When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I could make you happy make your dreams come true
Nothing that i wouldn’t do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love
—Adele,
“Make You Feel My Love”
(Jen & Eric’s first dance song)
So, you know when in your late teens and your twenties, you would go shopping for the cutest, latest trends at Wet Seal? And then you’d go out, looking oh-so-fab, and you’d meet a really cute, to-die-for guy, and you ended up dating, getting married and living happily ever after — all because you wore that super-cute eye-catching outfit that one night? No? Well, with a few amendments, this story isn’t so far from being just fiction!
So, I’m sure you’d like to see Jen & Eric’s wedding pictures first… but I know you’d love to hear more about their story too and how Wet Seal can help you find the man of YOUR dreams, so after the pictures… please read on!
A quick little backstory: years ago, I worked for The Wet Seal, Inc. as a graphic artist in the Marketing Dept. I was there on and off as a freelancer for 6 years with a ton of wonderful people. They’re also home to Bebe’s main competitor, Arden B. While there, I became friends with Margaret, who still works there (Margaret’s also been a wonderful assistant to me on many photoshoots!). Margaret still works there with Jen, and that’s where this story really begins.
A while back, Jen saw a cute guy in the halls that also worked at Wet Seal. Jen’s maid-of-honor, Deanna, told their story during her toast, which was completely sweet, touching and funny all at the same time: Eric worked in the real estate department, while Jen worked in the Arden B department. Not only were these two departments not even CLOSE to each other, but they weren’t even on the same floor! There was no way to casually run into each other and start talking, and so Jen admired Eric from afar. But, another co-worker spilled the beans to Eric that he had an admirer. Turns out — he liked her too. And while Eric no longer works at Wet Seal, Jen and Eric’s fairytale continued, and on Friday, May 7th, I was honored to shoot their wedding at Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach, CA. (And, if you’d like to see Jen & Eric’s engagement session, check it out here.)
Tivoli Terrace was the site of my first solo-shot wedding a few years back, so it was so nice to be back there! I was even a maid-of-honor myself there almost exactly 6 years ago, so I kind of felt like I had an inside track on how the place worked. The coordinators are incredible too, especially Patrick, who I was fortunate to work with when I second-shot a wedding at their sister location, Tivoli Too, a couple of months ago (that post is still yet to come!).
A quick shout-out to my friend Berit, who did Jen and her bridesmaids’ makeup for the big day. Berit and I attended Empire Academy of Makeup in Costa Mesa, CA, together … and while I discovered my love for photography while (and after) there and moved away from doing makeup professionally, Berit has continued on to be an accomplished makeup artist! Please show her some love and if you’re considering an artist for an event or your wedding, please get in touch with her! Also, thank you also to Sarah Barnes, who came along to help me out with Jen and Eric’s wedding — your help was much appreciated, my friend!
Jen and Eric already seemed like a perfect fit from the moment I met them — they’re both quick to smile and easygoing — so you know it’s meant to be when they make everything look so easy to be together and in love! Thank you Jen & Eric, for being such a wonderful couple — I had the best time with you as I’ve gotten to know you. And, a big thanks to Wet Seal — for the friends I’ve made over the years, and the love it has unwittingly brought together. See? Cute and stylish clothes DO make a difference.
4 comments