Despite Obstacles, Love Wins!

What a beautiful sunny day it was. The usual amazing Southern California weather was evident, which allows a wedding photographer here in Orange County to truly capture some great photos. That summed up our day as we were honored to shoot Gabby and Robert’s wedding at the Old Ranch Country Club located near Leisure World in Seal Beach, just off the 405 freeway. I would call it a little slice of Heaven in our own backyard, which has easily become one of our favorite locations to work at. With its beautiful scenery and the incredible staff that we got to work with at this Old Ranch Country Club wedding, we had an amazing time photographing and celebrating!

We also got to work with Events by Katherine, who was absolutely incredible, kind, and there every step of the way to make sure Gabby and Robert’s wedding was perfect.

The real stars of the day, however, were the beautiful couple, Gabby and Robert. Gabby was full of laughter and joy throughout the day, which was really contagious not only for her friends but for us as well. And although soft-spoken, Robert was truly a gentleman to his bride and filled with the biggest smile that we’ve seen in a while.

Gabby and Robert opted to wait to see one another until the ceremony began, which just added a touch of class and tradition to their love story. Gabby entered the ceremony by means of a gorgeous stone staircase, as all eyes were on her! Talk about a grand entrance! The couple exchanged their vows in front of the metal-framed gazebo, decorated with floral arrangements by Ocean Flowers.

Gabby looked absolutely flawless with her makeup done and stunning long locks curled to perfection by Flawless Faces. She chose to have her hair half up and half down, with big loose curls and a few small braids to pull it back, for a perfectly elegant look. Her stunning sweetheart lace gown from Casablanca Bridal fit her absolutely perfectly, and had heads turning all day! Gabby’s flawless bouquet was also designed by Ocean Flowers and consisted of white and various shades of purple. Standing by her side all day long, her gorgeous bridesmaids wore matching deep purple high-neckline dresses. Robert was also dressed to perfection in an all black suit and accessories, with an accent of purple through his pocket square. His groomsmen were styled in dark grey suits and purple ties. It’s evident that the details of the day were all very carefully thought out to tie in the color theme. Their color palette consisting of black, white, grey, and purple created a romantic and dramatic, yet traditional vibe.

After the outdoor ceremony which overlooked the lake, the celebration moved indoors! The reception room was lit with dramatic purple lighting, and the DJs at Solo Records kept the party going all night long. And believe me, it was quite a party! The reception tables for the guests were surrounded by white wooden chairs, and dressed with grey silk tablecloths and elegant purple napkins. Other tables at the reception, including the bride and groom’s table, were decorated with bold purple sequined tablecloths and incorporated white and silver details. Their delicious 4-tiered cake was created by the amazing Sweet Traders to look like it was covered in flower petals. Topped with the couple’s new joint last name, the silver glitter topper added some drama and glamour to the traditional cake.

We’re so excited for Gabby and Robert, and we hope you enjoy their love story as much as we do! For more information about Old Ranch Country Club, check out our venue highlight for them here!

Gabby and Robert’s Love Story:

Q. How did you both meet and who ended up liking who first?

A. We met while working together at Albertsons seven years ago. About a year before actually meeting, Robert had seen me at his Albertsons and asked his manager who I was. Then when my store was going through a remodel, Robert volunteered to work there because he knew I would be there. Then on the first day we met, we went to lunch together during our lunch break, and he hasn’t left me alone since. Ha!

Q. Tell us about your first date. Who was more nervous and what did you guys do?

A. Our first “date” was when he asked me to go watch the Laker game at Hooters with his friends. We watched the game and then just the two of us went down to the beach that night and we shared our first kiss together on the pier.

Q. What’s the proposal story? Give us all the details and tell us who cried first.

A. We both work a ton of hours, so when we both had a weekend off together, we decided to go on a mini getaway. We first planned on staying at a resort in Laguna Beach, but at the last minute I decided that wasn’t far enough to feel like a mini getaway, so I said I wanted to go to San Diego. Little did I know that he had already met with a photographer in Laguna Beach to scope out the spot he was going to propose; so I completely ruined his plans.

Also, I made a mess of his plans when I had thrown out what I thought was an empty watch box when cleaning our bedroom. Well, the key to his safe, where the ring happened to be, was the box I had thrown out. So while I was at work he had to have a locksmith come to the house and re-key his safe. He then proposed in La Jolla, San Diego on the cliffs that overlook the ocean at sunset. He had photographers hiding out to capture the whole moment and it was beautiful. He teared up as he said his speech and then it was my turn for the waterworks. After he proposed we had a whole engagement session on the beach during sunset followed by a beautiful dinner at a nice steakhouse. I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic night.

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

A. The whole planning process has been super stressful with our work schedules. I would have to say the most enjoyable thing for me would also be the only thing that we actually got to do together, and that was our food tasting and linen selections at our venue.

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

A. The hardest part of the planning process was having enough time to meet with vendors and come up with days and times that work for both them and us. I have had to do just about everything myself while having a full-time job and a second job. Robert works six days a week and 12-hour graveyard shifts, so we have completely opposite schedules. It has been very tough.

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

A. We chose to have a spring wedding because of the nice weather. We picked the venue because it was beautiful and felt right.

Q. Where are you going for your honeymoon? Are you excited about it and why did you choose that destination?

A. We are going to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon and we are very excited! With our completely opposite schedules, we are in need of some relaxing time…. alone!