Rancho Chiquita Wedding in Malibu

Josh waited with his back turned to his family and friends. The air was thick with anticipation (and humidity) as Lindsey made her way down all the steps with her dad and step-dad by her side. Finally, he turned around, and there she was:  Josh’s beautiful bride, coming toward him with the biggest smile on her face. We all knew that Josh would likely cry, but nevertheless, watching him get choked up as he wiped away the tears was just the most absolutely beautiful moment.

And that, my friends, is just one of the many reasons I just love Josh and Lindsey.

You guys might remember Josh and Lindsey from their engagement session last December that we did in Santa Monica at Palisades Park. Ever since then, I’ve looked forward to their wedding and it certainly did not disappoint. Josh and Lindsey’s big day this past weekend at Rancho Chiquita in Malibu was a perfectly gorgeous Southern California wedding. We started the day with Josh and the boys at Lindsey’s mom’s house, hanging out by the pool while the guys grabbed some pizza and beer, talking about the awesome avocado-green Buick that Josh rented for the day. The weather was pretty touch-and-go; I’d been stalking the weather for Malibu for a few days prior to the wedding, concerned about possible rain showers upsetting the outdoor wedding plans; but, as luck would have it, the day was just cloudy and it created this beautiful soft lighting. Totally made me so happy! I love cloudy days, especially for outdoor weddings – it just creates the best lighting possible!

Their ceremony, led by Pastor Lynn Chenny, was equally as beautiful and emotional as Lindsey’s grand entrance. Through a few rounds of prayers and some elegant words on marriage, Lindsey couldn’t stop smiling and Josh (and all the bridesmaids, and even the groomsmen) couldn’t stop crying tears of joy. Each of them wrote their own vows, through shaky voices, they held hands and promised to love each other.

The toasts were given by the best man Malcolm and maid of honor Tracy, all of the parents (all four sets!) – and each was more touching than the last. Speeches are my favorite part of every wedding – a time where friends and family talk about the bride and groom, sharing emotional moments with everyone (and maybe a couple embarrassing stories). At this wedding, my favorite speech came from Josh’s mom CC. She spoke of Josh as a child with tears in her eyes, how she would always tell him how she would always was there for him, how she’d always have his back… “… and then one day, I had a bad day. And he said, mom, it’s going to be okay, I’ll always have your back.”  I’m relatively positive there wasn’t a dry eye at any of the tables.

I’m so thrilled for Josh and Lindsey – I couldn’t imagine two people who love each other more than these two. Enjoy your honeymoon to Hawaii guys!! Love you!

Vendor Love

Venue + Catering | Rancho Chiquita, Malibu, CA

Coordinator |  Jennifer Laskey (Weddings by JL) and Randi Thompson

Photography | Randy + Ashley

DJ | DJ Vicious Lee

Cake + Dessert Bar | Sugar Studio

Officiant | Pastor Lynn Chenny, Westwood Presbyterian

Floral | Pollen Studio

Ceremony Musicians | Damon and Anthony (House of Vibe)

Bridal Gown | Vera Wang

Groom’s Tux | Vera Wang

Hair and Makeup | Katie Cordero, Mika McElroy and Mieko

Invitations and Paper Products | Wedding Paper Divas

Photo Booth | Triumph Photo Booth

Vintage Rental Car | Budget

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Malibu?

Hey there, I am Ashley Durham, a western Arizona wedding photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and romantic intimate weddings that capture the love, fun and realness of couples and wedding days.

I am happy to serve couples from Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Prescott, Kingman, Skull Valley all the way to Palm Springs, Southern California and anywhere I can drive or fly. Are you ready to have an incredible time together for your wedding?? DM me!!