Kelsey + Jarred

Winter Wedding with a Vintage Wedding Dress | Orange County

Kelsey and Jarred’s love story began in the bustling world of the restaurant industry, where they not only found each other but also crossed paths with me. We all used to work together at the same restaurant, and I’ve been lucky enough to witness their journey from the very beginning. So, you can imagine my sheer excitement and honor when they asked me to capture their special day, where the star of the show was Kelsey’s stunning vintage wedding dress.

The Road to Romance

In truth, Kelsey and Jarred actually privately eloped in 2023. Fast forward to the one-year anniversary of their elopement, and they’re celebrating their love with a vow renewal. Undoubtedly, their winter celebration at the charming David L. Baker Golf Course was uniquely theirs.

When I asked Kelsey and Jarred where they found inspiration for the wedding, they replied, “Florence and the Machine was a huge influence.” With the help of their talented florist, Dizzy Daisy, they incorporated a subtle boho theme into their day. The color palette was all about Jarred’s maroon jacket from their elopement. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted to reflect their love story and individuality.

But Kelsey and Jarred’s wedding was not only about their relationship but also was a celebration of their families. To honor the memory of Jarred’s father and Kelsey’s stepfather, who had both passed, reserved seats with their photos were set up at the ceremony. But Kelsey and Jarred went a step further, finding special ways to keep their fathers close all day. Jarred had a photo of himself as a child with his father inlaid on the back of his necktie, while Kelsey attached a photo of herself as a young girl with her stepfather to her bridal bouquet. It was a beautiful tribute to their pasts and a reminder of the love that will always be with them.

We can’t forget Duke, their adorable dog who was also in the wedding party. Before the big day, I had gifted them a collar for Duke, customized with his name. It was a joy to see him wearing his new accessory on their wedding day. Of course, it meant a lot to see that they all enjoyed it, and I felt honored to be included in that subtle way.

Vintage Wedding Dress Meets In N Out

Kelsey shared two heartwarming wedding day First Looks. First, she had a special moment with her father, who was overflowing with excitement when he saw her in her vintage wedding dress. He recognized it immediately—it was his mother’s. He was touched by Kelsey’s decision to revamp the dress and make it her own. It was a nice tribute to her grandmother and a way to bring the vintage vibes into her special day.

Then came the First Look with her groom, Jarred, who was glowing with anticipation. He looked dapper in his maroon jacket—the same one he wore on the day of their elopement and inspired their color theme for the day. It added a touch of style and a sense of continuity to their wedding story.

Without doubt, Kelsey and Jarred were excited to have In-N-Out cater their wedding—a reflection of their style as a couple. Their florals were by their favorite local flower shop, Dizzy Daisy, which also specializes in wedding florals. Kelsey and Jarred were elated to include them in their celebration.

As their photographer, I helped Kelsey and Jarred work out the timing of their day to ensure that all the special moments were captured in the most stress-free way. From their sweet First Looks to the heartwarming Parent Dances, every second was savored and preserved for eternity. It was also a delightful surprise to see a few familiar faces from our restaurant days in attendance, adding extra warmth to the winter celebration.

Kelsey and Jarred’s vow renewal was a beautiful reflection of their love for each other and the people around them. It was an honor to witness their special day and experience all the unique and creative elements they brought together, from a vintage wedding dress to In N Out.