When I was first approached by Wenda from More Than Just Weddings to volunteer my services for the Mass Military Wedding, I was elated. Without hesitation I said, “YES!” As a veteran of the United States Air Force, I felt compelled to help out my brothers and sisters in arms. I understand the needs and demands of being an active duty service member. I understood the importance and the meaning of what this event would hold. I couldn’t wait for the day to come.
This weekend was that special day. With over 21 military couples, from all branches of service, and a multitude of vendors, the event was a sight to behold! My job, was to capture the story of the day as an observer. I was not assigned to one particular couple, but given the task to photograph the day from the perspective of a reporter, and gather images of things as they happened. Instead of shooting as a “wedding photographer”, I shot as a photojournalist during the entire event. From the vendors setting up, to the last dance, it was a beautiful story. Here are just a few images from that day:
From start to finish, each vendor worked as a team to help the day go smoothly. This was a collaborative effort on behalf of all of the volunteers. They did an AMAZING job!
What was first an empty room, slowly started to build into something lovely for all of the guests. Here are some sequence images of the room from start to almost finished...
Every detail was meticulously planned...
I wanted to start early on the desserts 
Each couple got their own cake with a custom made cake topper to signify their branch of service. Loved these!
They also received a beautifully painted image with the dress they wore and their service emblem, with the view of the Hyatt in the background. So pretty!
As each couple arrived, they received a special bag with their wedding date on the bottom. Each bag contained "goodies" for each couple.
All of the brides were all "dolled up" by a fabulous team of make-up artists and hair stylists.
Planet Zaya was on board to also document the day. They were all over the place and worked REALLY hard. Way to go!!!
Once the brides were ready, 5 sets of photographers set out to photograph 21 brides before the ceremony. They all worked very hard in the limited amount of time they had.
Each of one of the 21 brides was given a beautiful bouquet by one of the awesome vendors, with her name on it.
They all used their own set of unique talents to capture the beauty of each and every bride. Oh how I wanted to photograph them too!! The light was AMAZING...
Aren't they lovely?
These two awesome brides were very unique in their wedding dress choices. Cool!
Here are some of the brides and grooms. Don't they all look great?!?!?!
As the guests were waiting for the couples to come out, this sweet little girl came up to these fine gentlemen and wanted to shake their hand, as Gary Bryant looked on. It was too cute!!!
The branches of service, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Gaurd, were all represented. I could just feel the patriotism in the air.
I had to hold back the tears...
A few snapshots...
As they came through the swords, all of the photographers gathered together to capture the moment.
KEARTH 101 Morning host Gary Bryant speaking...
It was so sweet to see all of the couples dancing at once...
Couldn't leave without the 21 brides attempting the bouquet toss in a line-up. AHHH!!! So fun!!!
Okay, now THIS got me. One of the sweet brides came up to Wenda, the awesome event coordinator, with tears in her eyes to thank her. I couldn't help but cry. See, this is what it was all about. Helping people have a wonderful day. Wenda is truly a passionate person. Coordination isn't just a job, but something she truly loves. This moment says it all. i cried.
Here is a list of all of the AWESOME vendors and people who helped make this day possible:
More than Just Weddings, Diva Bridal Legacy, J & M Entertainment, Studio EMP Inc, Dough A Deer, Godfather Films, Gavin Wade Photographers, Hitching Post Public Relations, Luminaire Images, Happy Photos, Planet Zaya, Memento Video, Friar Tux, Apple Revolution, Flower Fusion, Fusion Linens, Copper Willow Paper Studio, Manalo Empire, Bethany Commemory Fine Art, Simply Sweet Cakery, Natural Charms, Design Visage, Floral Occasions, Gotta Have S’more, Ginger Babies, Simply Charming, Charm Event Design, Fork in the Road Catering, Caring Dental, Wire a Cake, All Made Up Team, USO, Wedding Chicks, and Damien Smith Photography.
Special thanks to:
K-EARTH 101 Radio Morning Show host, Gary Bryan
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
More Than Just Weddings (for asking me to be a part of this event)
Purry Communications (for having me come out)
[...] more of their photos HERE! 0 comments print var OB_permalink= [...]
[...] Lucy is a veteran of the United States Air Force, so when she was approached by the event coordinator, Wenda from More Than Just Weddings, she couldn’t wait to participate. Thanks to the generosity of the vendors and local radio station K-EARTH 101, each couple got their own cake with a custom made cake topper signifying their branch of service, as well as a painted image of the dress the bride wore along with the service emblem. For more images from the Mass Military Wedding, you can visit the Manalo Empire Photography blog. [...]