My friend Jessica and I met in middle school, nearly 20 years ago. We were on the same cheerleading squad, and shared the same group of friends that continued through high school, college, and now. Her house was the THE place we all congregated on weekends, with so many memories there from awkward middle school days to graduation parties, and everything in between. My love for bagel bites comes from her kitchen at 1am, and every relationship has part of its story at her house. Friendships like this are more like family, and I can honestly say I have never felt happier for this sister-friend than her wedding day. Jessica was so absolutely calm and at peace and so incredibly happy to be marrying Richard. It was fitting that they chose to get married in a place of warmth and beautiful light and gorgeous scenery, where Jessica's family is from. When Jessica called me to tell me about her wedding in Newport Beach, California and asked me about photographing it, I was beyond excited.
Everyone flew out to California a few days early to enjoy the Southern California beach, eating good food and spending quality time with family and friends. There was so much to photograph there, so many things uncommon to the east coast. At least uncommon to me:) Getting this shot of Richard and Jessica with the policeman on the beach on horseback was something you don't see here. Below is a picture of me and Jess and friends who made it all the way from Georgia to be with Jessica on her big day. These ladies epitomize loyalty in friendship and would do anything to be there for anyone, and have shown that over the 20+ years of friendship. Love you guys lots and lots.
I went with Jessica while she got her hair and makeup done, and how sweet is this: Lolo (Jessica' mom, Lorraine who is also like family to me and helped raise me!) paid for me to get my hair did, too! This was my first ever getting my hair done with the bride (what photographer gets to do that?!) and I felt so special that Lorraine did that for me. She and Mike always make Jessica's friends feel like family and I felt so loved by them.
The boat that Richard and Jessica got married on was a 1929 classic wooden boat that reminded me of something you would see pictures of JFK on. It was awesome. We all got to see the sunset and then enjoy a super fun reception, complete with Richard doing some killer karaoke. I'm so happy for these two and grateful I got to see Jess get married to this man who absolutely loves her and honors her, and to see a happiness in her that is unmatched. Love you guys and I'm so glad I got to be there for this!!
