Wayfarers Chapel + Catalina View Gardens | Lulu + Ryan
Catalina View Gardens Wedding Amy Theilig Photography
Last summer, I had a fantastic time as the wedding photographer for Lulu and Ryan’s Palos Verdes wedding at The Wayfarer’s Chapel and Catalina View Gardens in Southern California. What an amazing couple! I had a great time hanging out with them all day and getting some beautiful shots!
Lulu & Ryan’s Santa Monica Love Story
Lulu and Ryan met at Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica. Ryan was an ocean lifeguard at the time and Lulu was there alone, enjoying a day off work.
Lulu told me she wishes she could say she was drowning in the ocean when, all of a sudden, a hot lifeguard came to her rescue. But, as it turns out, Ryan just walked over to her and started making small talk, eventually convincing Lulu to go on a surf lesson date. Five years and 2 kids later, Lulu confessed, she still doesn't know how to surf...
Wedding at the Wayfarer’s Chapel & Catalina View Gardens
I love taking wedding photos at the Wayfarer’s Chapel! It definitely has a special place in my heart. So when I heard Lulu felt the same way, I knew I was hired by the right couple!
Lulu remembers visiting her aunt one year and seeing the gorgeous glass chapel for the first time. With Catalina View Gardens conveniently located on the same hill, holding her ceremony and reception at these locations was a no brainer! Plus, Lulu and Ryan LOVE the beach, so the view was perfect.
The dress Lulu wore during the ceremony was stunning. Lulu told me the dress was actually a very spur of the moment purchase! She and her parents were on vacation in Taiwan and they were walking around shopping then Lulu saw that sparkly dress in the window. She tried it on and that was it! She always knew she wanted something unconventional, so it was serendipity. To complete the look, in place of a veil, the bride also wore a feather headpiece from Free People. Stun!
The reception at Catalina View Gardens was a great time. Lulu's family surprised Ryan with a dance off! Ryan had to match the dance moves members of Lulu’s family were performing, each move increasing in difficulty. Everyone was surprised Ryan would even attempt the harder moves, but we were all so happy he did!
During the reception, I’m glad I was able to steal the bride and groom away for photos in the vineyard down below. Lulu changed into her reception dress, put her hair up in a high pony and rocked our vineyard mini session. They looked so relaxed and sweet. It was so romantic!
Lulu and Ryan, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your big day! I wish you guys all the best and I’m excited to see what you guys have in store next!
