The date of this wedding was very meaningful: it was the anniversary of their first date.  Two self proclaimed nerds who met online and within 12 short months fell in love, got engaged, planned an amazing wedding, and got married.  That’s why I call leveling up!  We have known the bride in her words “most of her life”.  We have photographed numerous events in her family and we so excited when she called us, again in her words, right after she called her parents to tell us she was engaged and couldn’t wait to come see us to talk about the details.  We felt so special to be so high on her list, and had the best time meeting Todd, getting to know him, planning their awesome engagement session at Castle Park in Sherman Oaks, stocking up on green tootsie rolls for Dori’s frequent visits to the studio, and sharing the weekend with family, friends and well wishers.

The Hyatt Regency Valencia is one of our very favorite venues- yes the hotel itself is lovely, and the rose garden is beautiful, and you are right next to the golf course, and it’s convenient.  It is more than that makes our Hyatt special- it is the attentive, concerned staff and how they treat everyone who walks through their doors that makes it such a pleasure for us to work there and recommend the venue to anyone who asked.

While the ladies were upstairs getting ready, the gentlemen stopped at  Apollo’s Barber Shop before getting ready in their room.

Adriana from Cruz’s Bridal was in the room with the girls to dress the bride- Adriana is the ultimate perfectionist and we cannot begin to explain what a treat it is when she is there to help out.  We love the attention she pays to every detail and the expertise she brings.  Dori chose the Belle Dress from the Alfred Angelo Disney Princess Collection because Belle is Dori’s favorite princess!

The details were just perfect…from Dori’s stunning Jimmy Choo shoes, to Charmaine’s perfect bouquet, to Dori’s favorite green Tootsie Roll flavor rolls that she got hooked on at our studio, to the aquamarine jewelry…it was just perfection!

Todd was downstairs getting some of his portraits done and waiting patiently for his bride.

With a quick kiss from a friend and a peek out the window we were off for Dori and Todd to exchange their first look in the garden.

The emotion was so intense- it was amazing!  It was so easy to capture the love and romance these two shared!

Dori was just stunning!  Just like Ariel, the Little Mermaid!  Yes, I remember she is wearing the Belle Dress, but she reminds me of Ariel with her awesome red hair and curls!

We loved Charmaine’s beautiful white bouquet against the background of the Hyatt’s fountain!

The bridal party and family were so excited to share in the photo fun.  Everyone was so happy!  And as expected…so much fun!

It was almost ceremony time, but the light was just right…so just a few more before the ketubah signing and ceremony.

Their ketubah was so beautiful!  Rabbi Ron Haus, their long time rabbi and friend from Congregation Beth Shalom made every aspect of the ceremony so personal and insightful…just love the expressions that surrounded them.  And Dori even got to sing Shalom Rav; her favorite before the signing started.  It was another memorable moment.

Breaking the glass, the kiss, a new beginning for these two!

Now it was time to party!  The ballroom was being transformed with Charmaine’s beautiful flowers, Cake Goodness’ elaborate sweet table and wedding cake, the Hyatt’s magnificent lighting and every detail imaginable!  The guests were being entertained by Barry Lamster’s exquisite piano skills in the foyer and enjoying cocktails and yummy appetizers.

Time for the nonstop fun!

After the dads made motes dinner was served, oh yes, Dori and Todd took a minute to update their status on Facebook to MARRIED!!!

The parent dance was another emotional moment.  Kleenex anyone?

Now it was time to dance the night away!

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Dori serenaded her new husband with Gillter in the Air by Pink. What a surprise and what a voice!   Thank you to  Barry Lamster for your accompaniment on the keyboard.

Cut the cake…some special ending pictures and Good Night and Happy One Year First Date Anniversary and Happy Wedding Day to Dori & Todd- we love you and your families more than words can say…so we hope the photos do the trick.  We can’t wait for the next event!