded me of the quote from 27 Dresses.
“You know how the bride makes her entrance and everybody turns to look at her? That’s when I look at the groom. Cause his face says it all you know? The pure love there.”
“I knew I wanted to marry Charles because he was so patient with me and in general. He never has “blow ups”, never yells, and doesn’t have a temper. Because my personality is always anxious and a bit impatient, it really helped me in my daily routines that he was so patient. Also, not only was he so kind and patient with me, he’s like that to everyone we know and new people we meet.”
– Sarah
Oh yes, the fist pump of pride! :) After the ceremony, John and I got to spend more time with Charles & Sarah’s intimate bridal party! It was so fun getting to see them all enjoy each others’ presence! You could see how happy they were all to be together and celebrating Charles & Sarah’s new walk of life! :)
As I mentioned before, one of my favorite parts of a wedding is the time I get to capture moments between just the Bride & Groom! There’s something about this time that allows for me to get a better glimpse of the love between the happy couple without the distractions of the crowd! Sarah, Charles, John & I got to take this time to explore the beautiful land Alta Vista had! This was probably one of the prettiest lakes I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing at a golf club! :)
I absolutely loved the bridge and the reflections the lake gave!
“…We accept each other’s faults and… …always choose to go the extra length for each other.”
– Charles
We ended their session in a cool tunnel on the way back to the reception room, and Charles & Sarah prepared for their grand entrance! :)
As they entered, “Uptown Funk” started to play, and we all knew something great was going to happen!
Speech after speech, there was nothing bad to be said about this beautiful couple!
What a wonderful night it was! Everyone was so happy for this sweet couple and it showed most on the dance floor! ;)
A sparkler exit was so appropriate for this couple! Their joy and love shined just as brightly as the sparklers themselves! ;)
Since the happy couple has been married for a couple months now, I asked them how it’s been, and what they’ve learned! The word that stood out to me from their responses is: patience.
“There are a lot of chores to do.. constantly. And communicating effectively and compassionately is very clearly the best way to solve anything. Just be nice to each other and things tend to work out.”
– Charles
“You need a lot of patience, especially after a rough day at work with kids (that don’t listen).”
– Sarah
CONGRATULATIONS CHARLES & SARAH! :)
Happy Thursday!