THE COUPLE
One thing I love to do is get to know your relationship better before we book. Why? I want to be as invested in your story as you are, so I can tell things from your perspective and focus on the parts of the day that mean most to you. I’ll ask a series of questions and one of them is “what do you look forward to in marriage?” Mindy and Andrew hit on something that I resonate with: that marriage does change the dynamic of your relationship. Everyone has a different opinion on this, but I honestly feel like the way you’re treated as a unit shifts; the way you engage with future decisions is carried with a heavier, more important weight, and your perception of the world changes. With that said, here’s what Mindy shared with me:
“Andrew and I have been talking about marriage together for almost 2 years now because it didn’t take long for us to realize that we wanted to spend our lives together. Both of us knew that we wanted to marry early so that we can enjoy our lives together as a married couple before committing to have kids. With that said, we are both super excited about the things we can do together as a young married couple. We believe that there is a huge difference between married couples and dating couples. It’s just something about the actual commitment and promise they make with each other that allows them to grow stronger as a couple. I can’t wait until we explore the world together and watch each other grow into a greater individual. We are just excited for the smallest things our future has in store for us!”
When I hear things like this, it truly shows me you’re looking to have a marriage more beautiful than any wedding. But like Mindy and Andrew, you can always have both 😉 I shared a little more about how they met on their Joshua Tree engagement blog post.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES
You guys, I’m in love. The First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is as detailed as it’s long name. My European-loving heart pretty much bounced out of my chest when I first saw it in person.From the oxidized iron doors, to the way the sun hit the building, and the dark vibes inside, I was in awe. You might mistake it for Paris’ Notre Dame, so if you were hoping to have a destination wedding in France, but sadly can’t, this church is a beautiful second choice. I have to say, one challenge about dimly lit churches and their strict no-flash rules is getting the shots just right, but I ended up loving the mood the darkness added to these intimate moments.
PAEBAEK
Getting to experience cultures like I never have before is always an exciting part to every wedding. Mindy and Andrew had a Paebaek (Korean Tea Ceremony) towards the end of the night. In case you don’t know, modern tradition goes that this ceremony is to formally accept both the bride and groom into each other’s families. Mindy and Andrew took turns bowing to each set of parents, grandparents, and a select group of aunts and uncles, who, in exchange, gave their blessings, words of wisdom, and an envelope with some cash to get life started. Everyone also throws chestnuts and dates into an apron; the number caught is supposed to signify how many babes they’ll have!
