Portola Redwood State Park Wedding

On Friday,  I had the pleasure of photographing Nathan and Aileen's wedding ceremony and portrait session at Portola Redwoods State Park.  As someone who has photographed countless ceremonies in the Redwoods, Portola was new to me. 

Nathan and Aileen reached out to me when they decided to come up from LA and host their ceremony in the forest instead of a venue in Southern California.  While I love SoCal, there isn't anything really similar as far as redwood grove ceremony sites there.  We could get into the eternal debate of which is better (socal or norcal) but I'll leave that for the internet trolls.

We spent the 4 hour block I was booked for capturing some pre wedding images, first look, ceremony and portraits.  For clients that don't want a ton of getting ready shots/aren't having a reception or don't want it photographed, this time block works perfectly.  It doesn't feel rushed, and allows for a ton of candid images and me to document the day as it unfolds, as well as time for some more structured portraits with the couple/family/bridal party. 

Couples put a ton of thought into picking their ceremony and wedding location, so for me, focusing on accurately documenting that with wider shots that capture it, as well as all the smaller details of the day, is super important.  A wedding isn't just about posed portraits.  It is about every single guest, the interactions between them and the environment, and the memories that are made that day.  Capturing every one of these moments is what will truly preserve the day.