Melissa and Joey got married at The Little White Church in Pasadena. The chapel was built in 1906 and sits on North Altadena Drive. It has stained glass windows, wooden pews and a courtyard that's perfect for a reception.
Their day was full of sunflowers, bright colors and heartfelt moments. Here are some of our favorite photos.
Letters and a First Look
Melissa and Joey exchanged letters before the ceremony. We photographed Melissa reading hers while she got ready, and Joey opening his letter and gift. Those quiet moments were some of the most emotional of the day.
Then they met outside for a first look. Joey turned around, and the two of them shared a big hug and a lot of laughs.
Sunflowers, Mustard and Royal Blue
The wedding party was full of color. The bridesmaids wore mustard yellow and carried sunflower bouquets. The groomsmen wore royal blue suits. Melissa carried sunflowers too, and they showed up again on the tables and the cake.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place inside the chapel. Guests filled the wooden pews, and a pianist played as Melissa walked down the aisle. Melissa and Joey said their vows at the altar, under the stained glass window. Afterward, they signed their marriage license.
Portraits Around Pasadena
For portraits, we found stone archways, a fountain and a long white arcade. The arches framed the two of them perfectly, and Melissa's sunflowers added a pop of color against the stone.
A Courtyard Reception
The reception was in the courtyard. The sweetheart table was covered in sunflowers and blue flowers. Friends and family gave toasts, Melissa and Joey shared their first dance, and they cut a cake topped with sunflowers. Guests kept dancing into the evening.
Planning a Little White Church Wedding?
Here are a few tips from our time at The Little White Church:
Plan a first look before the ceremony. It gives you time for relaxed portraits and lets you enjoy more of your reception.
Exchange letters while you get ready. Reading them makes for some of the most emotional photos of the day.
Use the courtyard for your reception. It works beautifully for a sweetheart table, toasts and dancing under the evening sky.
As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I love photographing church weddings in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. See our wedding photography and videography packages or contact us to check your wedding date.
See another church wedding: Kristie and Manuel's ceremony at Santa Rosa de Lima Church.