Shaina & Aaron :: 5-3-2015 :: Wedding in Huntington Beach

Shaina and Aaron are such sweeties! We started out their breezy wedding day at The Hilton right on the beach in Huntington Beach where both Shaina and Aaron were getting ready with their bridesmaids, groomsmen and families. It was a flurry of activity in the bride's suite with Shaina's 9 bridesmaids, 5 flower girls, Aaron's daughter Lily and their families all getting ready in a small space! It was so fun and energetic, if a bit chaotic ;) After everyone was ready to go, Shaina's girls helped her get into her gorgeous dress, veil and garter. Shaina wore her grandmother's jewelry that her mother wore on her wedding day, such a lovely heirloom tradition! There was a gorgeous park adjacent to their venue, the Newland Barn, so after everyone was ready we want and took some photos of the groom, groomsmen, bride, bridesmaids, Lily and flower girls, keeping care to make sure Shaina and Aaron didn't see each other before the ceremony. After those portraits were done, we all made out way back up to the barn for the ceremony. The Newland Barn is such a lovely and intimate venue, perfect for all of Shaina's amazing DIY projects and for the exchange of Shaina and Aaron's vows. An especially sweet moment was when Shaina turned and made vows to Lily promising to love her unconditionally as her new stepmom. Once the ceremony was complete we took a few family, bridal party and newlywed portraits (including some sweet portraits of the new Mr. and Mrs. with sweet Lily!) then it was time for the party to begin! Upon joyfully entering their reception, Shaina and Aaron had their first dance where they couldn't stop laughing, both with joy and because they were both not doing a fantastic job dancing :) Then they spent some time greeting, talking and thanking each of their guests. After dinner and the cake cutting, Shaina danced with her Uncle Dale (who was also their officiant!) and Aaron danced with Lily. Shaina said it was her favorite memory of the day was watching her new husband dancing with his daughter, her new step daughter. She said it was the best feeling knowing that this was her new little family. After the bouquet and garter toss we snuck the newlyweds away for a few sunset portraits in the golden sunshine. It was such a pleasure to work for Shaina and Aaron on designing their beautiful invitation suite, photographing their engagement session, and of course the big day!

Thanks also to the fabulous Allison Oh for her assitance and the addition of many of the detail pictures! :) Click any image to launch a larger viewing window.
Enjoy!