Hotel Bel-Air Wedding | Melissa + Michael

I had the distinct pleasure of photographing Melissa and Michael’s Hotel Bel-Air wedding earlier this Fall. I first met this sweet couple last Summer when I photographed their friend’s wedding in Tuscany at Conti Di San Bonifacio. We were seated next to one another at the rehearsal dinner and instantly hit it off. Since then, I’ve documented their proposal on the top of a skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles and their engagement session at Sunstone Villa in Santa Ynez.

I arrived at Hotel Bel-Air the day before the wedding to photograph both their rehearsal dinner and to scout the grounds for tomorrow’s wedding. It was my first time visiting the venue, and as soon as I stepped foot on the grounds, I felt like I was transported to Northern California. The redwoods and sequoias encompassing the property were reminiscent of being in Muir Woods. Our team arrived the next morning to Melissa’s suite where she and the ladies were having their hair and makeup done. Michael and the guys were enjoying brunch on the main lawn before getting suited up for the day. We styled all of Melissa’s beautiful details in the courtyard outside her room. Honeycrisp Designs created the burgundy-influenced invitation suite that is perfectly balanced with the florals and color scheme of the day.

Morning Details

After Melissa’s mom helped her into her dress we headed out to meet Michael for the first look. Michael was eagerly awaiting Melissa’s arrival at the main lawn. When Michael turned to see his bride, the look of excitement and happiness on his face said it all. Soon after bridal party portraits were over guests began to arrive. They were led down a staircase that revealed the ceremony site below. Thousands of pink rose petals adorned the walkway that Melissa would walk down and modern, gold-backed chairs lined the aisle.

Cocktail Hour

Following the ceremony, Melissa and Michael recessed back down the aisle as guests showered the newly married couple with rose petals. Hors de oeuvres and cocktails were served as guests mingled during cocktail hour. While guests wined and dined, Melissa and Michael explored the property to capture their sunset portraits.

Reception

Guests were soon ushered indoors to dinner. Everyone’s jaws dropped as they made their way into the reception space. The area was adorned with blush, red, and burgundy flowers that perfectly complemented the golden tableware and blush seats. La Tavola linen supplied the most beautiful velvet napkins and Borrowed Blu’s burgundy stemmed glassware was just perfect.

The couple’s fathers and close friends gave heartfelt speeches while everyone joined in for toasts. After the speeches concluded, everyone surrounded the dance floor to watch Michael and Melissa have their first dance together. Fireworks shot out from the head table to end the dancing with a bang. Once dinner and cake cutting concluded, the dance floor opened up for dancing.

Outside of the reception space, an endless dessert bar of pastries and sweets awaited the guests. Everyone danced the night away while celebrating Melissa and Michael. The day was even more beautiful than anyone could have hoped for and it was an honor to have documented it.