Liz & Chris

Liz & Chris were getting married right around the Thanksgiving holiday, but the sun was warm and the trees were green. November in southern California can sometimes feel less like autumn and more like summer. Just part of the magic of living in the Golden State.

I arrived at noon on the big day to meet the couple. Their ceremony was held in a courtyard area near their apartment building. It was lovely, private, and set up for seating and decorations.

With my camera in hand and my husband, Isiah (who would officiate the ceremony), I first met the bride’s side of the family. Everyone was chatty and looking forward to the festivities.

While Isiah talked with the groom, I carefully planned out a first-look for our couple. It’s all about getting the right angle for photos, plus the careful orchestration so our groom doesn’t accidentally see his bride-to-be. Chris was struck almost speechless by Liz in her radiant dress.

We gathered everybody, the bride’s side and the groom’s side, to get seated before the ceremony. Chris approached the archway first, before Liz joined him. Isiah began the ceremony with the classic reading of 1 Corinthians 13.

Liz & Chris had met by happy coincidence in Jamaica in 2026. It was love at first sight, and of course, it led them to this moment. The couple shared their vows with one another, Liz beaming with pride and Chris (naturally) feeling a bit anxious. In my experience, it’s often the grooms who get bashful on their wedding days.

After the “I dos” and ring exchange, it was time for the jumping of the broom. This was a tradition I had learned about years ago, but it was the first time I had the pleasure of photographing it or even witnessing it in person. While there’s a whole rich history to the tradition, originating in West Africa—our couple said they loved it because it symbolized sweeping away the old to welcome new beginnings and their life together as husband and wife.

Liz & Chris, hand in hand, jumped the broom, and all the attendees made a joyful noise on their behalf.

I let Isiah congratulate the new Mr. & Mrs. before collecting everyone for family photos. You have to get all the combinations, of course!

Before wrapping up the day and letting our couple dine with their families, now joined through matrimony—I took Liz & Chris for some couple’s portraits, using every angle of the courtyard to our advantage.

After a few more warm hugs, we left our couple to enjoy the rest of their wedding day in peace.