Jenny & Wilson | Santa Monica Pier & Portofino Hotel Wedding

These two just melt my heart!!

They’re just the best.

I first got to photograph Jenny and Wilson for their engagement shoot in the heart of Chinatown which was so fun! THEN I photographed their tear-jerkingly lovely intimate ceremony on their rooftop there. This time around I got to shoot their beautiful big wedding at Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach with a bonus portrait session the day before at the Santa Monica Pier. So much Jenny and Wilson and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

These sweethearts are so adorable and as I’ve grown to know them I’ve fallen even more in love with their love. They’re seemingly shy but when they open up just turn to silly mush with each other. They lift each other up and catch each other when they fall. They lean on each other in way that would warm anyone’s heart.

This day served as their second AND third wedding because they did both a traditional Chinese wedding and a traditional western wedding all in one day! They got through it in part with the help of their incredibly supportive family and bridal party who were running around making everything perfect for them (along with the amazing Cory from Events Boutique and Tamar from the hotel). Their friends and family love them so much and have so much enthusiasm for them. One of the cutest moments of the day was the Door Games; a Chinese tradition in which the ladies put the groom through a series of rigorous tests to see his bride. This included payment, pushups, a punch from his new father-in-law, and my personal favorite: an interpretive dance to “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys! Everyone there was a #1 fan of Jenny & Wilson’s relationship and it was truly heartwarming. Their cousins even choreographed a dance for them. When I say “choreographed” I mean capital CHOREOGRAPHED and well-practiced which is a rare find at a wedding!!

The Chinese wedding was followed by a traditional western wedding. Their vows brought tears to my eyes! Oh, and did I mention their wedding was PIRATE AND MERMAID THEMED AND THAT JACK SPARROW OFFICIATED? Well now you know. What a dream.

Jenny and Wilson, I just adore you two and I’m so so happy for you!! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your entire marriage journey. It was truly such a pleasure!!

Love,

Sydney

 

Second Photographer: Taylor August

Venue: Portofino Hotel

HMUA: Veronica Lau

Event Planner: The Events Boutique

Flowers: Santa Barbara Flowers

Officiant: Jack Sparrowed

Videography: April Story Films

Cake: Torrance Bakery