A TROPICAL, JOY-FILLED ANNIVERSARY WEDDING CELEBRATION AT THE PRESERVE | HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

When E+M reached out about their celebration at The Preserve in Hollywood, I immediately knew it was going to be something special. A year after saying “I do” in a private ceremony, they were ready to throw the wedding party they never had—and they brought all the heart, color, and joy to make it unforgettable.

As a Southern California wedding photographer, I’ve worked at many beautiful venues, but The Preserve truly stands out. With its lush garden pathways, dramatic tropical foliage (yes, there were banana leaves), and open-air layout with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, it felt like a hidden retreat in the middle of LA. From the traditional staircase inside to the courtyard strung with lights and surrounded by greenery, every part of the space offered something visually inspiring to work with—and we made the most of it.

A Day Full of Intention (Without a Traditional Timeline)

Because E+M had already been legally married for a year, they didn’t follow the traditional wedding day structure. There was no ceremony aisle, no first look with a crowd—just a celebration of their love with all the people who mean the most to them.

As their photographer, that freedom allowed me to take a more intentional approach. I worked closely with them to carve out moments throughout the day: relaxed portraits in the gardens, quiet exchanges of affection, playful in-between shots that captured their chemistry. Even without a rigid schedule, we created space for real moments to unfold—beautiful, emotional, and completely authentic. And for a couple who described themselves as camera shy, it was such a joy to help them feel totally at ease in front of the lens.

Detail Highlights: Color, Texture, and Personal Touches

One of the most meaningful details was E's retro art deco diamond ring, a family heirloom from M’s grandmother. It paired beautifully with her linen dress—a modern design with delicate cutouts and floral appliqué that brought texture and elegance without feeling fussy.

The florals throughout the day were vibrant and bold: a cheerful mix of fuchsia, tangerine, marigold, and deep berry tones. From the bouquet to the garden installations, the flowers brought so much energy to the space and reflected the couple’s fun, celebratory vibe.

Bridal & Groom Portraits

E looked absolutely radiant in her linen halter dress with embroidered cutouts—a modern, romantic look that felt perfectly in tune with the venue’s breezy garden atmosphere. We took some time before guests arrived to photograph her among the greenery, letting her soft waves catch the light and her bouquet’s vibrant colors pop against the tropical backdrop. These portraits really captured her elegance and calm energy, with just the right amount of California cool.

M wore a light blue suit that gave a subtle nod to vintage style, paired with a crisp white shirt and a boutonnière that echoed the florals in E’s bouquet. We did his portraits in the same lush setting, where the texture of the palm leaves and dappled light added so much visual interest. He brought a cool confidence and infectious smile to every photo, and together, they truly felt like they were in their own world.

Because there wasn’t a traditional ceremony or first look, creating these portrait moments early on helped ground the day—giving the couple time to connect, take it all in, and have a little fun together before the celebration really began.

Portraits in the Garden

We took advantage of the venue’s lush, tropical pathways and afternoon light to capture some couple portraits that felt equal parts relaxed and romantic. These kinds of shoots are some of my favorite moments to create—not staged or stiff, but full of movement, emotion, and softness. With the towering palms and sun filtering through the leaves, the setting was like a living postcard of California summer.

We meandered through the garden pathways, surrounded by tall palms, banana leaves, and bursts of vibrant florals at every turn. The lush greens and deep shadows created the perfect mix of softness and drama, giving their portraits so much depth and dimension. The setting felt both intimate and wild—like a hidden garden oasis in the middle of the city—and it made every photo feel naturally alive with color and texture.

A Surprise Vow Exchange During Dinner

As guests settled into the garden courtyard for dinner, the atmosphere felt effortlessly magical. The tables were dressed in vibrant florals that echoed E’s bouquet—bright pinks, oranges, and lush greens that popped against natural linens and wooden accents. Golden fringe surrounded the room, and the glass doors from the indoor space stayed open, blending the indoors and outdoors into one seamless, inviting setting.

Before dinner was served, E+M shared their first dance just in front of their sweetheart table—a soft, intimate moment filled with smiles and quiet laughter. It was followed by a round of heartfelt speeches from close friends and family, full of stories, toasts, and a few laugh-out-loud moments that had everyone fully tuned in.

Throughout it all, the couple sat together at their sweetheart table surrounded by flowers, looking completely at ease and full of love. The way they glanced at each other, held hands, and shared quiet reactions was something I loved capturing—those in-between moments that speak volumes.

Though there wasn’t a formal ceremony, E+M did exchange vows again during dinner—surrounded by loved ones, golden light, and the clink of glasses. It was one of the most heartfelt parts of the day, and another example of how we crafted meaningful moments in the absence of a typical timeline.

There wasn’t a ceremony aisle or an altar, but in that moment, the love in the air was unmistakable. As they spoke, guests reached for napkins and dabbed at quiet tears—some smiling, some openly emotional. It was a perfect reminder that you don’t need a formal setup for something to feel incredibly meaningful. Just intention, presence, and the people you love most.

Capturing these kinds of moments is always special. As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for genuine reactions—the little glances, the full-body laughs, and yes, even those beautiful, teary-eyed smiles. It was one of the most emotional parts of the night, and the photos speak for themselves.

Laughter, cheers, and heartfelt toasts followed, turning the moment into something that felt both intimate and full of celebration. It was the kind of genuine, joy-filled energy that carried through the rest of the evening—and it was such a privilege to document every bit of it.

A Dance Floor to Remember

When the sun dipped and the music turned up, the courtyard became the center of the party. The DJ booth was set on a stage, flanked by colorful floral towers, and the dance floor filled up fast. Guests flowed between the courtyard and the indoor lounge areas, with glass doors wide open and energy spilling from one space to the next. The energy was electric from the very first song, and it only built as the night went on.

This is one of my favorite parts of any wedding day—the point when everyone lets loose and the energy becomes completely contagious. I love experimenting with movement and light to capture the feeling of the music and motion, and for E+Ms reception, I pulled out some of my favorite techniques like lens drag to add a dynamic, almost cinematic feel to the dance shots. The result? A series of images that don’t just show the party—they make you feel it.

From spontaneous dips and shoulder rides to sweet dance floor hugs and full-on laugh-until-you-cry moments, I was always nearby (but never in the way) to catch the real stuff. The sweaty, joyful, totally in-the-moment energy of the night is something I aim to preserve just as vividly as the quiet portraits or heartfelt vows—and this night gave us so much to work with.

Thinking About a Wedding at The Preserve?

If you're planning a non-traditional wedding, anniversary party, or anything in between, The Preserve in Hollywood is a dream setting. It’s intimate, stylish, and offers so many unique backdrops for photos. And if you’re looking for a photographer who’s all about capturing real moments—whether you follow a typical timeline or not—I’d love to connect.

Searching for a Southern California wedding photographer? Let’s make something beautiful together. Reach out here or browse more galleries for inspiration!