Black Tie Avalon Palm Springs Wedding | Hilary + Adam

Avalon Palm Springs Wedding | Hilary + Adam

Hilary and Adam are Atlanta natives who chose to have a destination Avalon Palm Springs wedding. All of their friends and relatives flew from out of town to celebrate the couple and spend a weekend partying in the desert.  We have no doubt you too will want a Palm Springs wedding after seeing this black-tie affair.

Getting Ready

Hilary and Adam chose the historic Avalon Hotel as the backdrop for their celebration. They got ready in the bungalows the morning of their wedding day with their bridal party by their side. While the ladies were getting hair and makeup done we photographed the invitation suite and bridal details. Black and white were used throughout to mirror the black-tie theme of the wedding. The calligrapher even adorned their invitation suite with custom Palm Springs sketches and vellum inserts. Hilary wore an open-back dress with a plunging neckline and a bespoke perfume from Le Labo.

Adam looked like a member of the Rat Pack in his tuxedo and white jacket. He donned custom cufflinks with monogrammed initials alongside black satin loafers to complete the ensemble. Prior to the first look, Adam and the guys captured groomsmen portraits in the courtyard. Once the first look finished, we met with the rest of the bridal party on the main lawn for photos. The guys donned classic black tuxedoes while the ladies wore classic black floor-length dresses accompanied by white roses and olive bouquets.

Pre-Ceremony Portraits

Before the ceremony started we headed off-site to capture portraits with more of a natural Palm Springs vibe. There was a gorgeous area just down the street lined with palm trees and accompanied by mountain views.

Ceremony

The ceremony site was held on the main lawn with the San Jacinto mountains as the backdrop. The color palette was black and white, a perfect complement to everyone’s outfits. Giant vases filled with white and blush roses, olive branches, and peppercorns surrounded the altar. Hundreds of rose petals were scattered throughout the aisle and calligraphy programs were located on everyone’s seats.

A string quartet played “Sky Full of Stars” during the couple’s recessional back down the aisle.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour was held by the main pool at sunset following the ceremony. Guests enjoyed artisan cocktails and tasty hors-d’oeuvres with each other while the couple portraits took place across the property.

Reception

The alfresco reception space took place beneath hundreds of twinkling market lights. Guests were greeted with warm candlelight and views of the San Jacinto mountains. 30-foot floral garlands filled with an abundance of white blooms and greenery decorated the communal tables.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Venue | Avalon Hotel

Planner/ Florist | Artisan Event Floral Decor

Makeup + Hair | Jen Plus Colour

Video | Paper Bird Weddings

String Quartet | City String Ensemble

Bakery | Exquisite Desserts

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Fall Inspired Hotel Bel-Air Wedding | Melissa + Michael

Hotel Bel-Air Wedding in Beverly Hills | Melissa + Michael

Melissa and Michael’s wedding at Hotel Bel-Air was the epitome of timeless luxury in the hills above Beverly Hills. Nestled in the secluded neighborhood of Bel Air, the iconic hotel provided an unforgettable setting for their elegant Southern California celebration.

I first met Melissa and Michael the previous summer while photographing a wedding for their friends in Tuscany at Conti di San Bonifacio. We were seated together at the rehearsal dinner and instantly connected. Over the following year I had the opportunity to document several milestones in their relationship, including their proposal high above downtown Los Angeles and their engagement session at Sunstone Winery.

By the time their wedding day arrived, it felt like photographing old friends.

A Luxury Wedding Weekend at Hotel Bel-Air

I arrived at Hotel Bel-Air the day before the celebration to photograph the rehearsal dinner and explore the property ahead of the wedding day. The hotel is one of the most iconic Bel Air wedding venues, known for its secluded canyon setting, lush gardens, and quiet elegance just minutes from Beverly Hills.

Walking the grounds for the first time, I was immediately struck by how serene the property felt. Towering trees and winding pathways create an atmosphere that feels almost removed from Los Angeles entirely. In many ways, the landscape reminded me of Northern California’s forests.

The following morning began with preparations in Melissa’s suite while her bridesmaids enjoyed hair and makeup. Meanwhile, Michael and the groomsmen gathered on the lawn for brunch before getting ready for the ceremony. Outside the suite, we styled Melissa’s details in the courtyard light — including a beautiful burgundy-toned invitation suite created by Honeycrisp Designs that perfectly complemented the wedding’s fall color palette.

An Elegant Garden Ceremony in Bel Air

After Melissa slipped into her gown with the help of her mother, we made our way across the gardens for the couple’s first look.

Michael waited eagerly on the main lawn of Hotel Bel-Air, and when he finally turned to see Melissa walking toward him, his reaction said everything. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured the emotion of the day.

Soon after their portraits together, guests began arriving for the ceremony. The ceremony site was revealed through a descending staircase that opened onto a romantic garden setting below. Thousands of pink rose petals lined the aisle, and modern gold-backed chairs framed the space beautifully against the greenery of the Bel Air landscape.

With family and friends gathered in the gardens of this historic Beverly Hills wedding venue, Melissa and Michael exchanged vows surrounded by flowers and the quiet beauty of the property.

Cocktail Hour in the Gardens of Hotel Bel-Air

Following the ceremony, the newly married couple made their way back down the aisle as guests showered them with rose petals.

Cocktail hour took place throughout the gardens of Hotel Bel-Air, where guests enjoyed handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while mingling beneath the trees. During this time, Melissa and Michael explored the property with me for their sunset portraits.

One of the most beautiful aspects of photographing a Hotel Bel-Air wedding is the variety of locations across the grounds. From hidden garden paths to ivy-covered walls and quiet courtyards, the venue offers endless opportunities for timeless wedding portraits.

As the light softened in the late afternoon, the Bel Air hills provided the perfect backdrop for some of my favorite photographs of the day.

A Romantic Reception at Hotel Bel-Air

Guests were soon invited indoors for the reception, and the transformation of the space was breathtaking.

The design featured a romantic palette of blush, burgundy, and soft red florals that beautifully complemented the golden tableware and velvet textures throughout the room. La Tavola linens added elegant velvet napkins while Borrowed Blu’s burgundy stemware tied the entire design together.

During dinner, heartfelt toasts from the couple’s fathers and closest friends filled the room with laughter and emotion. Following the speeches, everyone gathered around the dance floor to watch Melissa and Michael share their first dance as husband and wife.

In true celebratory fashion, fireworks erupted from the head table to mark the start of the evening’s dancing.

Outside the reception space, guests discovered an incredible dessert display filled with pastries and sweets. The celebration continued late into the evening as friends and family danced the night away in honor of Melissa and Michael.

It was an unforgettable wedding day in one of the most beautiful and iconic venues in Beverly Hills, and I was honored to document every moment.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Venue | Hotel Bel-Air

Planning + Design | Kelsey Events

Florals | Flowers By Cina

Beauty | Kelly Zhang Studio

Stationery | Honey Crisp Designs

Video | Monroe Films

Tableware | Borrowed Blu

Rentals | Bright Event Rentals, Chameleon Chair Collection, Chiavari Chair Rentals, Found Vintage Rentals

DJ | Visions Entertainment

Photobooth | Shutter Booth

Lighting + Draping | Amber Event Production

Cake | Simply Sweet Cakery

Acrylic | Delovely Details

Heels | Jimmy Choo

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Casa Romantica Wedding | Cheryl + Drew

Casa Romantica Wedding

This Casa Romantica wedding was one of the highlights of 2019! Cheryl and Drew married on a warm summer day at the historic cultural center overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Family and friends gathered with the couple alfresco-style and celebrated late into the night.

Cheryl donned a Galia Lahav dress with a plunging neckline and open back, crocheted with antique lace. In addition, she paired the dress with cream heels from Jimmy Choo. Cheryl’s bridesmaids wore an assortment of ivory dresses complimented by bouquets filled with palms, white roses, and greenery.

First Look & Ceremony

Cheryl and Drew chose to have a first look in the property’s courtyard before the ceremony. Drew welcomed his bride-to-be with tears of joy and open arms. Following the first look, we headed to the front of the property to meet the rest of the bridal party. We utilized the classic keyhole door and terracotta roof as our backdrop. Guests soon began to arrive so Cheryl tucked herself away, and once everyone was seated and in place, the ceremony soon began. Cheryl was escorted down the aisle by both her mother and father while Drew eagerly awaited his bride with a smile from ear to ear. The couple exchanged handwritten vows while overlooking the coast.

Reception

After the ceremony, everyone headed indoors for some dancing, fresh oysters, and tropical drinks for cocktail hour. Meanwhile, the reception space in the courtyard was getting finalized by Cortney and her team.  The sweetheart table was adorned with wicker peacock chairs for the bride and groom and set beneath a floral arch. There were long communal guest tables befitted with white florals and gorgeous deep greenery. The place settings were set with green velvet bows and illuminated with candlelight.

Guests looked on in adoration as Cheryl and Drew enjoyed their first dance in the warm sunlight of the afternoon. Cheryl loved every minute of Drew’s signature dance moves.

Family and friends gave heartfelt speeches during dinner.

Portraits at Golden Hour

We headed out for the last few minutes of daylight to capture portraits after dinner ended. Cheryl and Drew have such natural, palpable chemistry that photographing them is a breeze! They embraced one another during their first sunset together as husband and wife.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Courtney Helaine Weddings 

Venue | Casa Romantica

Videography | Memory Machine Films

Catering | Sundried Tomato Bistro

DJ | Vox DJ’s

Dress | Galia Lahav

Bride’s Shoes | Jimmy Choo

Film Lab | Indie Film Lab

Switzer Farm Wedding in Westport | Jennifer + Andrew

Switzer Farm Wedding

You need to drop what you’re doing and come take a peek at this gorgeous Switzer Farm wedding. This newly opened venue is located in Westport, CA, and made for the perfect backdrop for Jen and Andrew’s wedding day. The house was originally built in 1884 by the Switzer brothers and was restored in 2015. Before the renovation, world-renowned photographer Ansel Adams actually photographed the property in 1964! The property overlooks the Mendocino Coast and would be a dream for any couple looking for a unique venue.

We flew up for the weekend to document the festivities. After seeing their wedding photos below, we have no doubt you’ll want a coastal wedding as well!

Getting Ready

Jen and Andrew rented out the entire property for the weekend. Their bridal party stayed on-site and enjoyed the in-house chef and got ready alongside them on the wedding day. While Andrew and his groomsmen prepared downstairs, Jen and her bridesmaids were getting pampered in the upstairs suite. All of the ladies toasted Jen on marrying Andrew and Even their three dogs were included on the wedding day. After Jen finished with hair and makeup she slipped into her dress for portraits. Her mom was by her side to assist and capture some sweet moments in the process.

Ceremony

The ceremony was held on the property’s lawn overlooking the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Floral arrangements composed of pampas grass, spray roses, and fountain grass lined the aisle way. There was a flower-adorned wooden arbor at the altar for Jen and Andrew to stand under that framed the coastal rocks perfectly. Soon after the guests arrived, they were ushered down the hillside to their seats. Jen was walked down by her mom and Andrew was accompanied by his pup. After a heartfelt exchange of vows, the couple sealed their marriage with a kiss. Soon after, they made their way down the aisle with their dog in tow as their guests cheered them on.

Cocktail Hour

Guests made their way back up to the house for cocktail hour and to enjoy the sunset. Fresh oysters and handmade signature cocktails were served for everyone to enjoy. The most inviting lounge area was designed in the lower courtyard located beneath the main deck. While heading over to the lounge area with drinks and appetizers in hand, everyone stopped off at the welcome table to write in Jen + Andrew’s guest book.

Reception

Following cocktail hour, the reception space on the main lawn was opened to all the guests. Dinner was set to be served at an alfresco dining space beneath the stars. The tables were decorated with soft blue hues and gilded silverware. Loose blooms and floral centerpieces could be found throughout. Alongside the floral arrangements were the guests’ place settings written on agate. The sweetheart table sat at the head of the lawn surrounded by pampas grasses, overlooking the guests.

Guests soon made their way to their seats and the bridal party was about to make their grand entrance. Everyone stood, cheering on Jen and Andrew as they made their way to the dance floor. The two shared their first dance as husband and wife with views of the sunset over the Pacific. Meanwhile, their closest friends and family watched with adoration as the couple swayed, spun, and dipped one another.

Sunset Romantics

We absconded for a few minutes to capture a few more portraits before the sunset. We visited the home’s garden and captured the pair as they walked the property. After visiting the lounge area down in the courtyard, we headed back to the reception for dinner and a night full of dancing.

Guests raised their glasses and toasted one another during the speeches for the couple.
Jen and Andrew served one another bites of wedding cake while laughing and dancing into the night.

 Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Two Roads Event Co. 

Venue | Switzer Farm

Florals | Little Boy Flowers

Hair + Makeup | Megan Cary Artistry

Video | FonD Productions

Band | Lucky Devils Band

DJ | All Ears

Rentals | Bright Event Rentals

Film Lab | Indie Film Lab

Sagamore Resort Wedding in Bolton Landing, New York

Sagamore Resort Wedding in Bolton Landing

We recently flew out to upstate New York to photograph our first luxury Sagamore Resort wedding. Nestled deep in the Adirondacks, this sprawling venue opened its doors in 1883 and overlooks beautiful Lake George. In addition to the wedding weekend festivities, guests enjoyed incomparable lake views, fine dining, and unparalleled hospitality from the staff.

Getting Ready

Adam and Joyce wed on a beautiful summer day in June in front of all of their closest friends and family. Joyce got ready in a cabin on the historic property surrounded by her bridesmaids and with her mom by her side. With mimosas in hand and hip-hop playing on the stereo, everyone was in great spirits. Adam prepared with his groomsmen in the main building of the Sagamore before heading off to see his bride-to-be.

After everyone was dressed and ready for the day, we headed out to begin taking photos. Joyce and Adam met on the rooftop balcony of the hotel. It offered 180-degree views of Lake George and was the perfect setting for their first look. Looking out from the balcony, one could see multiple islands on the lake and the entire hotel property laid out before them. The wedding party and family gathered by the windows to watch the couple embrace one another with hugs and kisses of excitement. Afterward, everyone gathered to capture the wedding party and family photos.

Ceremony

Guests were guided to their seats overlooking the lake for the ceremony. Hundreds of pink roses and white hydrangeas lined the aisle that led up to a gorgeous seven-foot-tall floral arch. Handwritten vows were exchanged between Joyce and Adam, and there was no shortage of teary eyes in the audience. The couple was showered with rose petals after they said “I do” and recessed back down the aisle.

Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, guests headed to the main lawn where they enjoyed fresh hors d’oeuvres and handmade cocktails. All of Joyce and Adam’s immediate family met inside for a private Chinese tea ceremony. Following the tea ceremony, everyone headed down to the lake to finish family photos and capture couples portraits. The light was just perfect, so we made sure to stop at multiple locations around the property to capture a variety of looks and take advantage of the elevated landscape.

Reception

After cocktail hour, everyone was ushered inside a tent overlooking the lake for the reception. Family and friends welcomed the newly married couple with cheers. Family and friends made heartfelt speeches, and everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner while sound of rain danced on the roof of the tent. Afterward, guests danced the night away to a live band in celebration of Joyce and Adam. Everyone in attendance enjoyed dessert, cocktails, and a photo booth to remember the evening.

Photography | Alex W Photography
Venue | Sagamore Resort
Florals | Blooms For Rooms
Rentals | Total Events
Video | I Do Films
HMUA | Miss Harlequin
Band | Sound Society
Cake | Aram Cake Boutique
Photo Booth | Ebabil Films
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Santa Ynez Hills Engagement | Jennifer + Andrew

Santa Ynez Hills Engagement

Jen and Andrew braved the rain and wind with me last week to capture their beautiful Santa Ynez Hills engagement. It’s quite a rarity, but we’ve been experiencing consistent rainstorms throughout Southern California for the past few weeks. Fortunately, the skies cleared and the rain ceased just long enough for us to head up to the mountains.

I especially love this engagement session because Jen and Andrew wanted to include their three dogs in the photos. Couples are always encouraged to bring something special with them to our portrait session because it makes the photos that much more meaningful. I was overjoyed when they told me their pups would be tagging along!

We met in downtown Los Olivos and caravaned up to the mountains to visit one of my favorite lookout points. The last time I visited for a Santa Ynez Hills engagement, the area was enduring a heatwave and the landscape was golden. Thanks to all of the recent rain, we got to enjoy lush, green hills. As we photographed, we chatted about their wedding later this year at Switzer Farm with the talented team at Two Roads Event Co.

Andrew brought along a bottle of champagne so we could celebrate the end of a successful evening. The two toasted one another and ended the evening sipping on bubbly while watching the sunset.

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez| Melissa + Michael

Sunstone Villa Engagement Session | Melissa & Michael

Melissa and Michael wanted an intimate, private location for their engagement portraits. Immediately, I knew Sunstone Villa in Santa Ynez would be perfect.

The property combines privacy, elegance, and breathtaking architecture. Couples often choose Sunstone Villa for its European-inspired design and cinematic landscapes.

I first met Melissa and Michael last summer at their friend’s destination wedding in Tuscany. We were seated next to each other during the rehearsal dinner and hit it off immediately.

Later, we discovered we all lived near Los Angeles. It felt like fate.

Sunstone Villa: European Elegance in California

Sunstone Villa does not feel like California. Its design evokes the foothills of Provence and southern France.

The villa incorporates French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, and a fireplace imported from Bordeaux. Pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory and a thousand-year-old limestone sink complete the space.

Every detail offers a stunning backdrop for engagement photography. In Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez, Sunstone Villa is unmatched in character and charm.

Exploring the Villa and Grounds

As we wandered the property, the golden hour light highlighted every corridor and courtyard.

We explored the gardens, terraces, and open spaces. Each corner revealed a new photographic opportunity.

Melissa and Michael’s natural chemistry made capturing romantic moments effortless. Their elegance and style elevated every frame.

Finally, we arrived at a pair of majestic oak trees. There, we photographed intimate, golden-hour portraits.

Romantic Moments in the Santa Ynez Hills

Melissa and Michael ended the session slow dancing as the sun dipped behind the hills.

Sunstone Villa’s architecture and surrounding landscape created a timeless, cinematic feel. Their personalities and style brought the session to life.

The combination of setting and moments ensured the images would feel both relaxed and refined.

Venue | Sunstone Winery

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Southern California Beach Engagement | Ellie + Trevor

Southern California Beach Engagement

Ellie and Trevor traveled all the way from Hong Kong to Laguna for a Southern California beach engagement shoot. We were originally scheduled to meet in Malibu, but the date chosen coincided with the Woolsey fires that devastated the area last year. Because of this, I suggested that we instead drive down to Laguna Beach. Fortunately for us, there is no shortage of beautiful coastlines in California to play with.

We met on a warm November evening and had the beach almost completely to ourselves. This is always a pleasure because we can run up and down the sand without anyone in the photos. It’s also helpful to not have many people around when having romantic photos of yourself and your partner captured for the first time. Ellie and Trevor were pretty fortunate for the warm water that day as they were mostly surrounded by the crashing waves. 

We chatted as we walked along the sand and across the algae-covered rocks. They shared about their wedding plans in Hong Kong later the following year, how they met, and their bunny, Snowball. We hung out at the beach until the sun dipped behind the ocean and everyone else left. They both really opened up once it was just us. This allowed me to capture some truly romantic and unique shots for them.

It’s so flattering to have couples entrust me to document such a special time in their lives. It’s even more humbling when they fly from the other side of the world for me to do so! We ended the session with smiles on our faces, sand in our hair, and new memories. I can’t wait to see them both again (hopefully in Hong Kong) and finally meet Snowball.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Film Stock | Fujifilm 400h  Ilford Delta HP5

Southern California beach engagement

Kaupulehu Beach Club Hawaii Wedding | Camille + David

Kaupulehu Beach Club Hawaii Wedding

At the end of October, we flew to the big island of Hawaii to photograph an absolutely stunning wedding at the Kaupulehu Beach Club just outside of Kona. Camille Grammer (cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) tied the knot with her fiancé David on a beautiful Saturday evening overlooking a black sand beach. 

Getting Ready

We met Camille in the morning at her house overlooking the ocean where she and all of her bridesmaids got ready. Ricardo Ferrise provided hair and makeup to Camille and all of her ladies. A dear friend and fashion designer named Malan Breton created the custom gown that was waiting for us when we arrived. He designed a two-piece gown with a detachable train and delicate floral details throughout. 

Reception

Everyone headed inside the massive tent to start the reception’s festivities once the sun had set. By this time, the property had a magical glow from all the surrounding tiki torches. Hundreds of garlands of local foliage and florals were seen throughout, exuding the Polynesian theme of the day. Long garlands of white orchids decorated Camille and David’s chairs. Couches with floral accents were provided for the guests to lounge during the festivities. Guests were served authentic Hawaiian dishes for dinner and Polynesian entertainment was provided throughout the night. Everyone absolutely loved the hula dancers and fire spinners. 

Later in the evening, Camille and David danced with their parents while guests watched in admiration.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Hawaii Creative Beauty

Hair and Makeup | Ricardo Ferrise

Videography | TMB Video

Bride’s Gown | Malan Breton

Groom’s Suit | Malan Breton

Wardrobe Styling | Montgomery Frazier

Bride’s Heels | Giuseppi Zanetti

Groom’s Shoes | Salvatore Ferragamo

As seen in PEOPLE Magazine and Magnolia Rouge.