Hotel Valencia Wedding Photography | Marisa & Chris

I love the internet.  Chris and I were RAs back in college together.  We kept in touch through grad school, but lost touch after I stopped using AIM.  A few years later, he visited my blog and as fate would have it, he saw a link to my photography site and happened to be planning his wedding!

I was really excited to hear from Chris again, and even more excited when he told me he’d like to fly me up north to be apart and document his wedding.  He is one of the most genuine and sincere people I have ever met.  And when I met Marisa, I couldn’t be happier for them.   They balance each other so perfectly.  And I just LOVE the way he looks at her.  You can just see how much he loves and adores her, and after meeting her, how can anyone not adore her?

All her girl friends came over to help her get ready.  They are all such wonderful friends.  They brought wine, their makeup kit, and humorous gifts to ease her jitters.

Marisa had a beeautiful PINK dress custom designed and made by Colleen Quen Couture.  It fit her like a glove!  And I love the pink surprise!

Meanwhile, Chris in the back room getting one last glance before walking down the aisle.  I love the anticipation I feel from him here.

Hang Loose!  Actually, I think he was telling people not to forget to call the couple, but out of context, the “hang loose” cracks me up. 

Privacy please…

Chris & Marisa are both teachers and LOVES books.  The Mountain View Library happened to be next door to the church, so we decided to sneak in for some quick pictures.

Chris found his true love…

a book?  lol.

They then had a super cute reception at Cielo, which is on the rooftop of Hotel Valencia on Santana Row.

Each table was named after a place that the couple spent together.

Adorable niece eating her cake.

Adorable nephew pouting at the wilting flower.

Little Katie dancing with her shadow.

Chris and his amazing mom.  She’s an art critic and museum curator at two MOCA museums in Asia.

They choreographed a super cute first dance.

And Marisa getting Chris to party it up!

After the reception, we snuck out for a few photos on Santana Row.  I love how they were totally in their own little world, enjoying their first few hours as husband and wife as crowds of people passed them by and stared.

I hope you two are enjoying your honeymoon in Japan & China right now!!  Congrats on a love filled wedding day and I wish you two a wonderful journey ahead!  It was an honor to be a part of you special day and to be amongst all the love.