“You two are definitely going to get married,” the bartender who witnessed Liz and Dan’s first date said. Turns out, he was totally right! On July 10, 2022, his prediction came true during a beautiful Ethereal Gardens wedding in Escondido, CA. And I was there to document it all from behind my camera!

In true 21st-century fashion, Dan met Liz on a dating app. But after discovering they shared a mutual friend, Dan found the opening he needed to begin a memorable conversation on an app filled with casual, forgettable conversations. The pair realized right away that they just clicked. In fact, they loved talking so much that, on their first date, they forgot about the menus they were supposed to be studying. The waiter had to come back three times before they were ready to order!

The conversation didn’t slow when food arrived, so they headed to a cozy piano bar after dinner. That’s where the fortune teller of a bartender recognized they were a perfect match. And after years of wedding planning thanks to COVID, the two finally said, “I do.” Albeit for the second time! These two were officially married at a intimate ceremony on July 10, 2021 in New York City’s Central Park. Liz says, “The ceremony on July 10, 2022 will be another moment to mark and build our foundation.“

Liz and Dan’s Ethereal Gardens wedding day began with the pair in separate suites getting ready. Surrounded by her mom and closest friends dressed in blush, Liz slipped into the lacey, cap-sleeved Allure Bridal gown she found at Couture Bridal Maryland. But Dan would have to wait a little bit longer than expected to see the breathtaking gown because a groomsman had his own ideas about how their first look should go.

Dan waited with his back turned for Liz to tap him on the shoulder. But when he heard footsteps, he spun around. He opened his eyes to see a white dress…and…a whole lot more white dress! Was Liz really that tall? Definitely not! One of Dan’s best friends was dressed in an oversized white gown, pretending to be Liz! With faces sore from laughter, we reset for the real deal.

Instead of laughing, this time Dan’s eyes filled with tears. When he saw Liz, you could feel how long these two had been waiting to become husband and wife and how relieved they were that the day had finally arrived. I was so happy for them to finally arrive at the “happily ever after” part of their story! Before the ceremony, they signed the ketubah, and rather than choosing to the cover it in opulent decorations, they left it empty of design. They said they wanted to add artwork through the years as their relationship deepens and continues to flourish.

We took wedding party photos in front of a traditional iron gate with shadows dancing in the trees all around them. The wedding party wore a mix of light blush tones and navy blues, carrying bouquets from Allen’s Flowers that had bright pops of peaches and pinks. The tones of the day were perfect for a summery California garden wedding!

Next, we were off to the ceremony! Liz and Dan had a circular ceremony, meaning they were standing seated in the middle with their guests surrounding them, a design they chose because they wanted to be “wrapped with love and support on all sides.” With the scene beautifully set, their traditional Jewish ceremony was heartfelt. They included the reading of the Seven Blessings and stomped a glass to the cheers of their guests. But the moment I’ll never forget was when all the guests hushed as Liz and Dan were wrapped in a tallit prayer shawl that is Liz’s family’s most treasured heirloom. Liz’s grandmother saved this exact tallit from a burning synagogue on Kristallnacht. As they were pronounced husband and wife (again!), their guests wiped away tears and shared the joy of this couple they love so much.

Then, the reception began! They were led onto the dance floor by music supplied by a Complete Weddings and Events DJ, snapped photos in The Wander Wagen photo booth, and enjoyed the summery California air. They also toured a donation table filled with causes important to this politically active couple. I always love preserving the ways couples incorporate interests—from silly to serious—into their special days.

As the sun began to set and the dance floor lit up, I remembered what Liz told me about her dream wedding reception. She said she’d always dreamed of dancing her wedding night away in a big tent under a canopy of twinkle lights. I’m happy to share that her dream came true! As the couple was tossed into the air during the hora (the part of the day the couple was most looking forward to), I was overwhelmed by the joy of the moment and so grateful to have the best job in the world. It was a perfect night filled with music, laughter, and love.

I’m so grateful I was able to be a part of Liz and Dan’s sentimental Ethereal Gardens wedding day! And if you’re planning an upcoming celebration filled with heartfelt moments, I’d love to hear what you’re cooking up! Let’s get in touch and make your dreams a reality!