California Wedding: Miranda & Angus

I had the pleasure of traveling to California to photograph a wedding for a couple who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (you may know them as Mormon). Well, to be quite honest, I didn't photograph their wedding ceremony, but their wedding reception, as this type of ceremony, or sealing, is a sacred event that takes place inside the temple. This ceremony is called a sealing because the couple is being joined together not just for this life, but they are "sealed" as a couple for all eternity. Only those who are a part of the church and have a temple recommend (which means the person has been baptized, has been a part of the church for at least a year, and has been interviewed by their bishop and stake president) can attend the sealing ceremony. As such, wedding photography generally begins after the ceremony, when the couple leaves the temple, often through ornate doors.

Miranda and Angus were married at the Los Angeles Temple, which is a huge, impressive building right in LA. After their sealing it's customary to take a big group photo with everyone who waited for them outside the temple, so keep an eye out for that! After some more photos with Miranda and Angus's family and bridal party we drove north out of city to beautiful Santa Barbara. Godric Grove in Elings Park was such an incredible space for their cocktail hour and reception. I'm a sucker for outdoor weddings, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. I have so much love for Miranda and Angus and wish them all the best in this journey of marriage!

PS. I learned SO MUCH while photographing this wedding, as I have to admit that I was pretty clueless when it came to the beliefs and customs held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I did my best to explain everything accurately, but you're welcome to reach out if I missed something or misspoke!

VENDORS

Ceremony Venue: Los Angeles Temple

Reception Venue: Godric Grove in Elings Park

Caterer: Pure Joy Catering

Florist: Nina Kincaid with Coco Rose Design

Hair & Make Up: Absolutely Beautiful

DJ: AMS Events

Bridal Boutique: The Perfect Dress

Stationer: Ririe Press

Jewelry: Aaland Diamond Jewelers

Such a lovely bridal party. Brides often ask if having each bridesmaid wear a different dress can look good and it most certainly can - just check out how great this group looked!

After the ceremony we all drove north to Santa Barbara for portraits and a cocktail hour and reception in beautiful Elings Park. Here in Pennsylvania I always check to make sure couples have a rain plan, but that simply isn't necessary in southern California.