Hummingbird Nest Ranch Wedding : Nicole+Matt

She was determined to let go of everything that didn't matter and soak up anything that did. To Nicole this meant standing on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, wearing four pairs of shoes on her wedding day, and hugging everyone who crossed her path. Twice. There weren't rules or formalities, just the encouragement to let the day unfold as naturally and beautifully as possible.

Nicole squeezed her sister Gina, skipped from room to room, and when she walked down the aisle with her father, the church erupted with cheers and applause. Her infectious energy rubbed off on everyone and her friends and family waited on baited breath for her to see Matt, the man who pocketed her energy and used it to make himself complete.

Matt shifted his weight from one leg to another as he waited for Nicole to walk down the aisle toward the spot where everything changed, the place she became his wife. It was during the applause when tears rolled down his cheeks and when she reached him, her tiny fingers wrapped around his. On that spot, everything changed…she became his wife…and he became complete.

Nikki and Matt…thank you, thank you and mile grazie! From the moment we met, I was smitten with everything you are–together–and your love. Your families feel like an extension of my own (your mom Debbie and I are like BFFs) and my heart became tied up with the amazingness that was your wedding. You made me wish I was Italian, a New Yorker, and not-so-distant cousin. Hope you're having a blast in Hawaii and loving the start of your lives as one. Much Love and Appreciation… j*

The wedding day started at one of my favorite venues, Hummingbird Nest Ranch…I've shot here before, but every time I return, I see the space in a new way. Nicole donned a Vera Wang gown…but not to be outshined, her Christian Louboutin heels were perfect…

Nicole was beautified by Fiore Beauty and her hair was done by the ever fab Allie Peronelli of Neil George Salon

Matt surprised Nicole with a diamond necklace and I'm pretty sure her reaction says it all…

Leaving Hummingbird Nest Ranch en route to the church…

The wedding ceremony was held at Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills and Matt was overcome when he saw his wife walking down the aisle…

…until, that is, Nicole's father let him know a few things. I couldn't hear what he said, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with his feet in cement blocks if Matt didn't take care of his daughter! (Just kidding, Mr. D!)

Mr and Mrs…

We made our way back to gorgeous Hummingbird Nest Ranch for wedding photos and the light was just amazing…a special thanks to Holly Flora for the amazing bouquet…

Nicole, you're so fierce I can't even stand it…

I love these two…

Not only is Hummingbird Nest Ranch a beautiful venue, Susie and Beth of Beth Helmstetter Events made the day flow effortlessly and added their touch of amazingness to everything. I was incredibly thankful to be on their team because I love the way they work…here's a sneak peek of their hard work with florals by Holly Flora

The delicious dessert table featured goods from Vanilla Bake Shop

Since it was an outdoor wedding reception at Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Nicole planned for their First Dance to be during a perfect Californian sunset…

Despite the fact that I adore this couple and they're sweet as can be, they have impeccable taste…just look at that dark wood dancefloor!

While guests ate and the band softly played, Nicole and Matt danced on their own, away from everything…just the two of them. Not wanting to disturb the moment, I grabbed my 85mm and shot this photo with ambient light…it's a perfect depiction of their love. (f/1.2 1/100 800 ISO)

To see more of Nicole and Matt's Hummingbird Nest Ranch wedding feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow or you can watch it here: