Every wedding has that something which makes it unique and exceptional.  With Monica and Ernie, who met in high school, it was the amount of love that was truly palpable between them.  In addition, the bond and love they shared their families was incredibly clear.

This wedding was a family affair in so many ways.  The ceremony was held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, CA.  Complete with a waterfall, botanicals in full bloom, and the occasional peacock making an appearance, it was a gorgeous backdrop which captured Monica & Ernie’s commitment to one another.

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to Ernie’s childhood home, the home in which he and Monica now call their own.  For months leading up to the wedding, Ernie, along with family and friends, helped to transform the backyard into a stunning venue for the wedding reception.  It was a labor of love.  In addition to the landscaping and construction, all of the signage, table numbers, and favors were handmade.  With the backyard looking amazing, vintage décor was added to set the tone for the evening.  From vintage teapots & scales to 60 year old giant candelabras from New Orleans, the backyard was transformed into something of a fairytale.

Guests dined on traditional Mexican food (with homemade salsa from the grooms family), while all of the desserts were made from scratch by a friend of the brides.  Champagne was passed out along with sparklers.  As the champagne toast wrapped, the bride and groom made their way to the dance floor.  Surrounded by family and friends, the sparklers were lit, and the newlyweds shared their first dance.  It was truly a beautiful moment and defined the tone of this wedding:  an endearing couple, surrounded by the love of their friends & family.

Enjoy!

Photography Credit: Eilea Jimenez – http://www.photosbyeilea.com