I have a monster post today. I’m sharing more photos than usual because Lydia has family and friends around the world, in Brazil, Japan, China, and beyond. Hopefully her loved ones can share in the joy of her wedding day as they view these images.
Lydia & Gordon. It was love at first sight, you could say. Gordon was visiting from Nor Cal when he met Lydia in LA one fateful weekend. After two days spent together, not even the 400 miles that separated them could keep them apart for long. It’s easy to see why. With Lydia’s sweet, yet spunky personality and Gordon’s easygoing temperament, these two have a relationship that’s as comfortable as a pair of fuzzy, pink bunny slippers. After a year of long distance, Gordon eventually moved down to LA to be with Lydia and they adopted a loveable shepadoodle named Leyla to start their family together. Shortly after, Gordon got down on one knee and asked Lydia to spend the rest of her life with him.
Lydia and Gordon, it’s a blessing to know you both and it was an honor to document your day. Congratulations! I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Lydia was one of the calmest brides I’ve been around. She had everything planned out to a ‘T’ and all there was left to do was sit back and enjoy the day. We arrived just as the tea ceremony was finishing up and Lydia was about to get into her dress.
Next up, everyone piled in their cars and headed to Pasadena for family portraits at Pasadena City Hall.
Lydia’s bridesmaids were amazing throughout the day, adjusting her makeup and dress so that she could look her extra best in all the photos.
Pasadena City Hall was a photographer’s dream, with gorgeous, soft light reflecting off all the walls. Lydia & Gordon made my job easy by just being themselves and completely into each other as they naturally are.
I love these two below.
Did I mention that Lydia has a goofy side? In this photo below, the phrase coming out of her lips was, “Like a G6, like a G6…” As you can see, her bridesmaids were loving it.Lydia and Gordon have the sweetest friends ever. They all have so much fun together, which made portrait taking a breeze.
After portraits, we headed down the block for an intimate ceremony and reception, held inside the cutest little restaurant and courtyard.
Okay, most adorable flower girl EVER. She did not want to walk down that aisle. So, instead of daintily sprinkling the flower petals along the way, she chucked them to the ground a handful at a time with the cutest sullen expression on her face. I wanted to take her home with me.
If every guy looked at his wife like this, I bet there would be a lot less arguin’ goin’ on. Just sayin’…
Instead of a traditional recessional, Lydia and Gordon exited through the gates behind them, symbolizing the doorway to the start of their new life together.
Lydia and Gordon did what every couple should have a chance to do after the ceremony: REST. They went back to a local hotel with their bridal party during the cocktail hour to catch a breather and freshen up before the reception.
There’s something about this image below that I love. Gordon is holding a container of grapes and they’re all trying to grab a few before leaving to the reception. It’s like a choreographed triangle of grape eating.
Gordon’s brother/best man added some final touches to his toast.
I love this image below… After the ceremony, Gordon mentioned that he was a little nervous about the first dance that they had been practicing. I just love his expression of determination and triumph as he dips Lydia at the end of their choreographed routine. Success!
Heartfelt toasts by Melissa (Lydia’s sister) and Gregory (Gordon’s brother). Laughter and tears abounded.
Gordon played nice while cutting the cake, but you can see Lydia’s sense of humor as she dabbed Gordon on the forehead with some tasty cake frosting.
One last image to end the wonderful night. Congrats! And thank you to Jesse and Christina for shooting with me!
Update: Lydia and Gordon’s slidshow has been posted below!
