I spent Sunday evening (and late into the night) at The Garden Room in garden grove where Allyson Brown and David Valiante started their life together as husband and wife.

The bride & her entourage arrived at the site in a posh bus/limo vehicle, each one of them wearing fancied up tank tops with their role on the front and their name on the back… and then made their way upstairs to the spacious bride’s room (with amazing air conditioning!) to finish getting ready. While they were primping, I headed back downstairs to meet up with the guys.

I loved the place for photos – the chapel was full of lovely stained glass, providing a spectacular backdrop for ceremony pictures. Outside there was a grass area with a gazebo, and a small bridge over a tiny stream… unfortunately the picturesque bridge had been modified for safety, and the palms were a bit overgrown, but we made do and got some fun and romantic images. I also fell in love with their sweeping staircase, which is where Allyson made her grand entrance for the ceremony.

Speaking of the bride, she was stunning! I loved her take on traditional – a white dress, but with modern styling, no train, and red lacing up the back… a traditional veil… with red piping. But what made her so unique was that she wore Converse that she had decorated just for the occasion! The guys were a bit more traditional in their black suits with white shirts and dark vests, but they showed off their fun side with the coolest black and white shoes… even the ring bearer had them!

This wedding was unusual in that the ring bearer actually had the rings on his pillow, so that when the time came for the ring exchange, he was called up by the minister… and someone had secured them so well to the pillow that it took several minutes to untie them!

The new Mr. and Mrs. walked out of the chapel area to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, and snuck back in a few minutes later to shoot the new giant family picture of their combined families. And by giant, I mean giant! We couldn’t fit them all in practically – I had to balance on a folding chair to get the height I needed to see most of the people who kept hiding in the back… I’m guessing there were 50 people between the bride’s side and the groom’s side.

We finished the formals, and headed into the reception, where Allyson & David shared their first dance while the entire wedding party watched. Their first dance had special meaning for me, as their song – “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge – was what my husband and I danced to at our wedding. Partway through it, they were joined by their parents, and all the other married couples who were there, which I thought was a wonderful touch.

The toasts were heartfelt, the food delicious, and the cake was gorgeous… everyone seemed to be having a blast dancing and chatting and dancing some more. As the evening turned into late night, dance circles formed, and everything from the YMCA song to Swing, Swing, Swing to the Chicken Dance played. David’s grandma was right out there with the most active of them, dancing up a storm and showing everyone how to have fun.

I’m working on their preview photo show right now, but wanted to post a few teaser images…
So, Allyson and David, Congratulations! And enjoy this sneak peak!