It was late, they were hungry, and the guys needed a ride home after a concert they attended. Frustratedly, his brother asked who'd pick them up at such a god-forsaken hour, and Jim replied, I think Jenna might… When Jenna showed up, she drove them to Del Taco for late-night snacks, and laughed while the guys had a taco-eating contest in her back seat. It was in that moment when Jim's friends realized he found someone who not only loved him (and his questionable taste in music), but who'd do anything to help his friends and family.
Together they've amassed a huge group of friends, all who attested to their love, but also to their willingness to go the extra mile for those in need. Jim and Jenna's love is like glue, keeping joy, fun, and memorable moments tacked closely to their hearts. Their friends and family saw this glue beautifully displayed at their wedding as they committed their lives to each other in a Newport Beach church. They promised to love each other and have fun along the way…which is what they did for the rest of their wedding day as they danced under a color-changing sky. The twinkle lights illuminated the dance floor while Jim and Jenna spent the night in the arms of those they adore the most.
Jenna and Jim…so here's the thing: just when I thought I couldn't like you more than I did–boom!–you made my heart expand even more. I think you're incredible and to stand amongst your amazing friends and family was something I'll never forget. You surround yourselves with only the best people and the current of energy that filled your wedding day was charged with unadulterated love. Thank you for allowing me to be your wedding photographer. Really. Much Love + Appreciation… j*
Wedding day preparations began at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach and any time there's a stunning Monique Lhullier wedding dress waiting to be photographed, I couldn't be happier…
Jim surprised Jenna with the sweetest gifts, which made her cry, so her family hurried Jenna into her wedding dress before she used an entire box of tissue! 😉
The most beautiful thing about Jenna is her family. She's comprised of a million tiny, beautiful parts of their love and I was honored to document the bond they share.
A few finishing touches before the bridesmaids saw the bride…
…and their reaction was priceless…
Speaking of reactions, Jim cried the entire length of the extra-long church aisle at Our Lady Queen of Angels as he saw his bride walk toward him…
And here are two men who share love for the same girl…and couldn't be happier to be in each other's lives.
Officially official.
The bride and groom were escorted to the wedding reception in a vintage car, complete with warm farewells and lots of champagne…
Jenna arranged a beautiful reception with lots of special details…
We spent the afternoon capturing photos of the couple on their wedding day and I couldn't have been happier hanging out with such a great people…them being so in love was an added bonus! 😉
Jenna, you are downright beautiful. Really.
The light was simply fantastic…
While it was very bright and a bit warm, the couple couple melted into each other's arms and enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife…
When it came time for toasts, the energy of the wedding reception became even more palpable…there were some hilarious speeches…
The most heart-warming speech of the night came from Jim as he toasted his bride. In all the years of being a wedding photographer, I haven't heard something so beautiful. Throughout the course of the speech, he asked family members, loved ones, and friends to stand one by one as they raised their glass to the amazing person Jenna is…it was a beautiful sight…
…and Jenna's reaction proved she was marrying the man of her dreams…
I love outdoor wedding ceremonies more than I love shoes. And that's saying a LOT.
I loved working with the ever-amazing videographers from 618 Studios…Kelley and Paul are talented, nice, and always bring along amazing light! Their illumination made Jenna and Jim's cake cutting just lovely…
Jenna and Jim spent most of the wedding reception tearing up the dance floor…
…yes, Jim liked to party…quite a bit! 😉
During their last dance, they collapsed in each other's arms and the cheers from their family and friends reverberated throughout the dark night…what a perfect way to end their wedding…
Many thanks to the wedding team who made the day come to life…
Coordinators: Raina+Melanie of Melanie Beth Designs
Hair + Makeup: Nicole DeAnne
Videography: 618 Studios
Florist: Sweet Blossom Designs
Wedding Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Wedding Band: Traffic Jamm
Rentals: Found Rentals and Signature Rentals
Photography: Jasmine Star
