Where to begin with Elisa and Tony – this wedding was an absolute blast to photograph! I loved the multi-cutural flair they had throughout this Huntington Beach Wedding. Also, their guests totally knew how to PARTY! Be sure to scroll down to see all the beautiful, and fun details they had during ceremony and reception. Also, currently still very much obsessed with those forest green dresses!!
Before you go on, have you seen their engagement photos at Griffith Observatory? Still thinking about that classic Mustang she had brought for this shoot!
Getting Ready
The morning started with meeting up at Elisa’s house for some getting ready photos. Those of you who know me, know that this is part of my favorite part of the day. I love capturing the energy and joy everyone has whilst getting ready for the big day. All the details from wedding invitations to the actual wedding day outfits – there’s just so much that I love to photograph. The location was also sentimental as this was the house she was born and grew up in. Her family and the bridal party were group of amazing people, and I truly enjoyed capturing the morning festivities.
Ceremony
Once we were ready, we headed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey, CA. The big highlight (in my book) is that the fact they had a mariachi band to sing/play all the songs throughout the ceremony! This was my first time experiencing this through a Catholic wedding. While beautiful choir is always great, this was so new and so fun for me. What do you guys think?
After the ceremony we were off to Huntington Beach Central Library for formal photos. (Also, this is a good time to note the couple booked out a party bus for the bridal party to travel in!! Be sure to see the photos from that, how fun is this?) The park seems to be quite popular for wedding portraits, with 5-6 other bridal party in the vicinity. But honestly the park is so massive it was not a problem at all.
The bridal party were such a great sport on taking all the photos. It might also help that some were already little buzzed from the party bus, haha. It made everything so much better, though (in my opinion). Formal photos are great, but so is having FUN doing them!
The Reception at Huntington Beach Wedding
Post photos, the party went back into the bus to head to the reception venue. I have actually photographed few weddings at Venue at Three Petals, but it always gives me a surprise. Part of the great thing about these open canvas venues is that you can change it up however you would want. I loved how Elisa and Tony asked De Lia Florista Haro, the florist and wedding coordinator to set up the venue.
So remember the mariachi band? I had thought the Catholic ceremony was the only time they would be there, but no! They came back to the reception and played live music, as well. It really was so fun listening to them. To add some Vietnamese flair into the reception (as the groom is Vietnamese), Elisa wore traditional red dress, áo dài. As you will see, she totally rocked that dress.
Enough with the talking, now onto the photos! Be sure to see all the details from this gorgeous, and FUN Huntington Beach wedding. Thank you, Elisa and Tony for having me!
Ceremony: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church [website]
Reception: Venue at Three Petals [website]
Florist/Coordinator: De Lia Florista Haro [facebook]
DJ: Ultimate Music DJ [website]
MUA: Nataliea Loya [instagram]
Mariachi Band: Mariachi San Antonio [instagram]
