I also really love photographing weddings of friends and family; there's nothing that makes me happier. Morgan and Daina are family and they're friends, so that made it all the sweeter.
The day started out at a seriously amazing beach house complete with surfboards and an Airstream converted into a surfboard shop.
And of course their awesome cat Sam was along for the ride, chilling on the floor wishing for food. (Such is the existence of all cats.)
The guys stayed at the beach house, while the ladies and I made our way to the venue.
Can I just mention how much I love this chalkboard wall and how sad I am that we don't have one in this house? Evan, are you listening to me? Chalkboard wall, stat!
Don't trust penguins. So true.
So while the guys were eating a leisurely breakfast and playing competitive games with ever-evolving rule systems, the ladies were hanging out, sipping champagne, and taking a little longer to get ready.
Some seriously beautiful sparkle.
Does Daina have great taste in shoes or what?
And a cute little dress to slip into for the reception. With some sparkle too, of course.
Meanwhile, the guys got ready a little differently . . .
Morgan and Daina chose to see each other before the ceremony, which I always love to photograph. It was a beautiful moment.
The day was running a bit behind schedule, but we grabbed a few quick portraits before the ceremony began.
And may I just say: Daina, you are stunning.
Doesn't Daina kind of remind you of Ginger Rogers here?
A few of the pretty details from the day (there were so many).
And a pool!
They said their vows with the vastness of the Pacific stretching below them.
I just love the look on Morgan's face when he saw Daina!
Morgan's father Bruce did an excellent job officiating.
I loved the sand ceremony.
Finally, time for the kiss!
Then the party moved to the reception, with delicious food, a really great DJ, and a fun candy bar.
I think we can all agree that Daina is beautiful. But one thing I loved, and I saw this all through the day, is that Daina just simply glows when she looks at Morgan. There couldn't be a simpler, or truer, proof of great love than that.
Thank you, Daina and Morgan, for an amazing, heart-stoppingly beautiful day. I wish you both the best of luck as you push forward in your new business, but I know you already have everything you need right there in each other.