A Sparkling & Bright Autumn Wedding at The Presidio

A love note from the photographer, to Cheyenne & Stephen:

Being part of your wedding day and having the task of capturing it for posterity, gave me just a taste of what it’s like to be in your lives, and let me tell you - your people are a lucky bunch! My job here was pretty easy - all I had to do was point my camera in your direction, and it captured beauty and joy, glowing and sparkling from all directions. Like magic! One bridesmaid wore literal sparkles and sequins while the others had various autumn hues in shiny velvet. (Have I mentioned how much I love autumn everything no matter the time of year?) The bride wore beaded tulle gloves and a matching beaded veil (swoon!) And the groomsmen wore top hats and canes! I honestly never take that many pictures of the guys, but they were just too much fun!

We started at the Santa Barbara Courthouse for the first look and wedding party photos, for a lovely clean white setting and a green one after that. Then we headed to the historic El Presidio de Santa Barbara for the ceremony. The Presidio exterior is of course photographer dreams come true, but the interior was also the perfect complement to your bright autumn wedding colors - perhaps this wasn’t a coincidence, since you really planned this whole wedding extremely well. The day never felt rushed, all the pieces fell into place, but it didn’t feel too “orchestrated” either.

And then there’s the two of you, just an old fashioned Mr. and Mrs. from down the street, dancing and laughing and pretty much being the cutest couple ever. And still emanating that glowiness I mentioned before.

I could wax poetic all day, but skipping ahead, the reception then took place down the road at El Paseo, which also matched the rest of the wedding vibes perfectly. Here, the bride changed into her own sparkling sequin reception dress, which was stunning in the lights of the dance floor! And then there were toasts (tears thanks to the sister of the bride) and live music, supplemented by the groom + family (so impressive!) This may be the most energetic reception I’ve been to, with non-stop dancing from the get go, singing, some never-before-seen dance moves thanks to Grandpa, and plenty of crowd surfing.

To me, the joy of this reception is a testament to the amazing community you attract, bringing me back to that aura you carry with you, that I was fortunate enough to bask in this entire day.

Here’s hoping these photos spread that joy even a little further!

Here’s to you, lovebirds!
Kristen

P.S. If you haven’t experienced the joy of their beachy engagement session as well, you won’t regret it!