With Christmas right around the corner and my two favorite newlyweds returning from their New York City honeymoon, I really wanted to get this amazing wedding up for you to see before the weekend (and before I take off for a much needed mini-vacation in Big Bear to frolic in the snow).
Jessica & Todd threw a vintage winter wedding that even the icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood would have been clamoring to attend. It was held in the historic Old Towne district of the city of Orange at the Woman’s Club, which was built in the 1920s and is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition to having impeccable taste (I mean, seriously, I kept thinking all night that if I had the chance to have another wedding, I would want it to be JUST LIKE Jessica & Todd’s wedding) and being creative DIYers, these beautiful people love each other so much it makes your heart swoon. Despite the fact that they’ve been together for years, Jessica kept exclaiming, “How many times am I going to get nervous tonight?!” It was endearing and sweet and shows that you can still feel those butterflies with someone you know and love and trust as much as Jess loves Todd. And the way that Todd looks at Jess shows the feeling is more than mutual.
Jessica is so fantastically drop-dead gorgeous, it’s hard to believe she’s real.
The first look and ceremony took place in the gardens of the Woman’s Club. I just love Todd’s expression upon seeing Jessica.
I don’t think there’s been a prettier person ever made. Todd you are one lucky guy.
In typical Southern California fashion, the winter day was sunny, but as the dusk ceremony began, the air began to chill. Hot cocoa and apple cider, along with some sweet treats, were served to keep the guest warm.
After the ceremony, we snuck off to take some bride & groom portraits. Jessica picked out all the spots around Old Towne Orange; each one was a perfect fit for her and Todd’s winter vintage themed wedding.
For the classic evening ballroom reception, the Woman’s Club was filled with Hollywood icon images for table markers, and winter-y touches everywhere. The backdrop of white decor was accented with touches of silver, green, red and tons of vintage antique store finds. In true DIY fashion, the bride & groom designed their wedding’s theme, decor, and personal touches themselves.
After their grand entrance, Jessica & Todd took to the dance floor for their first dance to the sounds of The Fabulous Esquires Big Band.
Sweet treats and a classic two-tiered winter-white cake were provided by the ever delicious Sweet & Saucy Shop. Jessica made the cute-as-pie Christmas ornament labels herself.
Aram, Todd & Jessica’s good friend, gave a funny and moving toast that pegged the couple spot on. All I have to say is “She-Boss”.
Another fun touch for the reception was the Magbooth by the Magnolia Photo Booth Co.
The Fabulous Esquires Big Band were a hit as they played standards from the 30′s-50′s and guests of all ages got into the groove.
As Jessica got into her second dress, a classic 50′s style white shift, I noticed the front lobby area of the Woman’s Club was decked out in the perfect vintage Christmastime decor, and I couldn’t resist doing some sweet and funny shots with Jess & Todd in front of the tree and fire. These are some of my favorite photos ever.
The night wrapped up with a fun and messy cake cutting.
And some shots of Jess & Todd in the photobooth. A perfect end to a perfect night.
Jessica & Todd, thank you so much first for being so awesome and second for having me as your wedding photographer. It was such a fun and memorable night and I can’t imagine a wedding more perfect for you two. Congratulations and merry Christmas!
(Thanks also to my fabulous second photographer Rachel who totally rocked it with me!)
Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Woman’s Club of Orange / Officiant: Matthew Arriola / Catering: Iva Lee’s / Cake & Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop / Florist: Tropical Blossoms / Band: The Fabulous Esquires Big Band / Photobooth: Magnolia Photobooth Co. / Videographers: John & Gaelyn Jenkins / Photography Assistant: Rachel McCauley
