As a wedding photographer, every wedding is unique and special in its own way. However, there are some weddings that stand out in your memory long after the event has ended. Nakia and Jonathan’s wedding at Sterling Hills by Wedgewood Weddings in Camarillo, California is one such wedding that will always hold a special place in my heart. From the moment I met Nakia and Jonathan, I could tell that they were a couple deeply in love.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Nakia and Jonathan’s wedding was how well their families integrated with each other. Despite coming from different backgrounds, it was clear that their families had already become one big family even before the wedding happened. During the wedding preparations, both families worked together seamlessly to ensure that everything went smoothly. There was a real sense of togetherness and unity that permeated the entire event.

This sense of unity was especially evident during the wedding ceremony, where Nakia and Jonathan’s families came together to support the couple as they exchanged their vows. It was clear that everyone present was invested in the couple’s happiness and excited to welcome them into their extended family.

The wedding ceremony was held outdoors during golden hour, which provided a stunning backdrop for the couple’s vows. The light was just perfect, and it made for some breathtaking photos. After the ceremony, we took some more photos during golden hour, and the results were simply stunning.

During the reception, there was a lot of dancing and laughter. Nakia and Jonathan’s friends and family were clearly having a great time, and their joy was infectious. The day was very colorful, with bright flowers and decor adding to the festive atmosphere.

One thing that really stood out to me was the cocktail named after their cat. It was a cute and quirky touch that added a personal element to their wedding that spoke to how much they were willing to laugh together. It was clear that Nakia and Jonathan were a couple that loved to have fun and make the most of every moment.

As I was capturing the special moments of the day, I couldn’t help but appreciate how much Nakia and Jonathan loved each other. They laughed together, held each other close, and shared tender moments that were a joy to photograph.It was also an amazing opportunity for me to stretch my skills as a wedding photographer and get some creative shots that truly stand out for how quiet they were. “Quiet” shots is a term that has been used quite frequently on TikTok to address smaller more private moments between a bride and groom and I can see why. Between the high energy speeches and dances were moments like these, where I felt no need to interrupt the moment but instead was able to watch and capture intimate seconds that were fleeting and could never be recreated. That’s what being a wedding photographer (or videographer depending on the hat I wear) is all about. 

Overall, Nakia and Jonathan’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and friendship. As a wedding photographer, it was an honor to be a part of their special day and to capture their memories in photos that they will treasure for a lifetime.