I’d been looking forward to Syndee + Joel’s wedding since I read the words “I dig your vibe” on Sydeee’s inquiry form. Since seeing their deep and beautiful connection during their Beloved shoot. Since the time they invited Isaac and I over for dinner & a jump on the trampoline. Since we went to Joel’s graduate composers concert at UCLA. Since Syndee warned me that her family is quick to adopt. Since they told me they were going have a live brass band at their reception and that the dance floor was going to built be over the pool. Since I spent an evening in March photographing and celebrating Grandma Shaney’s 95th birthday with Syndee’s amazing family. So needless to say, as I spent more time with Syndee + Joel and as the date inched near, the anticipation for their wedding day and my love and adoration for this couple and their families grew, and grew. And of course, this meant that come wedding day, I found myself giddy to be there and deeply honored to be photographing my new friends’ special occasion.

When Joel performed the song he had composed for his bride and everyone was all sorts of crying, it all hit me. And I found myself focusing and composing through a layer of tears. Because this was more than just a wedding I was shooting, more than a job, more than just another day in the life…This was the celebration of two beautiful people and dear friends joining their lives together. And I got to take part. What an honor and joy it was. My friendship with this couple means the world to me, and I’m so blessed to have had them in my 2011 wedding line up and to have them in my life. Seriously. And so without further ado, here’s Syndee + Joel’s Wedding Editorial photographed by yours truly and Isaac James. Be sure to check out their +site here for much more photo goodness.

Special thanks to the fabulous team we had the pleasure of working with and who helped bring Syndee + Joel’s vision to life…ya’ll are awesome and did such beautiful work.

Catering/Event Design: Eco Caters
Videography: Crescent Bay Films
Florist: Shirvan Designs
Make-up: Megan Porchen
Syndee’s Gown: by Adele Weschler from Lili Bridal
Syndee’s Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Joel’s Suit: Hugo Boss
Band: Paradigm Brass
Cupcakes: Mia Rudd

Florals by Shirvan Designs…

Syndee was stunning in her organic, hand-dyed silk Adele Weschler gown from Lili Bridal.

Most of my clients opt for a first look which I just love. But for Syndee + Joel it was already built into Jewish tradition. Bam. Prior to the big formal ceremony, they had a small intimate Jewish ceremony that was emotionally charged and really quite moving. I loved it.

And the signing of the ketubah…

After the Jewish ceremony, we headed out to the courtyard for some family photos and I just had to share these few below…

This is Grandma Shaney. I adore her. She’s precious and I love this photo of her and Syndee. Sigh.

Since guests were starting to arrive, we headed upstairs for some portraits of Syndee + Joel. I love the window light pouring into the house…

Isaac got this awesome shot of Joel waiting for the main ceremony to start.

And now the main ceremony…my favorite flower girl shot ever a la Isaac.

And the excitement and emotion of the processional (which Joel played the music for) was contagious.

Midway through the ceremony, Joel conducted the piece of music he had written for Syndee. And this was her first time hearing it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house and Isaac and I were no exception. Yet we still managed to get our shots in focus. We are THAT good. Haha.

And one of my all time favorite moments at every wedding…Mr. & Mrs. Stein!!!

Cool eco-friendly plates…

And I love this shot of them en route to their grand entrance….

My favorite first dance shot ever. So.Much.Fun. Syndee + Joel started off with a beautiful waltz and then busted out into an awesome choreographed number with Alisa + Gilad. It was epic. Yup.

And just as the light was waning, we snuck out front for a few more portraits…