I first met Lauren back in a Santa Barbara City College biology course in 2010, where we bonded over our love of photography. She was always talking about this mysterious guy, Mark, who I never had the chance of meeting back then. Even through the veil of mystery that surrounded this Mark character, it was obvious that they had something special. Little did I know that their love story was just beginning.

Fast forward nearly ten years, and I received a message from Lauren asking me to photograph her wedding… to none other than Mark! I couldn’t have been more thrilled to be a part of their special day.

The wedding took place at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, where Lauren’s grandparents had also gotten married back in the 1950s. As a nod to their family history, Lauren and Mark recreated some of their grandparents’ old photos, which was a touching and meaningful moment.

The bright and colorful vibe of the photos perfectly captured the joy and love that filled the air that day. After the ceremony, we headed down the street to El Paseo Restaurant for the reception. The venue’s incredible food, old-world charm, and unique character added to the overall ambiance of the evening.

One of the highlights of the night was when Lauren and her mom shared a Mother-Daughter Dance to Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, which had everyone in tears. For dessert,

Lauren and Mark opted for a wall of donuts provided by Tyler’s Donuts in Carpinteria, which were a hit with all the guests.

Lauren and Mark’s wedding was a true fairy tale, and I feel honored to have been a part of it. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness for this amazing couple.