As an Arkansas wedding photographer, there’s nothing I love more than traveling to new places to capture the magic of a couple’s wedding day. Todd and Kate’s wedding at Fairbanks Country Club in sunny San Diego was one of those days that felt like pure magic from start to finish. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—after a week of rain, the sun came out in full force, giving us the most beautiful, golden light for their special day.

Getting Ready: Calm Before the Celebration

The morning was full of excitement and calm energy, as both Kate and Todd prepared for the big day. Kate and her family, who were members of the Fairbanks Country Club, had spent so much time dreaming about this day, and it was finally here! Kate’s suite was soft, romantic, and filled with blush tones, whites, and lots of little personal touches. She was glowing as she got ready, but there was this calm, peaceful vibe about her. She was just so excited to marry the love of her life.

Meanwhile, Todd was having a great time with his dad. He’s an outgoing guy who’s always up for some fun, and before the ceremony, he and his dad hit the golf course for a round to help ease any jitters. It was such a special, low-key moment, and it was honestly so fun to see Todd in his element, laughing and sharing that time with his dad.

The First Look: Family Watching From Above

One of my favorite moments of the day was Todd and Kate’s first look. They decided to keep it private, just the two of them, but there was a twist—both families were watching from the second-floor balcony above. As Todd turned around to see Kate for the first time in her beautiful gown, it felt like time stood still. The love and excitement between them was palpable, and there was something so special about knowing their families were up there, sharing this quiet, intimate moment. You could feel the joy radiating down from above, and it made the first look even more emotional and personal.

What I loved most about their first look is that it wasn’t stiff or overly posed—it was just real, organic, and full of emotion. It was exactly what Todd and Kate wanted: a candid moment that was all about them and their connection.

The Ceremony: A Beautiful Blend of Tradition and Love

Next up was the ceremony, which was everything Todd and Kate wanted: intimate, personal, and full of love. The Fairbanks Country Club provided the perfect setting, with gorgeous greenery and soft pink and white florals framing the space. Kate’s family’s connection to the venue made the ceremony feel even more special—it was a place with so much meaning to them, and it was the perfect place to start their married life.

Their ceremony included some beautiful traditional Jewish wedding elements. They stood under the chuppah, symbolizing their new home together, and exchanged vows beneath its canopy. This moment was so meaningful, as it brought a deep sense of connection to Kate’s Jewish heritage, while also reflecting the couple’s unique love story.

Another beautiful moment was when Todd and Kate broke the glass, a symbol of joy and the recognition that life’s joys and sorrows are interwoven. The sound of the glass breaking was met with cheers and applause, adding such an electric energy to the ceremony.

It was such a special ceremony, one that blended meaningful traditions with their personal love story. Even though Todd’s outgoing personality could have easily stolen the spotlight, they both made sure to keep the attention on their love and the promise they were making to each other.

Romantic Portraits: A Golden Hour Golf Cart Ride

After the ceremony, it was time to take a breather and capture some romantic portraits. We hopped on golf carts and took a ride around the Fairbanks Country Club grounds during golden hour, and let me tell you, the light was absolutely magical. The sun was setting, casting this beautiful, warm glow over everything. Kate and Todd were so relaxed and just soaking in the moment—laughing, enjoying each other’s company, and letting me capture their candid, genuine connection. It was one of those moments that felt like pure joy, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

The golf cart ride gave us the perfect opportunity to sneak away for some quiet, intimate photos. They were completely themselves, laughing and whispering to each other, while I snapped away. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love being a wedding photographer—it’s about capturing the real, unfiltered love between two people.

The Reception: A Celebration of Love, Laughter, and a Traditional Hora

The reception was absolutely electric. After a joyful ceremony, it was time to really let loose and celebrate, and celebrate they did. Todd and Kate’s guests weren’t shy about getting the party started, especially when it came to the traditional Jewish hora dance. It was such a fun and lively moment—everyone gathered around in a circle, lifting Todd and Kate in their chairs as they danced and cheered. The room was filled with laughter and joy as their friends and family joined in on this age-old tradition, and it truly felt like the beginning of an unforgettable celebration.

The rest of the reception was filled with candid moments, from the sweet toasts to the wild dance floor fun. Todd and Kate’s celebration wasn’t just a party—it was a testament to their love, their families, and the deep connection they share with everyone in their lives.

A Final Thought

Todd and Kate’s wedding at Fairbanks Country Club was everything a wedding should be—full of joy, love, and moments that will last a lifetime. Their day was all about celebrating each other and the people who mean the most to them, and I was lucky enough to be there to capture it all. From golf cart portraits to laughter-filled dance floors and a lively hora, this wedding was a perfect reflection of their personalities and love for each other.

If you're looking for a photographer to capture your own candid, joyful moments, I’d love to be a part of your special day!