Posts in Wedding
Buckingham Fountain Wedding in Downtown Chicago, IL | Allison and Jeremy
Buckingham Fountain Wedding in Downtown Chicago, IL | Allison and Jeremy

April showers bring May flowers, and luckily for Jeremy and Allison, it also brings beautiful light in Chicago, IL. It really does not matter where you are when it starts to rain, but the rain in Chicago truly lights up everything it touches! Including Buckingham Fountain, the Lakefront trail, and all the way over to Olive Park. It was just a matter of Chicago spring luck that the day Allison & Jeremy's 4 year anniversary shoot was planned that it called for torrential downpour. This in no way hindered our plans, and encouraged the tourists to stay inside; allowing us free reign of several popular destinations that would otherwise be quite crowded.

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WeddingJennifer LourieIllinois, Milton Lee Olive Park, Chicago, Destination
Santa Margarita Ranch Wedding in Santa Margarita, Ca | Jayna and Daniel
Santa Margarita Ranch Wedding in Santa Margarita, Ca | Jayna and Daniel

Jayna and Daniel planned their destination wedding in California from Washington, DC, flying out to Los Angeles on the regular to meet with vendors and make sure all of the details were perfect. After viewing Santa Margarita Ranch, they knew they had found the right place. “The greenery and florals in the garden coupled with the stone walls in the barn created such a romantic and unique ambiance - we knew we found a gem.” What they definitely didn’t know was how beautifully green their venue would be, after what some are calling the wettest winter in Southern California in decades. This fact didn’t fail to disappoint, when it started to sprinkle on their wedding day.

”When we saw each other for the first time it was truly "love at first sight". He introduced himself and handed me a bottle of wine he brought as a dinner party gift. We ended up opening the bottle of wine and sitting by the fireplace talking all night - and the rest is history.” - Jayna

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Santa Margarita Ranch, Destination
Eagle Brook Country Club Wedding in Geneva, IL | Julie and Jon
Eagle Brook Country Club Wedding in Geneva, IL | Julie and Jon

I absolutely loved photographing the wedding of Julie and Jon, partly for their beautiful locations, but mostly for their beautiful personalities! Their first date was on 12/13/14, and that’s a pretty incredible start to any relationship if you ask me. I had the pleasure of meeting these two before their wedding for their Lincoln Park, Chicago, Il engagement session, and I’m so glad I did. Nothing is better than arriving to a wedding and already knowing the couple, before getting to see them tie the knot.

We started their wedding at the St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Sugar Grove, Il, and their ceremony was tear-worthy- at least that’s what the guests and Jon thought. With their love story, I wouldn’t have expected anything less, “Jon says it was truly love at first sight,” the bride Julie says.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCatholic ceremony, Illinois, Eagle Brook Country Club, Destination
Intimate Chicago Winter Wedding | Takesha and Vincent
Intimate Chicago Winter Wedding | Takesha and Vincent

Intimate weddings come in all shapes and sizes, and for Takesha and Vincent’s they chose one with a small group of their friends and family in Chicago, IL. Held at the First Baptist Congregational Church (otherwise known as the Union Park Congregational Church) in Chicago, IL, these two had a short religious ceremony before a quick first dance and dinner. Before parting ways with their small group, they went and around the room and each attendee gave the couple their well wishes!

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WeddingJennifer LourieIntimate, Illinois, First Baptist Congregational Church, Chicago
Casa de la Guerra Wedding in Santa Barbara, Ca | Andres and Rafael
Casa de la Guerra Wedding in Santa Barbara, Ca | Andres and Rafael

Andres and Rafael ended their wedding at Casa de la Guerra in Santa Barbara, Ca, but started their beautiful day at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Not only do I absolutely love the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Barbara, Ca for all of my weddings, but I love it even more when my couple designs their entire reception from scratch at a nearby historic home built in 1828. Andres and Rafael started their wedding day at the courthouse, getting married in the historic mural room. It has in the past been called “the unquestionable masterpiece of the courthouse interior,” and that could not be more accurate with the artwork. Designed for use in 1929, the room now serves as a ceremony venue for locals and tourists alike to get married. We wandered the courthouse doing some photos, and I can never get over how stunning the architecture is.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCasa de la Guerra, California, Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara, Destination
Cass Winery Wedding in Pasa Robles, Ca | Terra and Jeff
Cass Winery Wedding in Pasa Robles, Ca | Terra and Jeff

It was such a blast getting to photograph Jeff and Terra’s wedding at Cass Winery in Pasa Robles, Ca. This awesome venue has a separate off-site getting ready house for the girls, allowing them to get ready nearby but also free from hassle of any early arriving guests. It also allows for the most gorgeous first look location, up a flight of stairs and under a tree for a private moment for bride and groom. Cass Winery also not only hosts 145 acres of vines, but you can get married under a 200 year old heritage oak tree- which Jeff and Terra did.

These two added in so many special elements to their day, wanting to represent themselves in all of the planning. Besides all of the rustic elements to compliment the venue, they also decided to include a doughnut bar instead of a cake! I have had so many couples tell me that they don’t even like cake, but were doing it because they felt they had to; so when I see one of my amazing couples go an alternative route, I am so so happy for them! The evening was complete with some off the wall dancing, teary eyed speeches, and a evening tunnel leading to their getaway car. Cass Winery actually provides a 1947 Chrysler limo throughout the day to use for pictures, entrance to the ceremony, and a quick get away!

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Cass Winery Wedding, San Luis Obispo, Destination
DIY Tropical Wedding in Santa Cruz, Ca | Erika and Peter
DIY Tropical Wedding in Santa Cruz, Ca | Erika and Peter

Something Turquoise, an awesome DIY blog, featured Erika and Peter and a write up about their DIY wedding!

Erika and Peter had the most unique Do It Yourself (DIY) wedding at a families residence in Santa Cruz, Ca. Between ordering the flowers online from Hawaii to create their arch and bouquets, or staying up all night creating hand waxed place setting- everything about this wedding was straight out of Erika and Peter’s dreams. It was such an amazing experience to get to photograph their wedding day and see everything we had talked about to come to fruition.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Backyard, Santa Cruz, Destination
Limoneira Ranch Wedding Reception in Santa Paula, Ca | Lupita and Omar
Limoneira Ranch Wedding Reception in Santa Paula, Ca | Lupita and Omar

I absolutely love Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, Ca, and it was made all the better by the beautiful presence of getting to photograph Lupita and Omar at their wedding. These two high school sweethearts wanted the day to be about family, and that was exactly how the day turned out. Surrounded by their 300 family members and friends, the day was filled with music and celebration. It was amazing to see Omar and Lupita again after their engagement session at Limoneira Ranch earlier this year. Omar used to work at Limoneira Ranch, so we were able to explore the orchard in all of its sunset glory.

Limoneira Ranch is 7,300-acres of the county’s largest producer of avocados, lemons, and oranges. When someone has a wedding here, the guests get to take home oranges as a wedding favor, which is such a cool feature at the end of the evening. Not to mention Lupita and Omar having a popcorn cart, taco bar, and other delicious reception snacks. These two are absolutely such a blast to get to spend the day with, and I can’t wait to see the adventures they go on next.

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WeddingJennifer LourieLimoneira Ranch, California, Ventura, Destination
Sly Park Falls Wedding in Pollock Pines, Ca | Meghan and Craig
Sly Park Falls Wedding in Pollock Pines, Ca | Meghan and Craig

When I came upon Sly Park Falls after a hot, 5 mile hike, I knew that this place was straight out of a fairy tale and the perfect location for wedding portraits. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains off of Jenkinson Lake in Northern California near Pollock Pines, it is hard to believe this beauty is man-made. At roughly 33 feet high, you would think it would be a popular swimming hole, but the locals have kept it mostly a secret, and the place usually only has a few visitors.

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WeddingJennifer LourieTrash the Dress, California, Placerville, Destination
Intimate Wedding on the Grand Belle of Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wi | Alex and Asa
Intimate Wedding on the Grand Belle of Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wi | Alex and Asa

I love Alex and Asa’s boat wedding so much. It was everything that represents these two, and that is unique! They decided to get married at sunset on the Grand Belle of Geneva, on Lake Geneva. While rushing to fight some potential rain on the horizon, we did some fun portraits on the pier than jumped aboard. After getting situated, the Grand Belle took off onto the lake, and then we started their ceremony. Alex and Asa wanted to have a string quartet play during the whole affair, and their goal was to also insert parts of themselves throughout the ceremony. They both said their own vows, basically filled with jokes that had the entire room giggling. I am such a sucker for boats, and the lake; and it was such an adventure to capture this beautiful day for these two! In their words, they wanted “a nautical theme with a classy ambiance (string quartet), but not too serious or stuffy. We'll probably inject some humor into the ceremony,” and I’d say that was the exact definition of the evening.

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WeddingJennifer LourieIntimate, Wisconsin, Lake Geneva, Destination
Intimate Manuela at Hauser and Wirth Wedding in Los Angeles, Ca | Elizabeth and Tim
Intimate Manuela at Hauser and Wirth Wedding in Los Angeles, Ca | Elizabeth and Tim

I absolutely love intimate weddings, and Elizabeth and Tim had exactly that. Not only was it a family style dinner hosted by Manuela, serving the best locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients in downtown Los Angeles, Ca, but they also had a very short and emotional mini-mony in the Hauser & Wirth courtyard. Hauser & Wirth is a stunning art gallery installation and communal space in the heart of the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District. Complete with chickens, an underwear installation, and beautifully decorated walls; Hauser & Wirth rotate between local contributions. T

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WeddingJennifer LourieIntimate, Manuela at Hauser & Wirth, California, Los Angeles, Destination
Fall Wedding at SkyPark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, Ca | Angie and Nick
Fall Wedding at SkyPark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, Ca | Angie and Nick

Angie and Nick’s wedding at SkyPark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, Ca was everything they envisioned and so much more. When I talked to Angie about her vision for the big day, she said she wanted it to feel like a “romantic dark forest theme, with a little bit of vintage style as well”. Well I think they absolutely nailed it! SkyPark at Santa's Village is the most beautiful forest venue, paired with an amusement park? Which sounds crazy, but surprisingly works incredibly well. The backdrop for not only the ceremony, but the entire reception is surrounded by a portion of 230 acres of natural forest. The bride and groom even get to adventure into the middle of that forest for their first look, as well as portraits.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, SkyPark at Santa's Village, Los Angeles, Destination
Tradition filled Armenian Wedding in Montebello, Ca | Lalig and Jamil
Tradition filled Armenian Wedding in Montebello, Ca | Lalig and Jamil

Lalig and Jamil had such a fun wedding in Montebello, Ca with a beautiful wine, navy and gold color palette. But what made this day extra special, was all of the fun Armenian traditions throughout the day. While they did not make the day hundred percent traditional, Lalig and Jamil did add in some traditions to represent their beautiful culture. Before the ceremony, Lalig’s brother placed money in her shoe for good luck and with the help of mom, then placed her shoes on her feet. All of her family is also in attendance, and watches on during all of the events. After her shoes are on, Lalig’s veil was circled over her head three times by a happily married woman to bring her marriage luck.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Los Angeles, Destination
Winter Wedding at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL | Diana and Darek
Winter Wedding at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL | Diana and Darek

Chicago skyline, snow, and a puppy equal basically all of my favorite things. Chi thee Wed agreed and featured all this beauty on their site.

When it snowed in Chicago, IL during one of my brief trips, I knew that I had to photograph someone in all this beautiful winter wonderland. Diana and Darek and their gorgeous dog Dustin was the perfect family to get to explore with. They were married a few months prior, and were unable to bring the third member of their family to the big day.

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WeddingJennifer LourieWinter, Illinois, Adler Planetarium, Trash the Dress, Chicago, Destination
Palm Event Center in the Vineyard summer Wedding in Pleasanton, Ca | Diana and William
Palm Event Center in the Vineyard summer Wedding in Pleasanton, Ca | Diana and William

It’s no surprise that Diana and William had an absolutely gorgeous summer wedding at the Palm Event Center in the Vineyard in Pleasanton, Ca. With the vineyard background at sunset, and their selection of burgundy and other complimentary fall colors; the vibe was extremely welcoming and filled with love. The Palm Event Center in the Vineyard is aptly named for their sprawling palm trees that decorate the driveway, as well as their wine-producing vineyard that is barreled in house.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Palm Event Center in the Vineyard, Destination
Vizcaya Sacramento Wedding | Melissa and Martin
Vizcaya Sacramento Wedding | Melissa and Martin

Melissa and Martin had a beautiful night wedding at the Vizcaya in Sacramento, Ca! Filled with winter touches like an adult hot chocolate bar, and neutral colors, the whole evening also combined Martin's Filipino culture and their love of nature and the outdoors. They wanted to keep things simple and elegant, to compliment their minimalist tastes. Mixing in greenery with their neutral palette, the whole wedding was just perfectly complimented the historical mansion venue of Vizcaya. Built in the 1890’s, the mansion has several locations for ceremonies, and a beautiful reception hall. I have some quotes from Melissa spread throughout the photos, so scroll down to see what she had to say about all the beauty of their wedding!

”Enjoy every moment because the day will fly by and be over before you know it.” - Melissa

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WeddingJennifer LourieCalifornia, Vizcaya Sacramento, Sacramento, Destination
Destination Bard Mansion Wedding in Port Hueneme, Ca | Audrey and Dwight
Destination Bard Mansion Wedding in Port Hueneme, Ca | Audrey and Dwight

Audrey and Dwight traveled from their home state of Oregon to get married where they grew up in Southern California, and the historic Bard Mansion in Port Hueneme, CA. This stunning historical venue, made for the perfect location for all of their out of town guests to join for their wedding. Besides just wearing her Nana’s beautiful dress for the better part of the day, (scroll down to see a side by side shot of Audrey and one of her Nana from her wedding day!) her friends and family came together to help make the entire day special.

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WeddingJennifer LourieBard Mansion, California, Ventura, Destination
Wedding Anniversary in Grand Canyon National Park, Az | Elizabeth and Caleb
Wedding Anniversary in Grand Canyon National Park, Az | Elizabeth and Caleb

There is nothing I love more than seeing my couples featured on amazing sites like Something Turquoise!

Elizabeth and Caleb have been married for 10 blissful years, having met in high school and just recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary. They had planned on renewing their vows as well as having photos taken to commemorate the occasion, but through unforeseen life circumstances the plans fell through and it was put off. Elizabeth is a local photographer to the Flagstaff area and Caleb is a firefighter, so their schedules allowed for us to make this occasion the something special they both deserved. Lucky for us, the morning of the 25th the Grand Canyon released that the South Rim would be open for visitors and we were greeted with snow capped peaks and 18-degree weather.

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WeddingJennifer LourieTrash the Dress, Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, Destination
Tropical Destination Wedding in Costa Rica | Paola and Zach
Tropical Destination Wedding in Costa Rica | Paola and Zach

I am so stoked that these two were featured on Destination Wedding Details. If every wedding I could have was in a country filled with wild animals and alligators; I would be down every single time.

Paola & Zach dreamed of a destination wedding in Costa Rica where Paola was raised, and their dreams of eloping came incredibly true with the help of her friends and family. Renting a private house with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, they chose to drive down to the nearby beach for an ocean view ceremony complete with thunder clouds. What made the day extra special though, was the random tropical storm that rolled in as quickly as it rolled out. Drenching everyone to the bone, it cleared up just in time for their ceremony to be had in front of their beach location.

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WeddingJennifer LourieCosta Rica, Destination, World
Outdoor Wedding at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, Ca | Katie and Brian
Outdoor Wedding at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, Ca | Katie and Brian

The only thing missing from Katie and Brian’s beautiful spring wedding at Limoneria Ranch in Santa Paula, Ca was their Siberian Husky Dakota. Dakota was able to join us for their engagement session at Placerita Canyon State Park, CA, but would have been just too excited for all of their family and guests. Founded in 1893, Limoneria Ranch is smack dab in the middle of Santa Paula’s “Citrus Capital of the World”, and is the county’s largest producer of oranges, avocados, and lemons. If the venue couldn’t be any cooler for a wedding, guests are allowed to walk around the orange grove and take some home! But nothing could have made the night more special than the love between these two, and all of these gorgeous emotions.

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WeddingJennifer LourieLimoneira Ranch, California, Ventura, Destination