Orlando & Kiyomi – San Diego Mission de Alcala & Guild Hotel Wedding

This was such an amazing day! Other than one little glitch with the details (which Kiyomi and I rectified later that week) it was absolutely perfect! From the beautiful details (especially the SHOES!), the adorable two-year-old, the bridesmaids’ gifts, the handmade veil, an outpouring of authentic emotions, a historic hotel, an even more historic mission, a fun-loving bridal party, jovial parents, and last but NOT least, a stunningly beautiful bride and her handsom groom. What more could I ask for?

From the moment we met online, Kiyomi has treated me like a friend, not like a stranger whom she hired to photograph one of the most important days of her life. Gracious and kind, she and Orlando flew Zack and I out to the Austin, Texas area to take their engagement pictures. We had such a wonderful time! Not only did the pictures turn our great (I don’t know if it is possible to take a bad picture of these beautiful people) but we were able to spend time with them and their adorable daughter Eliana and get to know them better. I must say that any and all conversations that are sprinkled with BBQ from The Salt Lick are some of the best conversations ever! However, these two are incredibly special and I think conversations with them would be amazing anywhere.

I think the things that I loved most about Kiyomi and Orlando’s wedding day were the expressions that I saw on the faces of them both and on the people they love most in the world. There was genuine and authentic love and joy all throughout the day. This could be seen even in the little things, like in their beautiful penthouse suite at The Guild Hotel in downtown San Diego, where Kiyomi lavished very personal and thoughtful gifts on her friends and her family. Also, beautiful emotions were very apparent in the tears of love from her father as he danced with her in front of their guests in the lovely outdoor patio at The Guild Hotel. Since we had just watched our own daughter get married the week before, this brought back a special moment for Zack and I.

I am so blessed that I can call my clients my friends and some even close friends. Kiyomi is a gem and one of the sweetest, most gentle people I have ever met. Orlando, you found a treasure! I am sure you know that and that is why you snatched that woman up and made her your own! Zack and I are so grateful we got to be by your side on your wedding day and to love and serve you. You two and that adorable little one who is always by your side are an absolute joy!

Ceremony venue | Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

Reception venue | The Guild Hotel

Photography | Nicole Reyes Photography, Angelica Angerstein Photography

Florals | Kolibri Flower Lab

Cake | Sweet Cheeks Baking

Wedding Coordinator | Lovi Hayden

Hair and Makeup | Makeup by Nancy J

Invitations | Fine Day Press

Wedding Dress | Second Summer Bride

Calligraphy | Studio Five Sixteen Co

DJ | Ansom Productions

Videographer | Dis Moi Oui Videography