They Really Dig Each Other

Being an Orange County wedding photographer has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many amazing couples. It’s a simple reminder of why I got into this business in the first place. And for as many great couples that I’ve met, along comes a couple that truly brings it all together. Daniel and Katie are just that couple and we loved their Rancho Las Lomas wedding. They are such an incredibly sweet pair that the love they have for one another is so apparent.

Katie and Daniel met in a geology class while attending Northern Arizona University. They started out as friends, which, over time, became stronger, and that led to their first date, a relationship, and then marriage. They just can’t imagine life without each other in it.

Daniel and Katie got married at Rancho Las Lomas, which is an awesome wedding venue to have your ceremony and reception at, and most importantly, have your photos taken. Rancho Las Lomas is both beautiful indoors as well as outdoors. They have their own on-site restaurant, brewery, and are you ready for this- a zoo! We were fortunate enough to be there while they were feeding their White Tiger. To top it all off, I developed a lovely new friendship with a pink parrot. Love this place!

For the wedding, the weather was cool and crisp out. It was a bit overcast, but luckily, it didn’t rain. Katie looked absolutely stunning in her gorgeous dress from Mon Ami Bridal Salon located in Costa Mesa, while her bridesmaids wore beautiful blush dresses.

The couple chose not to do a “first look” wedding photography session, so the first time they saw each other that day was when Katie began to walk down the aisle. Katie had been excited and nervous leading up to the ceremony, so upon her walk down the aisle, she was having a hard time containing and fighting back the tears, as was Daniel. You can honestly see the joy and happiness on their faces when they first laid eyes on one another as she began her walk down that aisle. I still get goosebumps thinking about that moment.

After the ceremony was over, we took a few photos. Daniel and Katie were both real troopers as they withstood the cold temperatures just after sunset. A reception at Rancho Las Lomas tends to take place outdoors, but due to the cold weather, it was held inside, which was a great opportunity to shoot some exciting photos. It was an intimate setting, with about 120 friends and family members, but it was really fun watching the two families come together as one while they tore up the dance floor!

One of my favorite parts about this wedding was the inclusion of their 2-year-old son. He was super excited about the day, but I am sure it seemed chaotic for him. As for everyone else, the day went wonderful. A real shout out to Daniel and Katie’s wedding coordinator, Courtney from HS Events. Courtney was really wonderful to work with and she made our day so much easier as well. She really was on top of everything that day.

Daniel and Katie have this playfulness about them when they’re together that truly shows just how goofy in love they are with one another. I hope you enjoy their Love Story as much as I do.

Katie and Daniel’s Love Story

Q:           How did you both meet and who liked who first?

A:           We met at Northern Arizona University in a Geology class. As for who liked who first, well, that’s debatable. Ha!

 

Q:           Tell us about your first date. What did you guys do and who was more nervous?

A:           We went out for sushi and explored downtown Flagstaff. Daniel was definitely more nervous!

 

Q:           What’s the proposal story? Give us the details and who cried first?

A:           He created our entire first date from start to finish.

 

Q:           As you approach the wedding day, what have you both enjoyed most about the wedding planning process?

A:           Eating and picking decorations.

 

Q:           What has been the hardest part about planning your wedding?

A:           Keeping organized!

 

Q:           Why did you choose your particular wedding and reception venue?

A:           Because it looked like Jurassic Park with the big wooden gates.

 

Q:           Where did you draw some of your inspiration from for your wedding day?

A:           Lots of Google and Pinterest.

 

Q:           Where are you two going for your honeymoon and how did you choose that destination?

A:           Hawaii, because Elvis thought it was pretty neat. Ha Ha

The amazing vendor team:

WEDDING VENUE: Rancho Las Lomas

WEDDING COORDINATOR: High Society Wedding and Event Planning

WEDDING INVITATION: Minted

DRESS:  Mon Amie Bridal Salon

HAIR& MAKE-UP: Beach Bridal Beauty

GROOM’S SUIT: Men’s Warehouse

FLORIST:  The Bloom of Time

CATERER:  24 Carrots

CAKE:  It’s All About The Cake

PHOTOGRAPHY: Three16 Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY: Three16 Photography

DJ: Ocdamia Strings