a family oriented WEDDING, An elegant CEREMONY, & ROSES THROUGHOUT
Gemma + Jonathan
I shot this gorgeous & free-spirited wedding when I still lived in Vegas and could drive to California, and so enjoyed the drive into the high desert town of Tehachapi. This wedding is a great example of a day that has no getting ready photos and is a shorter day of coverage for any of you discerning that!
Gemma and Jonathan, a happy go lucky, young in love couple who are wise beyond their years wanted this day to be family oriented. & From the first few pictures, you can see how intentionally they did just that. Gemma got ready by putting on beautiful pearl necklaces made by her cousin as well as her great grandmother’s diamond earrings.
After getting ready, the bridesmaids joined the bride in a beautiful prayer while the groomsmen handed out programs and laughed with guests as they got seated.
As many of you know, one of my favorite parts of the day is seeing the groom’s face as his bride walks toward him. Jonathan was a mess, and Gemma’s smile was radiant as she walked to meet him! The couple were both smiling and giddy with love throughout the ceremony. St. Malachy Church was a beautiful place for their wedding mass. As the bride and groom gazed up at Christ in the Eucharist, just above was the crucifix and stained glass image of Jesus, just totally making my heart melt for these photos of them!
The new Mr. & Mrs. walked out beaming!
We took the energetic bridal party outside to take tons of fun photos, where we did a really good mix of hilarious candids, silly poses, and “excited our friends got married” type things.
Jonathan’s love for his bride was evident throughout the day in the tiniest of ways, like when he was helping Gemma carry the train of her dress all over the grassy park. As the bridal party chilled nearby, I stepped away with the bride and groom to take portraits in front of a beautiful (and giant) bush of blooming roses. This felt so fitting as a backdrop not only for its beauty, but also to add to the theme of the flowers the bride & bridesmaids had beautifully added in their hair! Gemma looked elegant and classy wearing her wedding gown in front of the blooms.
If anyone wants to teach me how to get a rose bush this big in my yard, email me lol.
I love capturing all the little details during weddings and receptions, and I especially loved the flowers and fruit on the wedding cake, again matching the theme of roses. It was also so beautiful to see the couple incorporate St. Joseph into their reception after watching them bring flowers to Mary during the ceremony! The bubbly couple had a fun dance, and rest of their night, with their family and friends!
The fun continued when Gemma put cake on Jonathan’s face and then the dancing began!
Cheers to this vibrant couple!!
VENDORS:
Photography: Nikayla & Co
Dress: David’s Bridal
Ceremony location: St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church
