” The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. “

~ Eric Hoffer ~

I had to throw this quote in the mix, it’s too damn awesome not to. Francis is a Mathematician ( and an amazing one at at ) so what better way to start this story than with something that ties everything together. Natalie and Francis RANCHO DEL CIELO MALIBU WEDDING was so much fun! What I loved the absolute most was that every guest was intertwined with each other. Normally during weddings you can see the cliques and areas of mingling but at this wedding…each person was invested in each other. It was an amazing thing to witness and also dare I say very rare.

RANCHO DEL CIELO is great venue up in the Malibu Hills. Filled with roses, lavender, olive trees and the best part over looking the Malibu coast all the way to the Channel Islands. It’s truly incredible and from the moment I set foot there I knew everyone was in for a treat. The day was overcast with a light fog that rolled in from the Pacific, those in Malibu know this fog but up high in the mountains gave us a vantage point that even it couldn’t ruin.

Natalie and Francis’s RANCHO DEL CIELO MALIBU WEDDING started in a way I can only describe as home. You see on the face everything was exactly where it should be, times were hit and they were in their separate areas with those in the wedding party. The main difference today was that the cumulative effect of everyone’s demeanor was like we were all hanging out at one of their awesome homes. It didn’t feel like they were only there for the day, it felt like they belonged and had grown with the property, something I’m finding rather hard to describe, it was a feeling of everything in it’s right place.

The ceremony took place on the east side of RANCHO DEL CIELO overlooking the ocean with guests and family seated underneath the beautiful trees and around the garden. The view was serene while guests witnessed these two amazingly kind people vow to rock with each other for the years to come. They walked back up the aisle, we gathered everyone and took what is quite possibly the largest group image my camera has ever seen. It was an epic challenge of proportions that was both scary and exhilarating, like zip lining over a volcano, knowing you can do it but one mistake could destroy the entire experience. I came out unscathed and rode the rush of adrenaline the rest of the night.

Natalie and Francis’s reception started out like any good party, transitioning from cocktail hour seamlessly with fun. It was afterwards that Francis and his groomsmen brought the house down with an INCREDIBLE serenade to Natalie in the form of Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl and Cats. It was a rare moment for me in that I was laughing so hard that it became difficult to actually capture. A moment I will surely never forget.

So much has changed in the wedding industry and so much is still changing. Outside of styles lye new vendors, venues and even new traditions. It’s in these times we need people who we can rely on to adapt and give a great experience. So to Tricia Dahlgren Events, Jill and Cathy ( who run RANCHO DEL CIELO ), Monrose Catering, Vox DJs, Vorie Edelmann and Top Transportation Service I want to thank you all for helping to create an unforgettable kick ass wedding for Natalie and Francis.

While you’re here feel free to check out some of the other incredible weddings I’ve been a part of  as well as advice you’ll need when debating that First Look!

May + Mike | FCC Los Angeles Wedding

First Looks. Traditional VS Modern and why you should always choose the latter.

Leslie + Vlad | El Encanto Santa Barbara Wedding

Ryan + Trent | El Matador Malibu Engagement

 Emily + Joseph | Hacienda Heights Country Club Wedding

Gail + Brian | Figueroa Mountain Wedding

I want to tell YOUR story and be you’re RANCHO DEL CIELO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER! Chat with me today to see if your date is still available!