8.1.2015
Wow, where do I begin with this couple! I am SO not a writer but feel like this wedding deserves detail and description because it was so truly special. I have known Allison and CJ both together and separate and these two are unstoppable together.
I met both of them in college at CSU Channel Island. CJ was apart of the first group of friends I made when I transferred to CI and Allison I met in class. We bonded over ceramics and communication classes and became quick friends. They did not meet until Allison's last semester at CI when CJ was moving home to San Clemente. I have always admired her for taking a leap of faith in her relationship and moving to San Clemente to be with him after a short amount of time. The bold move paid off and I couldn't be more happy to years later be photographing their wedding!
CJ proposed to Allison in March of 2014 on a hike near their home and they dove into wedding planning. Allison being incredibly creative had so great ideas for the weddings and knew exactly what she wanted for their big day! They landed on Hamilton Oaks Winery in San Juan Capistrano as their wedding venue, which is located walking distance from their home. I love the idea of being able to walk or bike over to your wedding venue on your anniversary every year to remember the day you made things official!
This wedding was really a labor of love. Every detail had so much love behind it and most of the vendors were good friends. Bridesmaid Stephanie of Bowerbird Atelier did the floral arrangements, calligraphy and taught the other bridesmaids to make their bouquets. Another bridesmaid Kendall, baked all the cupcakes for the desert table. A close friend's band played the live music during the ceremony and reception which was a very important detail to the happy couple.
Allison and CJ are currently expecting their first child and decided to reveal the sex of their baby in the funnest way! They had guest blow up balloons in the color balloon they thought they would be having. Only the green balloons blew up to reveal they will be having a baby boy!
Needless to say, I was so honored to be apart of their day and be the one to capture it all. Special shoutout and thanks to my brother, Thomas, who 2nd shot this one with me! Congratulations to the Russells!!!! I can't wait to see what is in store for your future! Love you both!
