They say that when you know, you know. That’s how Jordyn and Matt felt when they met on a night out dancing at Moonshine Beach. To honor their love for dancing, the couple filled their May 2021 wedding at Coto Valley Country Club with dancing of all kinds, from intimate choreographed dances to full group hurrahs to the tune of “We Are Family.” Basically, it was the most fun celebration ever!

I first met Jordyn and Matt for their engagement session at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Hills, where I got to know them a bit better and helped them get comfortable in front of the camera for the big day. I always recommend my couples do an engagement session so you can get to know what being in front of the camera together is like—even if you’re used to posing for selfies, couples' photos can be a little strange, and a chance to practice really pays off.

Now, let me walk you through the big day! The wedding day started in the bridal suite, where the bridesmaids fought back tears when they saw Jordyn in her slim-fitting, lace v-neck gown from Trendy Bride. The bridesmaids wore light blush pink dresses from Azazie, which complimented the palette for the day: pinks ranging from pale blush to deep magenta. After a short prayer with her bridal party,  Jordyn headed off for the first look with her dad. 

Framed by the lush greenery and dappled sunshine of the Coto Valley grounds, Jordyn grinned and hugged her dad, who teared up when he saw her. I loved getting to witness this special moment between the two of them. Then, we went to the first look with Matt, who waited patiently on the lawn for Jordyn to arrive. When she tapped him on the shoulder, he broke into a smile and hugged her. Then, I got a sneak preview of their choreographed first dance, complete with lots of dips and spins! I was totally impressed, and it definitely helped them work out those final pre-wedding jitters!

Jordyn and Matt said, “I do,” in front of a white gazebo covered in thick green ivy. Tears were shed during their vows. They both mentioned their love of God and how thankful they were that they found each other through their faith. Jordyn and Matt’s paths crossed in many ways before they started dating—they were born in the same city and went to the same church for many years without knowing it. Their lives were intertwined before they even met!

Faith was an essential part of their ceremony. The bridesmaids shared a prayer before the ceremony began, and the newlyweds had a private communion during the ceremony. The verse, “And then two shall become one,” was painted on a rustic white doorway in front of the outdoor ceremony space, and they incorporated a wooden cross decorated with flowers into their decor.

After the ceremony and wedding party photos, the guests headed off into the venue for the reception. Every decorative element, whether made by members of the bridal party or the family, had a personalized twist. Each detail was custom-made—from the repurposed doors turned table seating chart, to the photo display on the back of the antique car, to the cross decorated in flowers. The tables were laid with golden plates and silverware, and the centerpieces featured pink, white, and green floral bouquets by Victoria’s Flowers.

The first dance was just as fun as their practice run during the first look promised! But the newlyweds weren’t the only ones with something special prepared. Jordyn and her father had a heartfelt, choreographed first dance, too! And Jordyn’s mom even joined in. In the end, Jordyn’s father handed her off to Matt, and their choreographed first dance began. I could definitely tell that these two were experienced dancers! Right before the dances, Jordyn told me she was looking forward to these the most because she’d been dreaming about them since she was little, and they were undoubtedly everything she’d hoped for.

And so the party began! The dinner included a taco bar by The Mexican Taco and an extensive dessert bar (churros included!) by Sensitive Sweets. The guests enjoyed their meal while listening to the emotional speech from Jordyn’s father, who said, “I asked God for a daughter, and instead he sent me an angel.” This brought tears to everyone’s eyes, as you could probably guess! Then the DJ, David Newton, said that he genuinely felt God’s presence in their love. This emotion set the stage for a fantastic dance party to follow.

There was lots of country music and line dancing, which was super fun for me because I love country! Almost everyone lept up to dance. And those who didn’t were promptly tugged onto the dance floor by Jordyn’s brother!

This was my second time photographing a wedding at Coto Valley Country Club, and I truly loved getting to come back to such a welcoming venue.

If you’re looking for a photographer in Southern California or beyond, visit my contact page to get in touch or if you want to see more California weddings, check them out below!

Venue : Coto Valley Country Club, Trabuca Canyon, Ca 

MUAH : Salon Maison
Floral Design : Victoria Flowers
Bridal Attire : Trendy Bridal
Suit : Friar Tux
Bridal Party Attire : Azazie
Bakery : Sensitive Sweets
Rentals : OC Party Rentals
DJ : David Newton
Caterer : The Mexican Taco

xx,

Jennifer Lourie