The Blog

Laid-Back Church Wedding in the Central Valley

October 2, 2019

Weddings

Jesse and Nicole had a simple laid-back church wedding celebration, and it actually felt a lot like my own wedding day. For example: lawn ceremony, simple reception, and even a Hispanic buffet for dinner! I loved being able to reminisce because of all the similarities. They had their ceremony in the back courtyard of the church (such a perfect place with the fountain walkway and lawn area!) and moved all of the chairs 100 yards over for the reception where the kids could run around and the adults could hang out and catch up with friends and family.

Starting the day off separately, the soon-to-be newlyweds each got ready in different parts of the Ceres Seventh-day Adventist Church. Nicole got dressed and ready with the help of her mom, her daughters, and several friends. It involved some steaming, some cutting of tulle, and lots of prayers! And speaking of prayer, Jesse and Nicole opted not to do a first look, but a “first prayer” instead. They held hands back to back on a double iron staircase – neither of them saw each other! – and Jesse prayed over their upcoming ceremony, marriage, and their lives together.

I loved the atmosphere during the reception…it was essentially a large group of friends and family hanging out and really enjoying being together. And of course celebrating Jesse and Nicole’s union. 🙂 The shaded area was really perfect for the hot day. It got even nicer as the evening went on with the sun dipping below the trees. Enjoy some of my favorite photos from the full day – getting ready, the ceremony, and of course the portraits!

*This wedding was second shot for Classic Photographers. Thanks for the opportunity!