Long Beach Maya Wedding {Raoul + Loan}

This Long Beach Hotel Maya wedding was just a day overflowing with love and joy for Raoul and Loan…I feel so privileged to be apart of something so special in their lives. Basically a dream day for a wedding photographer – great vendors and wonderful couple! What more can you ask for?

Loan and Raoul are probably one of the most laid back couples I have ever met on a wedding day and in general. I loved being in their presence – they are just so in love and in the moment and that is seriously the best part of their day for me. I definitely get butterflies in my stomach before every shoot and of course weddings. When I walked into the room where the bride was getting ready, her amazing bridesmaids and my fave video guys were there. Super organized, excited and ready to make this day run as smooth as possible. That says so much about the type of people that Loan and Raoul are – they get what they give to their family, friends and even their vendors! Who wouldn’t want to go the extra mile or step for these two?!?

The day started and ended at the lovely Hotel Maya in Long Beach – which is just a great venue to say I do! We used so many amazing parts of their grounds – from the beautiful harbor views, the hookah lounge and super cool lobby for our photos. The timeline was absolutely perfect as well, we managed to get all of the bridal party photos on both sides and even some family before the ceremony. The bride and groom chose not to do the first look, however, they still allowed enough time after the ceremony to get some great full bridal party shots, their friends and family as well as the romantic photos as well.

Just in LOVE with this lobby! The rustic meets modern and all the colors are amazing!

Ok…so the band from Downbeat LA “Soultones” we absolutely a great show. They brought it all, acoustic guitar, DJ’s, amazing voices and show! It’s kinda like Black Eyed Pea’s meets wedding and DJ. Super fun and entertaining!

During the reception, Raoul and Loan decided to change into their traditional Vietnamese Ai Dao dress to greet all their tables – I love the traditions!

The groom hid a football under the chair which was flippin’ awesome when he threw it out…definitely a nice touch even if the garter was SF 49er’s (bleh!)