I love it when couples incorporate their cultures and things that they love (such as donuts!!) in their wedding. So for Carmen and Steve’s outdoor wedding at the Walker’s Overlook, I knew it would be a highlight of Fall 2018!

Carmen and Steve wasted no time and began wedding planning soon after their engagement. When I first met them and talked about their wedding day, you can tell how excited they are to be starting a new life chapter as husband and wife! Carmen is one of the most organized brides I’ve ever met – from bridal details to timeline management – she had a vision for their wedding day and she nailed it!

Their wedding began with getting ready at the bridal suite of the venue. As soon as we stepped inside, you can hear music and laughter, and I knew immediately that it would be a fun-filled wedding party and joyous wedding! Carmen’s bridal details incorporated the wedding color – dusty blues and greenery – along with classic pearls and dangling earrings. Her dress from Love Couture Bridal was a dream to say the least! The train falls beautifully with lace trims pairing with a laced veil and a pair of Badgley Mischka heels – they are fitting for a classic and elegant bride like Carmen! Meanwhile, Steve got ready with his groomsmen in the lounge area of the property within 15 minutes, while spending the rest blasting music, playing arcades, and celebrating some drinks!

Carmen had two first-look: one with her dad and the other with Steve. Though both Carmen and her dad claimed to be not particularly emotionally for their first-look, both couldn’t hold their tears when they saw each other. On the other hand, her first-look with Steve was filled with excitement and laughter. We took some time to take some wedding party pictures afterward. And boy, were they a fun wedding party!

The ceremony was held in front of the famous big tree, decorated with an arch handmade by Carmen’s dad himself. As the bridal was walking down the aisle, the anticipation got the best of Steve’s brother. The reality of his brother is getting married finally set in, and he was tearing up as Carmen finally walked down the aisle. True to their personalities, the first kiss ended up being Steve dipped by Carmen, and everyone clapped and laughed!

We took advantage of the beautiful sunset against rolling hills and treeline, and have them practice their first dance at the open field. The backdrop was stunning to say the least, but the loving gazes they have for each other definitely was what I loved the most from the short sunset portraits session.

The reception was held under the white tent decorated with tealights. The head table was lined with white tablecloth, greenery, lanterns, and Mr & Mrs balloons on their chair! Between the bridal party entrance, the first dance, parents dances, and the toasts, the parents dances always have my heart because you can see the relationships between the parents and the bride/groom.

Being rooted in their culture, Carmen and Steve had a Korean ceremony (Pyebaek) to honor their parents and grandparents. They changed into the traditional Korean outfit for the bride and groom. Adorned with heavy headdress and intricate layers of fabric, Carmen was led by Steve to bow to their elders and parents, and they in turn gave them marital advice and blessings. They even got to catch chestnuts with the shawl, which symbolizes having *many* children in the future!

The night ended with more celebration with delicious cake and desserts, bouquet toss, moire dancing, and sparklers exit. Though it was a packed night, the laughter and embrace didn’t ceased until it was time to go home.

Carmen and Steve - Congratulations on your marriage! We are so happy and honored to be part of your wedding day and captured many beautiful moments of your love and commitment to each other!