As a wedding photographer, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the love that two people share. So when Michael’s mother reached out to me a few months before Sarah and Michael’s wedding to photograph their rehearsal dinner, I was overjoyed with the opportunity to document such a special moment.

The evening was held at Oliver’s of Montecito, a charming and warm restaurant that provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate and inviting celebration. The groom’s parents had rented out a majority of the outdoor patio and bar, where friends and family gathered to toast and celebrate the lives of Sarah and Michael. Over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, old friends caught up with each other’s lives, while new friendships were formed just seats away. From the people I met that night, it was clear that Sarah and Michael’s radiant and vibrant personalities draws in people who share the same energy and love.

One of the sweetest moments of the evening was when Michael was reunited with his grandpa, who had been staying safe in New York for nearly three years. They sat together on the bar couch, sharing stories and catching up, surrounded by loved ones who stopped by to say hello.

As the night went on, friends and family took to the mic, sharing hilarious stories of Michael and Sarah that both roasted and toasted the couple and their future together. One particular story stood out, in which a close friend recounted how Michael had been doing headstand twerking the night he met Sarah, which drew laughter and smiles from every corner of the patio (besides a bit of a facepalm from Michael!).

It was clear that the love surrounding Sarah and Michael would go on for eternity, and it was truly an honor to capture such a beautiful moment in their journey together.