Alvis Pham

Aug 145 min read

Charles & Mae’s Dreamy Wedding at The Richland in Orange County

Featured in Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Basic Invite, WedAward, Maharani Weddings

As a wedding photographer, there are certain weddings that leave a lasting impression, and the wedding of Charles and Mae at The Richland was one of those unforgettable events. Nestled in the heart of Orange, California, The Richland provided a stunning backdrop for this beautiful celebration of love. See all the highlights of this magical day below!

Getting Ready

The day began with Charles and Mae getting ready in their luxurious bridal and groom suites at The Richland. Mae’s suite was filled with natural light, creating the perfect setting for capturing the delicate details of her dress, jewelry, and bouquet. Surrounded by her closest friends and family, Mae’s excitement and joy was contagious as she prepared for the big day. Meanwhile, Charles and his groomsmen enjoyed their morning, sharing laughs and stories as they suited up.

The First Look

One of the most memorable moments of the day was the first look. Charles and Mae chose to see each other before the ceremony in the serene courtyard of The Richland. As Charles turned around to see Mae for the first time in her wedding dress, the emotion on his face was priceless. This private moment allowed them to share their excitement and nerves, creating a beautiful and intimate memory. Capturing their reactions and the love in their eyes was truly special!

Portraits Before the Ceremony

Before the ceremony, we took advantage of The Richland’s picturesque grounds for a series of portraits with the newly weds and their beloved bridesmaid and groomsmen. We explored the venue’s beautiful gardens and historic architecture, capturing a mix of candid and posed shots that highlighted their love and excitement. These pre-ceremony portraits not only provided stunning images but also allowed Charles and Mae to share a few extra private moments together and with their wedding party before the festivities began.

The Wedding Ceremony

Charles and Mae’s ceremony was held in the Estelle Ballroom, a space that radiates romance with its exposed wood beam ceilings and gorgeous natural light. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows in front of their closest family and friends, creating a moment filled with love and emotion. The elegance of the setting allowed their genuine connection to shine through, making it a joy to capture on camera.

The Wedding Reception

Following the ceremony, guests moved to the Porte Cochere Patio for a fun cocktail reception. Surrounded by vine-covered pergolas and lush greenery, the atmosphere was both relaxed and enchanting. The Living Room Bar & Lounge, with its cozy firelit ambiance, provided a great spot for guests to enjoy beverages and bites before the reception. The reception continued in the Estelle Ballroom, where the couple and their guests shared countless of laughs and danced the night away. The room was beautifully decorated with elegant floral arrangements and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

For the Parents

Another heartwarming moment of Charles and Mae’s wedding was the parent dances. Mae shared a special dance with her father while Charles and his mother also took to the dance floor. These dances were filled with emotion, creating beautiful memories that highlighted the love and support from their families. It was a touching reminder of the importance of family on such a special day.

Newlywed Portraits at the Reception

During the reception, we stole a few moments with Charles and Mae for some more intimate newlywed portraits. The soft evening light plus that "just married" feeling provided the perfect combination for these special shots. We captured the couple in candid moments, as well as posed shots that showcased their joy and connection. These portraits add a beautiful and personal touch to their wedding album, highlighting the love and happiness that defined their day (and I'm obsessed with how they turned out).

Thank You for Reading!

Charles and Mae’s wedding at The Richland was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and tradition. The venue’s historic charm and modern elegance provided the perfect setting for their special day. As a wedding photographer, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of their journey and to capture the moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. To end the blog, here are some more highlights from the festivities of the reception, from speeches to dancing and photobooth fun!