We first met Alex and Eric when we photographed their engagement session at Windansea beach here in San Diego. They are from Kansas but fell in love with all of the amazing wedding venues San Diego has to offer and who can blame them we’re spoiled with options here. The couple stumbled upon The Grand Tradition Estate here in Fallbrook, CA and didn’t need to see any other wedding venue, Arbor Terrace had everything they were looking for.
If you haven’t seen the Arbor Terrace wedding site at The Grand Tradition then just you wait until you start scrolling, it is GORGEOUS. It’s a wedding photographer’s dream to photograph and work at The Grand Tradition because the staff is seriously on point, oh and we may be biased because we got married here too but it still takes our breath away. If you imagine creating a Hawaiian like microclimate in the heart of downtown Fallbrook complete with waterfalls and a gorgeous white tented reception space you would have a vision of Arbor Terrace.
With Alex and Eric planning a destination wedding from Kansas for all of their friends and family to attend, we must say they made a pretty epic choice for out of town guests. The Grand Tradition definitely will give your guests all of the California vibes and it will have them feeling like their not in Kansas anymore (see what I did there? Haha).
We arrived to see The Finishing Touch Events creating the most elegant ambiance for Alex and Eric’s nuptials. So timeless and classic with champagne linens delicately draped from the tents ceiling, cascading towards a triple crystal chandelier all set off by ruby red roses. Alex arrived to the bridal suit with her entourage of wonderful ladies, all nine of her bridesmaids surrounded her with the most love I think I’ve ever witnessed prewedding. Emotions were running high, there were heartfelt toasts, tears, hugs, gazing in admiration as her final bridal touches went on. It was tremendous to witness and I literally could not stop hitting the shutter of my camera because every time I turned around there was a moment to be had.
Alex’s father came into the suite to escort her down the aisle. I love seeing a father’s reaction to his child on their wedding day, and no offense fellas but that father daughter interaction on a wedding day just gets me. They embraced and teared up together, meanwhile I was snapping away photos of the sweetness while blinking back tears myself. Alex was stunning, like a Grecian goddess bride in her all lace wedding gown from Lovely Bride. Her hair and makeup by Thorne artistry were killer! She wore this gorgeous headpiece which really set off the Grecian goddess vibe and popped her look with a coral lip, heck yes!
We embarked to the Ceremony site at Arbor Terrace which takes place in front of a triple waterfall and is just downright dreamy. As we were walking Alex’s father was showing off his cuff links to her. They were seahorses, he was a stay at home dad for fourteen years with his girls thus the seahorse the perfect little symbol for their relationship, it was so sweet. Almost as sweet as the way Alex and Eric looked at one another as they said their vows. Beneath the canopy of trees and in front of their closest friends and family the two were married!
And now it was party time, everyone’s favorite right? As both a person and a wedding photographer I am low key obsessed with wedding speeches, they make me laugh, they make me cry, they give me even more insight into the people I’ve been following around with my camera all day and I just can’t get enough. Once open dancing began the reception space was filled with energy, their friends and family came from Kansas and they came to PARTY. There was no shortage of amazing moments happening on the dance floor. Last dance was called and the couple snuggled up, embracing in the crowd of loved ones for their final dance on their wedding day.
We can’t wait to see these two again when we photograph Alex’s sister’s wedding next year. Being invited into a family once to photograph something as important as the wedding day is such an honor, but twice? That’s just an astounding honor and we feel beyond blessed to have met this warm, kind, and welcoming group of people. Sending out all of the love and happiness to Alex and Eric, cheers!
Creative Team: Photography: Emry Photography| Venue: The Grand Tradition Estate| Floral + Event Design: The Finishing Touch Weddings| DJ: DJ Vaughn| Brides gown: Lovely Bride| HMUA: Thorne Artistry| Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal| Cake: Extraordinary Desserts
We are wedding photographers for those who believe in love, because Emry originated out of love. Love for each other, for imagery and for creating things that were made to last. We serve southern California & beyond. Outside of photography, our life revolves around our son, Jude and our families.