This Scripps Seaside Forum wedding is one to remember; with special toasts that brought us to tears, references to some of their (and our) favorite video games, and so many sweet moments that we promise that you’ll fall in love with James & Janessa’s wedding as much as we did.

When we first met James & Janessa, and photographed their beautiful Balboa Park Engagement Session, we knew that their wedding day would be one that we would remember forever– and we were right. The day began as we got ready alongside them as the two got ready beside their friends and family, in preparations for their big day. As James tacked on his tie pin referencing the Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass, Janessa received the finishing touches on her hair and makeup by Mobile Radiance, the two were ready for their first look.

And what a special– and beautiful– first look it was. As Janessa stepped forward and tapped James on the shoulder, the two of them kissed– and clouds began to drizzle a light rain around them, perfectly timed as if someone had played the “Song of Storms” on the Ocarina of Time. With the sound of rain and the ocean in the background, the two stood, covered by umbrellas, and despite the elements, it was as if they were the only two in the world.

What set their beautiful Scripps Seaside Forum wedding apart from the rest is how the two of them wrapped so many references of their favorite video games into the wedding. From references to the Legend of Zelda throughout their reception to instrumental versions of their favorite video games (including a particularly fun jazz version of the Mario theme song played by DJ Dre Motion), James & Janessa worked alongside their coordinator, Amy from First Comes Love, to include details and more that played a part in their story.

One of our favorite things about this Scripps Seaside Forum wedding was the way James & Janessa’s friends showed how much they truly cherished their relationship with them. Whether it was James’ friends opening their hearts to him as they got ready or Jaemie, Janessa’s maid of honor, lending Janessa the earrings she had worn on her own wedding day, their friends took the time to share unique moments with them.

There was one toast that we’ll remember forever; a particularly sentimental– and unique– toast by James’ brother. Throughout weddings, birthdays, and the big events in their lives, James’ father had been there, poem in hand to make the day a little more special. So in order to make sure that James & Janessa’s wedding would have a reminder of James’ father despite his passing, he wrote– and performed– a beautiful poem about James’ & Janessa’s relationship.

Getting to both capture and witness moments like these is one of the most special parts of our job– and is one of the many moments that show us how lucky we are to have gotten to know our couples.

To James & Janessa; we are so happy that we got to be there on your wedding day and be a part of your beautiful journey. Getting to know you two has been such an incredible treat for us– and we feel honored that you chose us. We like to think that you meeting us at your friend’s meeting was meant to be, and we thank our lucky stars that they led us to you. We hope that every day feels as auspicious as your Scripps Seaside Forum wedding day, that you go into every obstacle and overcome it feeling unflappable, and that you never forget how much love there is, not only between you, but your friends and family.

If you loved James & Janessa’s Scripps Seaside Forum wedding, and would love to learn more about their story, we recommend you read about the beginnings of their relations in their beautiful Balboa Park Engagement Session blog! If you absolutely love their venue, Scripps Seaside Forum, we recommend you read Tyler & Nithan’s Scripps Seaside Forum wedding blog!