Maddie and Brandon had one of the most heartfelt weddings that brought me to tears. Their family along with all of their guests were some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. So inviting and welcoming. Constantly checking in on me to make sure I was well-fed and hydrated the entire day because it was sooo hot out! We started the day off at a Church where Maddie and Brandon had a private ceremony with their immediate family. We then spent the morning outside with their family where I had asked what their favorite song was. This is when Brandon told me he loved the song Bloom, by the Paper Kites. I had a speaker with me so I put the album on and let it play out as we captured their bride and groom portraits.
We started off the afternoon at a quaint beautiful house in Temecula where they transformed the yard into a charming venue, full of fairy lights and rustic decor. As Maddie, Brandon, and I headed off to take their sunset bride and groom portraits I queued up the song Bloom on my speaker and we listened to it on repeat as they danced in the golden hour.
When we returned to the house, Maddie’s father made a speech and then announced that they had a surprise for Brandon. There were some instruments set up as Maddie’s father was in a band. Maddie walked over and grabbed the microphone; I had no idea she was a singer and I didn’t even know what the surprise was! The minute they started playing a song, I quickly realized it was the one that we had been playing all day long… Bloom. As I moved around capturing photos of this extremely special moment, I caught so many glimpses of not only Brandon with tears in his eyes, but also everyone in the crowd, staring intently at these two and their love for each other. Each person seemed so touched by the moment that I started CRYING in front of everyone! I don’t consider myself as an emotional person, but it was one of the most thoughtful moments I’ve ever been a part of.
After everyone wiped away their tears, we watched the two of them do their first dance as Maddie’s father and band continued the rest of the song. The remainder of the night was full of fun, laughter, dance battles and good times. This wedding will forever be in my book as one of the most impactful experiences in my career and will always hold a special place in my heart. Couple’s like this, who are thoughtful, kind, warm-hearted and intentional are the people I love to work for and they make me enjoy my job more and more everyday.
