The sun was setting over the horizon. The sky was full of colors and we sat on a rock feeling the ocean breeze and I kept thinking how lucky all these college kids were to have such a breath taking view for their backyard.  If you have ever visited Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, you know exactly what I’m talking about. My older brother had graduated from PLNU and my family had taken a trip to San Diego to visit me. We were staying in the housing on campus when I got a call. The sweetest sounding voice introduced herself as Cassandra and was wondering if I would be available to photograph her wedding AT POINT LOMA! What a coincidence, I thought. :) Little did we know…many additional “coincidences” happened soon after. We found out that my brother used to play basketball at Point Loma with Cassandra’s fiancé Derek. And THEN Pat and I went to meet them for dinner and chat about their wedding and when we pulled up, Pat recognized Derek and filled me in that he used to play basketball with Derek back in high school!! What a small world! But at the end of the day, I feel like it was less of a coincidence and more of God aligning our paths because these two have become friends to us and I truly felt like I have known them for a while.

Before we knew it, their wedding day had arrived and we were back on Point Loma Nazarene University campus. There is a hidden area that I never knew about on campus that was PERFECT for weddings. It had a stunning view with the beautiful ocean backdrop. Cassandra and Derek opted to share a special first look before the wedding (which is one of my favorite things!). They were able to spend some alone time together talking, praying, crying and laughing. It was full of emotion and their bridal party was off in the distance supporting them and ready to celebrate with them with some fun group photos. We had lots of time to get some beautiful moments captured and the best part about it was that when it was time for the ceremony, there was nothing that could possibly be more special than Derek seeing his beautiful bride walk down that aisle to him. The wedding couldn’t have been more perfect, especially with all their family and friends gathering around them to support the union of such a beautiful and special couple. So happy we got to end the night with some of my favorite sparkler shots!! :)

Cassandra & Derek – THANK YOU so much for choosing Pat and I to be your wedding photographers! We loved working with you and we can’t wait for more hangout/double dates in the future. :) God has truly blessed you both and we pray for many blessings on your marriage and future together.

CONGRATULATIONS MR. & MRS. JACKSON!

Xoxo – Riss