Maureen & Hayden married in Rancho Palos Verdes at the Point Vicente lighthouse.  Civilians aren’t usually allowed access to the grounds for a wedding but that was no problem for Maureen, the daughter of a Coast Guard Admiral!

They both got ready at the beautiful Terranea Resort.

Hayden sent Maureen a beautiful letter that made her tear up.  So sweet.

Maureen’s grandma was sure not to miss a moment.  Her camera was constantly within reach.

In attendance at Maureen and Hayden’s wedding?  Their dogs of course!  Among many other close friends and family.

The happy couple decided to do a Celtic Knot tying ceremony.  It was very beautiful and unique.

Just married

The girls.

The guys.

We snuck off for a few photos in and around the lighthouse.  I wish every couple could get married here.  Between the light, the setting, and the totally fun couple, I was in heaven.

Time to PARTY!

Unbeknown to Hayden, Maureen had been taking hula lessons and surprised him with a hula at the end of their cocktail hour.

The insanely creative details were done by Maureen and her family.  I just love a good DIY wedding.

This wine was made especially for Maureen & Hayden.  They wanted everyone to give it a try and sign the bottle as their guestbook.  See what I mean? Clever.

I’ve never seen a couple compliment each other so well with their fun, adventurous, silly spirits.  You both are amazing and may you two have the most wonderful life together!

When Jodi told me that Chris proposed to her at Disneyland, I mentioned how fun it would be to shoot their engagement session here.  She loved the idea and the rest is history.

They even reenacted the engagement.

After a small break and a quick change, we headed over to California Adventure.

What an amazing fun day!!  A big shout out to my dear friend, stylist guru, Tashina, for tagging along and helping out.  And thank you to Jodi & Chris for bringing me along for the fun!  Can’t wait for your wedding this fall.

My friend, Vanessa, and fellow photographer’s son turned 2 this weekend and she asked me to come take part in his party.  She had the cutest Julius the Monkey themed party for him.  Complete with monkey decorations, banana tree, and a banana split bar!  Yum!

And the super adorable birthday boy!

The birthday boy and his dad.

Jayden with Vanessa and Grandma.

Jayden got a lesson in how to blow out his candles via his mom.  Too cute.

Time to open presents!

I just loved how excited he got about everything.  Even the clothes and birthday cards!  Although Vanessa took the liberty of modeling them for us.

Of course Jayden couldn’t wait to play with all his new toys!

Aren’t they such a cute family?

Last night I went to a fabulous party hosted by none other than Utterly Engaged.  It was fantastic fun.  So many good friends and meeting new ones too!

Who would think of making candy bacon?  This lady!  The Sticky Pig.

There were tons of other great vendors there too.

The Fry Girl, Yes Please Design, Tasty Clouds, Jay’s Catering …

And last, but certainly NOT least, Mint Photo Lounge, run two of my favorite photo people around.

And of course us all giddy in the photobooth, provided by my lovely, Holly, of Cakes and Kisses.  Check out her blog post about this event here.

Me and two fabulous photographers!  Sarah K Chen and Caroline Tran.

There was cotton candy AND beauty services.  Nails by The Nail Lounge and false eyelashes by Flawless Faces.  Holly insisted we get them.  I was a false eyelash virgin but not anymore! Once I got over worrying about if everyone could tell I was wearing them, I can see how it could be addicting.

This event also had a contest going.  Wedding designers signed up to create table settings and all the guests got to vote on which they liked best.  All the tables were fantastic!  We’re not allowed to show the photos of them just yet but I can tell you my girls of Just Wenderful, Katy Carrier Events and Cake Goodness won!!!  Holly and I were so proud we screamed and there were tears (Holly’s, not mine) The prize?  $1500!!

Tweeting the big news of course!!

I love these girls.  SO much talent in the room it was truly a sight.  I can’t wait to share all the photos of the table designs.  They were all truly amazing and unique!

A BIG thank you to Utterly Engaged for throwing and hosting this elaborate affair!!  You girls are just too much.

Other vendors that participated to make this night amazing ::  Jasmine Star, DJ Flashdance, dvArtistry, Heavenly Blooms, Black Tie Events, Persiano Events & Rentals, Signature Party Rentals, and Pacific Coast Bar & Beverage (yum!)

If you’re a vendor and you want some of these photos, email shannon@shannonleeimages.com or comment on the blog to let me know.  If you’re a vendor and I missed you, please let me know!

If you’re a table designer and want any photos of your tables I’ll be happy to send them to you.  Comment on the blog and I’ll email you about it!