Wes and Amy | Wedding @ The Neighborhood Church, Palos Verdes, California

I don’t even know where to start. Caution, this will be long….

I’ve known Wes since my high school days working on technical crew for the school plays (I can’t act, can’t sing, and that’s where they stick geeks like me). I hadn’t seen Wes in a long time until he and Amy were at our house discussing wedding plans and that’s where it all began….

I couldn’t be more grateful for our friends the Millers (Adam and Rachel) for bringing Wes and Amy into our lives. I am also so very grateful for photography because it brought me to my new dear friend Amy. We met for the first time to discuss this amazing wedding out in California and we were so honored and excited (like I pulled over and jumped up and down excited after reading her email) to shoot their weddings we could hardly contain all the ideas that we had for this day. After that we started spending more time with Amy and Wes as well with our friends the Millers and we have gained life long friends. Throughout the winter months Wes and Amy both actually helped us remodel our home office and we have had many great nights out with them we were so moved to be a part of this day.

We had a blast in California. Not only were we part of the family we had our closest friends there to enjoy it. With hot tub and bagel breakfast gatherings in the morning and In and Out Burger for lunch all with our closest friends and their amazing families we hated to even leave. Amy chose this GORGEOUS church for the wedding ceremony with immaculate grounds overlooking the rocky Pacific. Because this location is very popular, we were very limited on time for photos (and that’s probably a good thing because I could have kept Amy and Wes there all day, no joke). I started to tear up during the ceremony because it was so beautifully done and one of the most touching moments was that Wes surprised Amy with a wedding band she didn’t know she was getting. I would be shocked if most of the people in the church that day didn’t tear up a little, it was just beautiful. Doug and I stayed till the very end of the reception and what a party it was! The DJ was fantastic (if you are reading this in the California area look up Dean Hall, he is well worth every penny) and interactive and the party literally did not stop until it was time for the reception venue to close up. The party continued at In and Out Burger, my new all time favorite burger joint where yes, its true, we all went in dressed as we were and got some grub. Best. Wedding. Night. Ever. Doug rocked the video for this reception (yay Key-Films) and I cant’ wait to see the mad trailer he will put together for this incredible incredible day.

Doug and I had originally planned to stay in California longer to visit and enjoy but unfortunately I had to get back to work but I wasn’t willing to sacrifice a trash the dress session before I left. Thankfully the newlyweds were very willing to get up early the morning after the wedding and trek out to Terrenea resort where we took photos on the rock coast line and overlooking the sea cave. After that we got a little wet (we didn’t full out trash it, wedding dresses are hard to swim in so I’ve heard) and hopped back on a plane back to St. Louis. We really look forward to their Illinois reception and we are so grateful to have them in our lives as friends. We were also very blessed to be welcomed into their families especially Amy’s Parents and Wes’s parents. We look forward to seeing them here in Illinois for round two of a dang good time!

Amy and Wes, Doug and I just love you guys to death. Thank you for being in our lives and allowing us to document this amazing day for you. We wish you many years of love, joy, babies, and peace. Enjoy Hawaii and I can’t wait for Crepes when you return 🙂

Love,
Kate, Doug, and Charlie Key!