love story

Justin & Khaki - Indianapolis, IN

Where do I possibly begin with Justin and Khaki’s wedding day?! I think most of us who were there would agree that it was the most highly anticipated and most unforgettable day ever.

Justin and Khaki were best friends in middle school, dated in high school, went separate ways for a bit, and then found their way back to each other after college. They are one of those love stories that are bound for ultimate success because of the deep rooted friendship that they started so many years ago.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the both of them over the last 2 years, and have gotten to witness first hand the type of love they share. It’s fun, flirty, easy, sincere, and sweet. These two are truly best friends.

Their wedding day was perfectly them! They exchanged thoughtful gifts to each other prior to the ceremony and before seeing each other, and Justin gleamed and teared up at the same time, as he saw Khaki for the first time on their wedding day walk down the aisle to him. After their traditional Catholic ceremony, the Priest reminded us that “now it’s time to celebrate, God loves a good celebration” and celebrate we did. Their bridal party was filled with all of their siblings (Khaki’s 5 sisters and Justin’s 3 brothers), and their closest friends - which was the most wild and entertaining combination of people. We trolleyed around, drank champagne, played finger pull, took some photos, and engaged in epic dance moves on the trolley while all of their guests gathered at the Historic Union station, downtown Indianapolis.

The real party began when the new Mr. and Mrs. entered the reception with the most memorable entrance of all time, as all of their family and friends jumped up and down and cheered. It was a riot, and probably my favorite part of the whole day. The sweetest words were shared by their loved ones. I loved hearing Khaki’s dad talk about his admiration of Justin, Khaki’s sister and Justin’s brother both talk about the relationship that began when they were just kids, and so many other stories and words of wisdom for marriage. The night continued with overflowing drinks, a wild live band, Justin’s dance moves were out of this world, and everyone partied late into the night, celebrating this new milestone for Justin and Khaki. It was an unforgettable day, to say the least.

I dug up a couple of old photos of these two just because I think it’s so incredible that this love story started so long ago for them… how cute are they?!

Justin and Khaki, I admire you guys in so many ways, so it was an absolute honor to capture your love story and wedding day. Thank you for inspiring us all with your love - one that is rooted in friendship, grounded with compassion and understanding, and enriched with flirtation and fun. I love your love! I am so excited to see where this life takes you together, you guys are unstoppable.

Venue: Saint John the Evangelist & The Grand Hall at Historic Union Station

Officiant: Father Paul Landwerlen 

Florals: Meg Catherine flowers

Hair: Bobby Cooper Salon

Makeup: Red Boss Beauty

Invitations & Signage: The Monogram Shoppe 

DJ/Band: The Doo Band 

Catering: Union Station

Cake: Classic Cakes Carmel 

Wedding Gown: Elinor by Sareh Nouri 

Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group 

Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux

THE G.W.E.D. - Los Angeles, CA

Special thanks to Isaac and Mandy for helping film!

1 night, 1 couple, 3 events, 5 charities, 45 sponsors, 700+ people… Honestly, have you heard of anything like this? The answer is no, because this couple did something that nobody ever has. They hosted a $200k wedding that didn’t cost them $200,000 but RAISED over $200,000!!! Caleb and Tiffany truly have hearts of gold and they are fiercely dedicated to making this world a better place. So much that they donated their wedding! I mean, who does that? Especially in this century, where weddings are so hyped up, so detail oriented, and all about and catered to the couple. This was catastrophically quite the opposite.

Caleb and Tiffany believe that love is about the challenges, heartache, and battles you face in life and being able to fight through those together and come out stronger. AMEN TO THAT. Individually, they both have had their own battles in life to overcome:

“I have overcome childhood trauma from sexual assault, depression, emotional abuse, poverty, first generational living, suicide and pressure of raising my siblings, by turning my focus to helping others.” -Tiffany

“At the age of 1, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called cystic fibrosis. I was told my life expectancy was only 19 years old (I am now 27). Despite the financial burden of doctors and hospital visits, the struggle to overcome sickness on a daily basis, and the unknown future, I choose to take this fight day-by-day. I take pride in being known to live in the moment and for my sincere appreciation of life. Rather than focusing on my fears, I love to follow my highest excitement at every given moment with no expectations of outcome.” - Caleb

It’s true, the amount of positivity and true appreciate for life that these two have is evident in their bright smiles, loving hugs, and compassion for the world.

Their wedding was out of this world! With well-known artists, dancers, musicians, speakers, live auctions, a few surprises, etc. - the whole evening was a hit. They had a short, tear-jerking ceremony in the middle of it all so that we could all remember that, yes… this is a wedding… and a marriage is about to begin! After the ceremony, they had speakers educate everyone on their 5 causes that they were donating their wedding to, all very close to their hearts. Then the party began and everyone danced and drank the night away.

Caleb and Tiffany, you guys are a light in this world and an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for being a true example of what love looks like when you fight together to overcome life’s greatest battles. Thank you for donating your wedding. Thank you for asking me to capture it! Thank you for encouraging us all to put goodness in the world, and reminding us that it’s not about what we can do alone, but what we can accomplish all together. This is not the end, it is only the beginning. I am so excited to see what you two continue to accomplish together in this life. YOU ARE “MARRIAGE GOALS” AND I LOVE YOU!

LEARN ABOUT THE GREATEST WEDDING EVER DONATED HERE

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Watch the video below (created by WoodSnap) to learn more about the vision and love story behind it all:

VIDEO BY: WOODSNAP

Scott & Karin - Pasadena, CA

My first recollection of Scott and Karin was at a brewery in Hood River, OR, when my friends and I were a few tables away admiring Karin’s elegant beauty, graceful demeanor, and subtle confidence. Moments later, a smiling, handsome, gentle giant comes up behind her, surprising her, and wraps his arms around her in an tender embrace. It was hard not to stare throughout their afternoon date. Scott and Karin are one of those couples that truly look at each other like nobody else is in the room. That’s probably why they were a little shocked when I swung by their table on my way out, and told them how adorable they are! My job is capturing love, so I told them I knew true love when I saw it and gave them my card, told them I hoped to capture their love one day, and went on my way.

Fast forward 1 year later, and I am feeling absolutely ecstatic to be in Pasadena, CA capturing their wedding day. After getting to know them at their engagement session (see their epic engagement session HERE), I knew their wedding would be nothing short of extraordinary. While Scott is the quietest man I’ve ever met, he also has this charming, subtle badass-ness that reminds me something of James Bond. Karin is not afraid to be the center of attention, loves to sing (she is an opera singer!), carries herself with such grace and elegance, and don’t get my started on how beautiful this girl is! While some may thing these two are the definition of “opposites attract,” it became obvious to me that Karin brings out a livelihood in Scott, and he brings out a tender side of Karin. I could go on about these two forever… but I’ll move on to their wedding day.

They wed at Karin’s Christian Orthodox church, with a few hints of Hawaiian tradition, since Scott grew up in Hawaii, they passed out lei’s and a Hawaiian band performed the prelude. Scott beamed as he saw Karin for the very first time on their wedding day, walk down the aisle to him, with her dad. The ceremony was lovely, but the real party got started when their 200 guests moved over to The Athenaeum. The amount of planning and details that went into planning this party really showed off. Karin certainly has good taste (and loves pink!), so the whole ambiance of the reception space was to die for! Scott and Karin paraded into the party to a traditional Armenian wedding song to start off the night, and it only got more wild from there. Her opera singing friend, SANG the whole menu for the evening, which was quite entertaining! Karin and two of her friends sang a special song, as well.. The toasts were incredible, the tears flowed, the laughter roared, and Karin kindly reminded her guests that she would like EVERY PERSON on the dance floor all evening. And boy, did that actually happen! Their live band was incredible and had the whole dance floor going all night long. A huge highlight was the choreographed First Dance that Scott and Karin did… it was so sexy! It was a perfect presentation of their flirty love. Of course later in the night, Scott had every girl wanting to be lifted up in the air by him, “dirty dancing” style.

As amazing as their wedding was, I know their journey together in this next chapter will be even more amazing. They are both such incredible individuals, I cannot even imagine what they are going to conquer in this world together as a duo! Scott and Karin, I am beyond honored that you chose me! I went from admiring your guys’ love on a random afternoon date to actually getting to be a part of your love story, and I am forever grateful. Thank you for inspiring us all with how madly in love you guys are!

Venue: The Athenaeum at the California Institute of Technology

Coordinator: Karin and Lauren Mushegain, with Maggie Jensen Floral Co. and Kathy Winterrowd of the Athenaeum

Photographer & Videographer: RP Imagery

Officiant: Father Sarkis Petoyan of St. Gregory Armenian Church, Pasadena, CA

Florals: Maggie Jensen Floral Co

Invitations and/or Signage: Carmody and Co. Pasadena, CA 

Ceremony and Cocktail band: The Alcatraz Islanders

Performance of the menu: Singer- Jonathan Beyer // Pianist - Paul Romero

Reception Band: Jump Start from Bob Gail Music and Entertainment

Linens Rentals: La Tavola

Glasses/Table Setting/Flatware/Chairs/Barstools Rentals: Theoni Collection

Custom Bar: Designer 8

Lighting: Bright Event Rentals

Dance Floor: Vincent Starr

Catering: The Athenaeum

Cake: Fantasty Frostings

Bridal Dress: Bespoke Carolina Herrera

Bridesmaids Dresses:  Haute Hippie

Groom Tux: Bespoke JB Clothiers 

Groomsmen Attire: Mens Wearhouse

Hair and Makeup: Stephanie Navarro // Brides by Stephanie

Custom Ice: Penny Pound Ice

Michael & Daveen - Washougal, WA

Michael and Daveen’s wedding was nothing short of magical! Daveen is a master detail planner, and had her complete wedding day envisioned as soon as she met Michael. Granted, many of those details changed over the years, but every detail of their day was absolutely radiant all the same. Daveen’s vision truly came to life in every ounce of the day - florals, table settings, ceremony arch, dessert table, jewelry, attire, etc.

However, no amount of beautiful detail can beat the authentic, magical love between these two. The respect, adoration, and love for each other is something special. Michael and Daveen, I love your love! Thank you for choosing me to capture such a monumental day in a new chapter of your love story. Thank you for inspiring us all with the passion, romance, and deep love that you two share. I am honored to call you guys’ friends and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. xox

Venue: Creekside Estate & Vineyard

Catering: Delicious Dishes

Bartending: Main Event Sports Grill

Florals: Your Flower Friends

Photography: Jane & Co Photography

Hair/Makeup: Lindsey with Powder Inc Beauty

Restrooms: Royal Throne Restroom

Bridal Gown: The White Dress

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse