The French Estate | Orange County Wedding Photographer

We started the day with Sara getting her hair and makeup ready at her home.  Sara wore ballet slippers all day because she is actually a professional ballerina! They had classic silver rings and huge red and white peonies and roses that filled her bouquet that was larger than her head. She had huge pearl tear-drop-shaped earrings and beautiful matching jewelry. Her mom helped her get into her dress. We love a plus-sized bride and since I’m a plus-sized woman myself I specialize in making other plus-sized girls and gals feel extra special in confident throughout the day so they can really shine in their photos. It is all about rocking confidence. Once we were ready everyone headed off to the French Estate in Orange. The first thing to do was the first look because the couple’s main goal for their wedding was to spend as much of the day together as possible.

It was time for the first look. We got the groom set up under the gorgeous yellow leaves that cascaded down the French Estate. Sara’s handmade paper flowers can also be seen during the first look which was super cute. Sara took an entire year working on those paper flowers and they really paid off in the photos. They wanted to do the first look at the ceremony area and I thought it was absolutely perfect. She tapped him on the shoulder and his reaction was so sweet and emotional. Once they enjoyed each other’s time we headed out for some photos in Downtown Orange of just the two of them. We explored all around Downtown Orange and got some really cool photos against red brick walls, down alleys, fountains, and some unique storefronts. Then we headed to Chapman University which is a favorite place of mine and I shoot at all the time. We used some off-camera flash and got dramatic and magazine cover style fabulous photos of the bride and groom. It was even the perfect time in Autumn so we got to take advantage of the yellowing leaves on all the trees in the area! It was seriously perfect.

After we had plenty of time for photos it was time for the ceremony. Kyle looked excited but was definitely a little nervous. The groomsmen and bridesmaids walked down one by one. In no time, Sara was being escorted by her father down the aisle. The bride looked like a veiled princess. Kyle teared up and they met each other in front of the officiant. Their ceremony was short and sweet and they read each other intimate vows. They exchanged rings, kissed, and were officially pronounced man and wife!

After the ceremony, Sara and Kyle took pictures with their bridal party and some family. Once they got some pictures with family and friends we snuck off during cocktail hour to get some really cute pictures of the bride and groom around the French Estate in Orange, California. The French Estate had so much lush greenery and defied the laws of weather, as it was in the middle of Autumn. It made for some really beautiful photos.

Once we finished up with photos of the bride and groom we headed off to the reception. At the reception each table had a centerpiece with beautiful candles and the area was filled with homemade paper flowers that the bride made herself. They had a huge dessert table stacked tall with tres leches cupcakes which were, let me just say, sooo yummy. There were different cakes, pies, and yummy treats and it was crazy. They did speeches. All the plates and cutlery were wooden and super eco-friendly. They did speeches and had a bunch of fun before visiting each table to take photos. They did daddy-daughter and mother-son dances as well. They didn’t do many of the traditional wedding customs and they look a more relaxed approach to their party. They had a beautiful sparkler exit and they danced while their guests played with the sparklers. They wanted a huge photo with all their guests and it is such a good way to make sure you don’t forget anyone who was at your special day!

Venue- The French Estate

Formal Photos- Downtown Orange and Chapman University

Dessert table- Pie Table

Dj- Extreme DJ Alex Espinosa

Cake- made by friend