Back in March I had the pleasure of capturing the wedding day of Regi and Joshua! The day began with the couple wedding during a traditional ceremony at Church of the Assumption in San Leandro, California and followed with a reception dinner at Casa Real, Pleasanton.

Both of the venues Regi and Joshua picked were absolutely gorgeous, and although Church of the Assumption is a traditional church that doesn’t let you go too crazy with the decorations (although floral bouquets on the pews are encouraged!) it’s one of my favorite venues in North California for traditional or religious ceremonies in Spring because it boasts the biggest, most beautiful stained glass windows that let in lots of natural daylight that’s perfect for photographs (and after reading this post, I’m sure you’ll agree!). It was the perfect choice for their light and airy celebration!

Regi and Joshua’s reception was the perfect mix of timeless and modern, and Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery was the perfect backdrop for the couple’s vision. The couples’ table at dinner overlooked the beautiful vineyard landscape that North California is famous for (I’m still obsessed with the table design, and I need those industrial-style lightbulbs for my home!) and the most beautiful pastel florals transformed the space with classic hues of cream, dusty pink and sage to create the most romantic, fairytale setting ever for a perfect evening of grazing on cheeseboards (I LOVE that this has become such a big trend this year and I hope it continues into 2023 and beyond!), sipping on delicious and unique rosemary-infused cocktails and dancing all night long.

My favorite part of the evening was spending private time with Regi, Joshua and their closest friends for bridal party portraits. Their family and friends were all so much fun (and complete naturals in front of the camera!) so as well as traditional poses we took made sure to invest time in taking shots that celebrated their vibrant personalities.

I love shooting all bridal party portraits, but my favorite moments are definitely when I get to capture poses that aren’t traditional ‘smile for the camera!’ poses. It isn’t cheesy and it feels much more authentic, and a big part of a couples experience with me is having a fun and relaxing time, because to me photography is about capturing the memories and connections we create together. Those are the moments you’ll want to remember forever, and what your wedding day is all about! I’m all about capturing photographs that tell stories, make you feel empowered and have you glowing from the inside out. So I loved that with Regi, Joshua and their bridal parties I was able to capture both how beautiful/handsome they looked with classic, timeless portraits AND natural moments of laughter and inside jokes that celebrated their personalities and friendships.

And of course… The intimate couple portraits with Regi and Joshua! Wineries will always be one of my favorite wedding venues because there’s nothing more magical than having a moment of privacy capturing couples outdoors during the Californian sunset. You won’t find that golden hour glow anywhere else in the world!

Regi’s glamorous lace gown by Bolee Bridal Couture was such a perfect choice – the modern fishtail silhouette was perfect for her body and I loved that she chose a sleeveless gown because it meant that her beautiful butterfly tattoos were on show, and it made my heart so happy that her dress was stoned because the beads sparkled when the sun set! I remember thinking that she looked like a Bond girl with her classic curled half-up-half-down hairstyle, and when she stood next to Joshua in his classic black tuxedo that could NOT have been more true.

I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful couple to spend the spring evening with, both inside and out. Thank you Regi and Joshua for such a special day I know either of us will never forget!

I’m currently booking weddings for 2022, 2023 and beyond – Book your North California OR Destination wedding with Marisa Ruth Photography by inquiring via my website and for more luxury wedding concepts, real wedding and elopement inspiration and my top wedding vendor, venue and location recommendations for 2022/2023 in Northern California and beyond for your own wedding click through to my blog and follow me on Instagram!

Venue: Casa Real

Dress: Bolee Bridal Couture

Hair: Jesse Goodman

Make-up: Shanney Thich

Planning: Linnae Asiel Gomez

Photobooth: Fantasy Sound Event Services

Videography: Shutter and Sound