Mission Inn Hotel Riverside Wedding - Orange County Wedding Photographer

Bride getting ready

We got to the Mission Inn hotel and Spa in Riverside for Lauren and Jacob’s beautiful wedding on Sunday ready to have an awesome time. We knew how easygoing Lauren and Jacob were from their engagement session a month back so we were really looking forward to this day! Lauren was finishing with her hair and make up so while the hair and make up team took care of her, we got started with the wedding details. The dress, shoes, jewelry, and any other little details Lauren wanted us to feature; this was the time to get it. And a special detail was her grandmother’s ring she was wearing. We love capturing all the little things that paint the big picture

Groom Getting Ready

At the same time, on the other side of the Mission Inn, Jacob was getting ready with his guys (and their son Jameson). Our second photographer Nathan was capturing all the action going on over there. One thing we always like to do as well is to line up all the groom’s details since he’s put time into picking out what he’s wearing for his special day. And in this occasion Lauren had gifting Jacob a gorgeous watch so we were glad we had a second pair of eyes on that side. Soon enough however, it was time for their first look!

First Look Photos

Oftentimes our couples choose to do a “first look”. In case you’re not familiar, this is a moment where the couple sees one another prior to the ceremony to do portraits and therefore allows them to enjoy their time after the ceremony with their friends and family. Otherwise we would have to do these portraits after the ceremony. We never tell our couples which way they should do it but first look definitely helps when it comes to a timeline. Also, as it was in this case, it’s a more intimate moment. I loved that Lauren said she didn’t want anyone around, just them. It made it so much more special and about them. Even Jacob teared up a little bit, which was awesome

Wedding Party Photos and Ceremony

Another advantage about doing the bride and groom first look prior to the ceremony is that we get to do the wedding party photos. Lauren and Jacob had a sizable amount of bridesmaids (and bridesman) and groomsmen so since we had a good amount of time prior, we were able to have fun with them and do a few variations before heading over to the ceremony. The ceremony was beautiful! Underneath the cross at the Mission Inn, with their friends and family surrounding them; it went perfectly.

Wedding Reception

The reception was a blast! Once Lauren, Jacob (and Emmy) walked in to the room it was time to party! We could not have asked for a better couple, a better group of people, and we are super happy for Lauren and Jacob! Congratulations!! We wish you all the best!