On more than one occasion, guests commented how far they've come. Alaska, New York City, and everywhere in between. Kindergarden teacher, fraternity big brother, childhood friend. It was merely proof of Bree and Zack's effect (and affect) on people's lives. They're electric, magnetic, and their personalities are contagious…and together they make people feel alive. That's why Alaska or New York City was a short distance to travel in order to watch love grow, and simultaneously feel alive.
Bree walked around in shorts and flip-flops–with a glass of champagne dangling from her fingers–and cheered (whoooo!) randomly as she prepared to see Zack at Ponte Winery. He's her best friend, and she's his. They met at USC and remained friends for a year (morning stops at Jamba Juice, No, grandma, he's just my friend, fraternity parties together) until love happened…just as they graduated college. Bree moved to New York City and as Zack toasted his beautiful wife a few years later on the night of their wedding, he made sure everyone knew the following: I followed Bree to New York…I loved her…I love her. And with that, glasses were raised in their honor, guests cheered, and the room was alive with love.
Bree and Zack…I know you're in Argentina now, but if I know Bree well enough, she's procured internet and is waiting for these photos (a girl after my own heart!). I just want to thank you from the bottom of my soul for being the most kind, genuine, and caring people. Ever. I adore your families and I appreciate how welcome you made us feel. Hope you're enjoying your time together and I can't wait to connect upon your return! Much love and appreciation… j*
Bling. On the dress, on the shoes.
You might notice a lot of personalized letterpress stationary. I, too, swooned when I saw it. But, wait. It gets better. All the stationary was personally pressed by the bride and groom…talk about love! They enrolled in a letterpress course in NYC (because, really, they can just about do everything) and made sure to incorporate it into every element of their day. So perfect.
A love note.
Many thanks to Cory and Crystal of Gods and Heroes Salon in Costa Mesa for making Bree and her girls look fabulous…
Lucky for me, Bree and Zack opted to see each other before the ceremony to allow more time for photos and a relaxed environment. I can't explain how much I love a First Look and I think it suited their day perfectly…
We walked around Ponte Winery to shoot in shaded areas because it was quite hot…like, summer in a vineyard hot.
Lucky for us, the Ponte Winery Barrel Room room was air-conditioned and got great light. The room was set up for another event, but JD and I worked our way around the tables and chairs had had a little fun shooting in a such a cool location. That pun was totally intended.
Look! At! The! Light! Bree and Zack look dashingly gorgeous if I do say so myself…
Now, for those who haven't worked with us before, I'm the main shooter. I pose, I choose the location, I talk. And JD? Well, he's fallen into sync with what I do and shoots from an entirely different angle to ensure the wedding day portfolio is diverse and complete. Last Saturday, however, he stopped me and asked if Zack could simply look directly at his camera. And this is what JD produced…makes me think I should stop talking so much! 😉
They're so cute…and had cute details to boot!
I usually don't post formal photos on the blog, but I just had to give a shout out to Bree's maid of honor, Tiffany. I was able to shoot the wedding based on Tiffany's recommendation (I'm best friends with Melanie, who sang in an acapella group at USC with Tiffany, who happened to be USC roommates with Bree at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house) and I'm extraordinarily thankful for it. I feel so lucky to meet such amazing people!
Zack's grandparents before the ceremony…
Zack seeing Bree walk down the aisle…
I'm such a daddy's girl, so I'm particularly fond of the moment when the bride is walked down the aisle…Bree looks positively radiant.
After the ceremony, we shot in the vineyards of Ponte Winery and the light was just perfect…here's one from JD…
My angle…
JD's angle…
Now for some wedding details…
Square cupcakes by Cakes to Celebrate? Yes, please!
The First Dance…
JD captured the following photo and I think it sums up juuuuust how lucky Zack feels to be dancing with his newly minted wife…
The toasts were beautiful…funny, heartfelt, and real…
The Hora. Bree was excited for this traditional dance, but at this particular moment, I think she was feeling a little nervous… 😉
…still a mix of excitement and nerves…
…more excitement than nerves…
…but I secretly think they prefer dancing on the floor! 🙂
To see more of Bree and Zack's Ponte Winery wedding photos, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!
Happy Wednesday!
