South Coast Botanic Garden Wedding | Palos Verdes | Melissa & Brian

Melissa and Brian held their wedding at South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. Although it was about 100 degrees outside, Melissa and Brian and their bridal party braved the sun, and we had an awesome time taking photos with all of them throughout the property. The South Coast Botanic Garden is a magical place. We have no doubt why Melissa and Brian chose this location for their wedding. It's a Garden of Eden here on Earth! There are grassy fields, majestic trees, hedges of lavender, and even a charming white bridge.

As if the location wasn't beautiful enough, Melissa wore a stunning white gown from Mary Me Bridal. She looked absolutely gorgeous! The gown was the perfect fit and style for her. Brian and his guys looked handsome in their gray suits too.

The ceremony and reception was held on a beautiful lawn surrounded by trees and hedges. A lovely private celebration continued past sunset under the twinkle lights and evening breeze.

Melissa and Brian, thank you for trusting Robert and I and our team with your wedding day. We have enjoyed working with you both over the past several months. We love the adorable way you both smile and laugh with each other. We wish you many many years of love and happiness!

Please enjoy this sneak peek!

South Coast Botanic Gardens Bridal Portraits

South Coast Botanic Garden- Bridal Party

South Coast Botanic Garden Ceremony

Wedding Reception South Coast Botanic Garden

South Coast Botanic Garden:

26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Special Thanks to Emilee of Tasteful Tatters for the beautiful coordination of this wedding. Emilee, we really appreciated your collaboration and communication regarding events throughout the day. Thank you!

Tallship American Pride Wedding | A Pirate Wedding

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you Tina Fells "The Pirate Bride" and her handsome "Naval Officer" Jeremy.

I first met Tina at a bridal show at the Anaheim Convention Center last fall. She kindly introduced herself to me and mentioned that she was having a "pirate wedding." I thought at first that by "pirate wedding" she meant she might have a few pieces of red, black, and white decor and some nautical accents here and there. That is DEFINITELY NOT what she meant. She meant she was having a PIRATE WEDDING!!! And it was going to be the pirate wedding of the century!

When I arrived to photograph the "groomsmen" getting ready I either entered the headquarters of British Admiralty circa the 1700s or a "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie set complete with costume designer and seamstress on hand. It was fantastic!

The ladies dressed below deck on the Tallship American Pride. Their attire included lace-up corsets, swords, beautiful colorful layers of fabric, and of course lots of bling (aka "pirate booty".) Even the bride's bouquet was a collection of "pirate booty" which incorporate many beautiful brooches some of which were borrowed or passed along from important family members.

A lovely ceremony was held on deck aboard the Tallship American Pride on the open sea. Tina and Jeremy were surrounded by British Admiralty of various ranks, Pirates, and Wenches, among others. There was beautiful singing and even a few sword fights aboard the vessel. The "pirate bride" raised her sword to anyone who should object to the marriage and walk the plank!

There are so many more details that I could share, but I will let the preview photos below show the story.

Tina & Jeremy: Thank you for inviting me to your Pirate Wedding of the Century! I knew based on Tina's passion and enthusiasm in our conversations that it was going to be amazing, but when I arrived that day was much more creative, exciting, and entertaining than I ever could have imagined. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of your day and document this historical event for you. I hope these photos and the rest to come do justice to your day, and that they remind you of all the wonderful moments and memories that occurred this special day. Huzzah!!! - Jessica

Hyatt the Pike Wedding Long Beach

Tallship American Pride Long Beach

26-Tallship American Pride Wedding Long Beach Jessica Elizabeth Photographers-JET_2935_-w

Tallship Long Beach Wedding Ceremony 

Tallship American Pride Wedding

Pirate Themed Wedding Sailboat Escort Cards

Treasure Chest Reception Centerpiece

Pirate Wedding Reception Centerpiece

Pirate's Treasure Reception Centerpiece

Pirate Bride's Booty Brooch Bouquet

Pirate Themed Wedding Invitation