Victoria and Shawn's DIY Azusa wedding

Victoria and Shawn were my very first "Megan Finley Photography" clients. Obviously I had done a few weddings before but only as a second shooter, never as the big "my ass is on the line" boss of it all. But I couldn't have asked for a better couple!

Victoria and Shawn and their family were all amazing. From the moment Vickie's aunt answered their door in her robe and welcomed us into her home, encouraging us to run around a shoot whatever we'd like, I knew that this was going to be a great wedding. Here are some shots from getting ready to the ceremony...



Victoria came right to her aunts house/the reception site from her hair appointment and immediately unveiled the dress.


The front is also just as beautiful.


I was excited that Vickie's jewelry came from one of my favorite jewelry stores (where I got my first engagement ring and Aaron got his wedding band). And you just gotta love those fancy shoes.


Did I mention that Vickie is a crafty bride? She made these magnet wedding favors by hand. And the little bag with the skull on it? She made two of those for the rings while she was getting her hair done!


Then we had to move the "getting ready party" into the exercise room.












The girls DIY'd their own bouquets from flowers bought from the flower mart.


The boutenniers




Think they turned out absolutely stunning.


Then it was time for her to head over to get married in this awesome ride!





I LOVED this red wall!


Sean waiting for his bride, looking badass in his glasses.


Victoria with her father.




The groomswomen wore corsages. So cute.


And can I just say that I feel in love with Shawn's smile?


They had a really interesting ceremony filled with Jewish traditions utilizing some of things you can see in the picture -- Shawn put Vickie's ring on her index finger first, the reason goes back to the time of the Talmud and the differences in beliefs at that time about which finger is closer or more direct to the heart. And they had a wine ceremony to sanctify the personal relationship of marriage over wine. The bride and groom each take a sip of the wine. But the rabbi also enjoyed a sip himself!


Then they did a sand ceremony too.


And they did this wonderful thing where both their dads wrapped them together in a single tallit (prayer shawl). I had never seen this done before and it was a really beautiful moment.


And then MAZEL TOV!







Hugs all around.


And a really dirty dress!

Okay, here's what I learned during THIS wedding:


Make sure to make sure that bride and groom both KEEP THEIR EYES OPEN!


Then it was photo shoot with the car time!








The whole wedding party!


Congratulations Victoria and Shawn! And thank you for trusting me to shoot your wedding!!! ;)