Some girls soften into ladies who know who they are and what they want. Colors, shoes, pearls, shimmer, shine, direction. They carve out a path based on sheer will and don't let things stand in their way. Erin is one such girl. At any given moment, she can tell you what makes her happy and everything she wants. In life. And this includes a good man.
As life often works for ladies who know they what, precisely, Erin met Mike, who's soft, charming, and incredibly warm. His smile puts people at ease and he has a backporch-and-a-glass-of-lemonade vibe about him. Erin and Mike met at a beachside bar and after a couple dates, Erin knew what she wanted. In no uncertain terms. Colors, shoes, pearls, shimmer, shine, direction. Mike.
Last Saturday at Shutters on the Beach, Erin planned a perfect wedding day. Her girls wore pearls. Mike wore his argyle socks. Navy blue accents. Starfish. But where Erin plans for a perfect day, Mike makes Erin perfect. Together, they're creating a beautiful life, following their dreams, and loving along the way.
Erin and Mike, I hope you realize just how lucky I feel to have spent the entire day with your friends and families. Everyone made us feel like a division of such a personal moment and I can't thank you enough. I appreciate your friendship and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Enjoy Italy and if you need help pronouncing arrivederci, just let me know. I pretend I'm Italian at least once a week. Much love and appreciation… j*
Starting the day with Scrabble and a pair of Kate Spade shoes sounds about riiiiight….
Erin's Liancarlo couture wedding dress was a perfect fit for her personality…
Here Erin and her bridesmaids were singing a song from their sorority days together…and dare I say it had something to do with drinking?!? 😉
I would just like to take a second and point out that Erin photographs spectacularly well…light, my lens, and camera just lovvvvved her. GORGE!
Even though just a few miles away it was 80 degrees in Santa Monica, along the shore of Shutters on the Beach, a marine layer settled in, but made for great light for their First Look. I lovelovelove when couples see each other before the ceremony as it allows for more photo time and an overall relaxed environment for the day…
JD captured this photo and I think Erin and Mike look simply divine…
This photo is simple. But I love it. And it's one of my favorites from the day. Just two people, smiling, and in love. Perfection.
Many thanks to Jackie Girard for the floral design for the day…
The sun peeked out every so often, so we worked fast to ensure we could capture as many wedding photos as possible around Shutters on the Beach…
This light? KILLLED ME. Augh. I loved it.
Then it was time for bridal party pictures…
While I'm shooting large group shots…
…JD is usually shooting smaller moments that happen in between…
Walking up the aisle with a handsome man…
Walking down the aisle with another handsome man…
After the ceremony Erin and Mike wanted a few pictures along the beach, but the fog rolled in and presented another set of lighting challenges…but they rocked it out like champs! This is another reason why I'm incredibly thankful they opted to see each other before the ceremony for pictures…it insulated them against the pressure of weather challenges we couldn't foresee! 🙂
JD's angle…
JD took these photos and though they're different than what I usually post, I simply love the feel of them…
Erin was able to rock out almost anything presented her way…the wind…the cold…the fog. She's amazing and JD captured her perfectly…
Laying in the sand? On her wedding day? OF COURSE! (and for those who are wondering…not a single blemish on her dress and her hair was still fab)
While Erin and Mike joined guests at cocktail hour, JD and I darted into the Shutters ballroom for wedding reception detail photos…
There were some pretty amazing speeches…
…but better yet, there was DANCING! I captured this photo of Erin…
…and JD captured this photo of Mike. I think it's hilariously awesome. I mean, really? Doesn't he look so darn happy to be married?! 😉
The night was kept rolling with help from 80s cover band, Knyght Ryder…
To see more of Erin and Mike's Shutters on the Beach wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!
