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Natalie and Stephen September 23, 2023 Photography by Tom Keene at the California Yacht Club

Sep 26, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Apr 23

Wedding Photography LAdigitalPhoto - Life Event Photography by Tom Keene ©


Ceremony - Saint Monica Catholic Church

Reception - California Yacht Club


Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

What a beautiful day this was for Natalie and Stephen. As their photographer for their wedding at St. Monica Catholic Church and the California Yacht Club, I can attest to the absolutely lovely day it was for this couple.


Starting at the church for the ceremony often feels like a military operation. You arrive, you get your orders of where you can go and what you can do and then you set off on your mission, capture a stunning couple.


It wasn't long after we arrived that the couple arrived. And we were off to the races.

Stone church with arched entrance, cross, and gardens

Saint Monica Catholic Church, Santa Monica, CA

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

The groom and his aunt

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Inside the church

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

The groom awaits his bride

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

And what a beautiful bride she was...

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

I can't remember why everyone laughed but I am sure it was a great way to relax

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

A new trend in churches. The priest stands between the couple and the guests.

Pro: You can see the couple and not their back

Con: The priest is often blocking the view of the couple

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Lighting the unity candle

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Natalie was ready for this moment

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

And she nailed it!

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Congratulations to Natalie and Stephen

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

We are married!

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

A moment back in the church for one photo (that was all that was allowed)

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

The amazing wedding party

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Their chariot awaits; keeping it classic

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

A quick stop off for a photo with a view of the Santa Monica Pier

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Vintage love. These two are old souls for sure!

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Just some fun at another stop before arriving at the reception

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Bride and groom tug o' war kissing

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

We made everyone leave so we could get down to some romantics


Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

And they came out amazing

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

One request: Capture this photo as a redo of her parent's wedding day

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

My gift to my couple. You will have to hire me to find out what it is!

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Go big or go home, or so the say. A beautiful ring.

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

The staircase at the California Yacht Club

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

Headed down to do a couple walk through before the guests arrive.


A view of the reception room

They just loved it.

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

A private dance with no one but us around to see it

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

No truer words have ever been said


Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

This guy, wow, he was a true performer and made the bride tear

Saint Monica Church Santa Monica Wedding Photography Photographer Tom Keene LAdigitalPhoto

A quick run out to catch the sunset before heading in to their event



Here are the locations for the day


Saint Monica Catholic Church

725 California Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90403


California Yacht Club

4469 Admiralty Way

Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Contact Brooke Caress

310-448-4771

cycater@calyachtclub.net


Vendors for the day (updating soon)


Florist


Cello Player


Mariachi


Coordinator


The VW Bug


Photo Booth


The Band


The DJ/MC


Cakery


Photography and Videography

LAdigitalPhoto.com, of course!


Ready to see the whole day? All 4500+ images? Go get something to drink and find a nice chair to sit in and enjoy!





 
 
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