Shei + Sammy | Fall Wedding First Looks & Waterfall Vows | Fallbrook

Shei & Sam’s Fall Wedding at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens

Three First Looks. One waterfall ceremony. And a groom in a burgundy suit who owned the dance floor. Shei and Sam’s November 2023 wedding at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook was full of emotion, color, and a lot of fun. They first found me through a Google search, and we started with their spring engagement session at the Japanese Friendship Garden. So by the wedding day, it felt like reuniting with friends.

A First Look With the Bridesmaids

The day started with the bridesmaids. Shei stepped out in front of the bridal suite in her off-the-shoulder lace gown and long veil. Her bridesmaids saw her, and every one of their faces changed at once. Jaws dropped. Hands flew up. Then came the tears, including a few from Shei herself. It was the kind of reaction you can’t direct. You just make sure you’re in the right spot when it happens.

A Private Moment by the Fountain

Next, Shei and Sam shared their own First Look beside one of the estate’s fountains. This time, Sam was the one tearing up. He wore a burgundy three-piece suit, which paired perfectly with her bouquet of deep red and white roses. They held hands, laughed, and added a twirl or two. Then they walked together to meet their wedding party for group photos.

A Third First Look With Their Parents

After the wedding party photos, the couple had one more surprise planned: a First Look with their parents. It was sweet, emotional, and full of hugs. Doing all three First Looks before the ceremony also gave them more time later with their guests. Practically, that’s a big win. Emotionally, it gave them three separate moments to soak in, instead of one rushed one.

Vows by the Waterfall at Arbor Terrace

The ceremony took place at Grand Tradition’s Arbor Terrace, framed by a cascading waterfall and a calm pond. Red and white florals lined the aisle and surrounded the altar, echoing the burgundy of the wedding party. A dear friend officiated, which kept everything personal and relaxed. Once they said “I do,” they sealed it with their signature fist bump. Then they danced back down the aisle through a cloud of bubbles.

Golden Hour Over the Hills

After the ceremony, we slipped away for portraits around the estate. We worked by the waterfall, through the gardens, and out to the open hillside as the sun went down. The sunset turned the sky gold and blue behind them.

Toasts, a Money Dance, and a Groom on a Mission

The reception started with toasts that had plenty of guests reaching for tissues. Then the energy flipped. The money dance got lively fast, with guests lining up to pin bills and share a quick spin with the newlyweds. After that, Sam absolutely tore up the dance floor, sunglasses and all. At one point, his groomsmen even hoisted him up and carried him around the room. He didn’t slow down all night.

A Grand Exit With Lights and Balloons

To close the night, friends and family lined up with lights and glowing balloons. Shei and Sam ran through the tunnel together, laughing the whole way. It was a joyful, colorful ending to a day that felt completely like them.

From Engagement to Wedding to Baby

I’ve had the joy of photographing Shei and Sam through three big chapters. First came their spring engagement session at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Then this wedding. And later, their summer maternity session at the cliffs of Del Mar. Getting to document each new season with a couple is one of my favorite parts of this work. Congratulations again, Shei and Sam.

Planning your own wedding at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens? Take a look at my Grand Tradition venue guide, or reach out and let’s talk about your day.

The Awesome Vendor Team: