Krista + Michael – Welcome Party – Bates Motel, Universal Studios California

Originally I wasn’t going to blog this welcome party…especially after being blown away by Krista + Michaels wedding day at the Lombardi House. But, I loooooooove shooting welcome parties. Or as I like to call them, extended cocktail hours of awesome.

As a main shooter, I don’t get the chance to photograph cocktail hours very often. I’m normally running around like crazy wrapping up portraits or setting up for the reception. But I love them. For reals. What other time do I get to joke + laugh with guests, and then switch gears and watch the crowds for a laugh or heartfelt hug?  

When Krista + Micheal hired me for their Welcome Party I was excited to photograph at the Bates Motel again…but more-so I was excited to really get to know their friends + family. I heard inside jokes (why someone brought bananas with Krista’s name on them to the wedding), learned that Krista’s dad had a group friends he vacationed with every year for like 17 years, + got the scoop from Aunt Carol on who was who. Seriously, knowing and being around love fills my heart.

Universe: One day I want to only photograph entire wedding weekends. Because when you have 100+ of your friends and family fly in for your event, the things worth remembering don’t happen within 6 hours on your wedding day.