With a love story ten years in the making, I think even the heavens knew how long they had waited to say “I DO” because rain had been forecasted on their wedding day THE entire week, but decided to hold off till just after sunset portraits! In the most perfect timing, the rain began to fall right as we headed to the reception. And as the priest gave a blessing for everyone at dinner, he said he too had asked God to hold the rain for just a bit for Paul and Allison’s wedding day!!! Prayers were definitely answered, and God gave these two THE most gorgeous wedding day EVER!  
 
I’d been looking forward to this wedding since first meeting Paul and Allison in Yosemite for their engagement session. Not only that, this was also my last wedding shoot of 2017, so it felt like a grand finale of sorts. And let me tell you, it was!!!! They planned a November wedding in their hometown of Merced for their 520 guests. I repeat, 520 (!!!) guests. Paul and Allison both come from large Portuguese families, and cutting the guest list was not an option so instead they found a room at the Merced Fairgrounds to fit their guest list, and COMPLETELY transformed the room into a BEAUTIFUL space filled with draping garland, and beautiful florals displays atop tables, surrounded by romantic uplighting and soft draping, and topping it off with a chandelier above the dance floor with even more gorgeous florals! Even with such a large guest list, the smallest of details were not forgotton. From the gold silverware to the individual soup tureens and the handmade flower girl dress to match the bride’s lace on her dress, to the good luck penny the bride’s dad placed in her shoe dated the year she was born…the day was absolute perfection!  
 
Paul and Allison, your love for each other is just a blessing to witness and capture!!! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your day, and making me feel like part of your family! And a very special thanks to Diane Angel for helping me photograph this beautiful day!

The dreamiest ring and details…

Lovelovelove this invitation suite by RSVP Please – so gorgeous!

This Dress!!!! The lace and cut and detail were AMAZING!!!

A sweet little gift for the ‘little bride’

The gorgeous bride!!!

Just acrtoss town, the groom putting all the finishing details together to head to the church!

Love this of Paul and his mama…

“Going to the chapel!!! And we’re going to get married!”

The groom couldn’t keep his eyes off his beautiful bride!

One of my favorites from the day!

Their smiles say it all!

My favorite!

Love!

The beautiful bride with her gorgeous mama and sisters!

Adore these two!

After portraits, we headed to the reception where guests were greeted with the most gorgeous entrance!

And even more amazing inside!

Gold silverware and garland might just be the prettiest combo!

For each of their guests, Paul and Allison had the first course (soup) brought in these soup tureens…how neat is that!?!

Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs.!!!

The entire night was just magical! From the first dance…

…to some epic toasts!

Even their little niece gave a toast!

And with each toast, heartfelt wishes were given…

Especially from the groom’s mom…

…and the bride’s dad…

The night continued with all kinds of traditions and fun!

Even a little dance from the groom!

And the night continued with LOTS of celebrating and dancing!

The entire evening was FULL of joy. And love. So much love! Friends and family and even some twirling with the littlest bride!