portraits

weddings

Roaring Twenties Backyard Whittier Wedding

I am absolutely over-the-moon for this roaring twenties backyard Whittier wedding.

Backyard weddings are so intimate. We’ve photographed a few lately and they really remind me of the importance of family, and the whole point of getting married in the first place: unity.

Of course, a backyard wedding can be an absolutely smashing good time, too … Sheena and Nick’s old-Hollywood themed wedding was the cat’s pajamas. Every detail made me feel like we were at an extravagant Great Gatsby party from Fitzgerald’s novel. The bride was dolled up in a beaded Maggie Sottero gown with finger waves. The groom looked like he walked out of a J.C. Leyendecker painting in his bow tie and tux. Glass lanterns hung over the ceremony and reception, and the art deco cake was to die for!

Darlings, you’re gonna love this dapper event!

Three Generations of Wedding Dresses - Orange County Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

It was amazing to see two generations of wedding gowns in the bridal suite. Wedding dresses from the bride’s mother, bride’s sister, and groom’s mother were all on display.

Bridal Makeup - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

You can’t have a roaring twenties affair without finger waves! … An awesome job by Jennifer Cunningham Beauty.

Bride Getting Zipped into Her Dress - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Vintage Bride and Succulent Bouquet - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

I was blown away by how amazing Sheena looked in her beaded Maggie Sottero gown and holding this phenomenal succulent and peony bouquet by Green Leaf Designs.

Vintage Bride in Beaded Dress by Maggie Sottero - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comGroom Getting Ready - Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comFlower Girls Running Down Aisle - Orange County Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Flower Girls Jumping in Aisle - Orange County Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

These two flower girls had a fabulous time entertaining themselves before the ceremony.

Groom with Flower Girls - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Ring Bearer and Bridesmaid Bouquet - Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

What an adorable little ring bearer!

Bride with Ring Bearer and Flower Girls - Ring Bearer and Bridesmaid Bouquet - Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Escort Cards and Groom Walking in to Ceremony - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

The old Hollywood wedding theme included a drawn movie poster that was used as an escort card. In addition, a large marquee announcing the film “Say Yes To I Do” shone brightly as the guests arrived. The marquee was one of many DIY projects created by the mother-of-the-bride.

Bridesmaid Walking Down Aisle - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comRing Bearer and Father Walking Bride Down the Aisle - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comHere Comes the Bride - Orange County Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Backyard Wedding Ceremony - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Homemade glass lanterns glittered in the trees overhead, and a gorgeous stained glass window panel hung from the ceremony arbor behind the couple, shimmering in the setting sun.

Blessings at the Alter - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comRomantic Sunset Ceremony - Orange County Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comYou May Now Kiss the Bride - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Sunset Bride and Groom Portrait - Stained Glass Window Arbor - Orange County Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

The sunset ceremony was romantic and spectacular.

Bride and Groom in Gold Cadillac - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Welcome to Our Love Story Sign - Gold Cadillac - Bride and Groom in Gold Cadillac - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

A vintage gold Cadillac sat out front, welcoming everyone to the festivities. Of course, we had to get a few images in it.

Bride and Groom Stroll Through the Orange Grove - Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Bridal Portraits in Orange Grove - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Then we went for a stroll in the orange grove next door for some the perfect magic-hour wedding portraits.

Bridal Portrait on Steps Surrounded by Hibiscus - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Outdoor Wedding Reception Centerpieces - Peacock Centerpieces - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

The backyard was also used for the reception. The table settings were stunning with these eucalyptus leaf and peacock feather centerpieces by Green Leaf Designs.

Wedding Sparkler Matches as Guest Favors - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Curious Cat matchboxes were given as favors. They were later used for a sparkler first dance.

Wedding Head Table Centerpiece with Art Nouveau Lamp - Wedding Sparkler Matches as Guest Favors - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

I’m in love with this art nouveu lamp and art deco napkins. The napkins were also hand-sewn by the mother-of-the-bride!

Gold and Blue Wedding Table Settings - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comBackyard Wedding Reception Tables - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Couple at Sunset - Art Deco Wedding Cake - Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

I can’t get enough of these lovebirds … both the couple heading back to the reception, and the birds on top of this phenomenal art deco wedding cake by A Wish and A Whisk Bakery.

Cocktail Hour - Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Reception Buffet Line - Whittier Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Deeeeelicous catering by Tortas 2 Die 4.

Father-of-Bride Toast - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Dads always give the best toasts. There are so many expressions to look at in this image!

Reception Head Table - Orange County Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comRomantic Reception Light - Orange County Backyard Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Bride and Groom Holding Hands at Reception - Twenties Themed California Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke serenaded everyone as a romantic glow cast over this wedding.

Backyard Whittier Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.comFirst Dance Sparklers - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

Sparklers First Dance - Roaring Twenties Wedding – Russell Gearhart Photography – www.gearhartphoto.com

To top it all off, Sheena and Nick had their first dance surrounded by family and sparklers. A true Hollywood ending!

Congratulations Sheena + Nick!

Vendors:

blog search