Jann & Bradley // Mammoth Forest Chapel Wedding
Over half a decade ago, at a mutual friend’s baby shower, Brad sat down next to Jann. After talking for a bit and clicking immediately, the two realized they had tons in common: they were both nurses, went to the same college, and absolutely loved Star Wars. Brad later got Jann’s number from the host, and a few days after, he reached out and asked if she wanted to meet for coffee to talk about the attack on the Death Star. Have you ever heard anything more nerdy-romantic?! Coffee turned into dinner.. dinner turned into dessert.. and soon enough, the two fell for each other and never looked back.
7 years after that fateful baby shower, on a perfect fall day in Mammoth, in a breathtaking chapel in the forest surrounded by hundred-year-old trees, Jann & Brad said “I do” and excitedly kissed right after their vows by accident. Where do I begin with this incredible couple’s beautiful wedding day?! I’ll start with the day before…
After arriving in Mammoth (24 hours before, so my pathetic lungs had time to adjust to the altitude), my other half and I romped over to Jann & Brad’s venue to do some location scouting. I was immediately gobsmacked by the breathtaking scenery of Twin Lakes—just a jaw-dropping spot for a wedding—complete with tall trees and glistening water surrounded by mountains that seem to touch the sky. I walked over to the Forest Chapel where their ceremony would be and found it so whimsical, nestled right in the middle of the woods. Walking back to my car, I felt so stoked to return the following day for the real deal.
I have to pause their story and say: serving as J & B’s wedding photographer was a truly unique experience—one in which I felt as taken care of and loved by my clients as I typically try to make THEM feel. Jann & Brad are both medical professionals with hearts of pure gold, and working with them opened my eyes to how meaningful and generous the client - vendor relationship can be. This couple trusted me wholly to capture their love story, and that trust led to a gallery that I feel really tells the truth: all the beauty, all the silliness, and all the tangible joy.
Leading up to the wedding, Jann and I exchanged countless page-long texts, talking constantly through the planning process. I felt grateful to be able to support her whenever she needed a second opinion or a pep talk, and always enjoyed chatting back and forth about both wedding things and broader life things. When I arrived on the big day, we hugged like family. And then she immediately offered me snacks—also like family. :’) Her bridal party had electric energy from the jump, and everyone was buzzing for the day to come.
After photographing the couple’s getting-ready process and their details at their rented cabin, Brad hopped in my car and we headed to the venue. While driving the groom to his ceremony location, I felt like I really got to peek into his mind & see all of the emotions he cycled through while preparing for the events and the excitement of the day. Months prior, at their engagement session, I quickly realized that Brad is not a guy who eVeR(!!!) wants to be the center of attention. After talking in my car, it was clear how he was so excited to marry the love of his life that of course he was 100% on board with a big, wonderful wedding celebration complete with all their friends and family. Brad would go anywhere and do anything for Jann—even if that meant putting on a suit and kissing her in public.
When it was time for their first look, the skies celebrated with a pretty constant rain. Luckily, we had clear umbrellas on hand, so Jann’s sister held one over her head as she cascaded across the grass for a sweet and drizzly fairytale moment. After their first look, the rain dissipated and their wedding parties + families began to arrive (and take iPhone photos of them like bonafide paparazzi). Brad had a quick banana break (potassium is paramount!!) before we took portraits & wedding party photos. Soon, guests began arriving and hiking into the woods to find their seats on the rustic log benches that adorned the carpeted aisle.
In the gorgeous natural setting of the forest, everyone watched on on with tears and laughter as Brad & Jann became husband and wife. The ceremony was emotional and intimate, complete with personal handwritten vows shared in quivering voices among the giant trees. After their OFFICIAL first kiss (following their previous post-vow smooch) the new Mr. & Mrs. walked up the aisle together to a Star Wars song—Brad’s single non-negotiable contribution to the wedding day agenda, and a total throwback to their meet-cute at their friend’s baby shower.
Following their ceremony, we took a few more portraits around the sparkling Twin Lakes as the newlyweds rotated between smiling for photos and cuddling to brave the cold wind. Despite the elements, I just kept thinking… 1) DANG I love these two… and 2) this is so FUN. Jann & Brad just have the best time together, are so unbelievably kind and generous, and are SO clearly madly in love. With all those ingredients in the pot, photographing them was an absolute dream.
When the sun began to set, we all headed to Camp High Sierra for dinner & dancing. At their cozy reception, with the fireplace blazing, toasts concluded and cake was cut. When the DJ took over and filled the room with music, Jann won the Sarebear Superlative™ for Bride Who Spent The Most Time on Her Own Wedding Dance Floor Ever. I swear I’ve never seen a bride have a better night; it certainly helped that her DJ is one of my favorites of all-time. If you are getting married in Mammoth and don’t hire him, it’s your loss (shout-out Fresh Tracks Entertainment).
Later in the evening, after a few drinks, Brad and his groomsmen surprised Jann (and, well, everyone else) when they re-entered the reception wearing only their pants + suit vests. It was extra hilarious because it felt so out of character for a buttoned-up + shy anesthesiologist, and Jann’s reaction of utter shock was priceless. With that, the dance floor raged on for hours.
This wedding was a pleasure to be a part of in every single way, and was such a vivid example of why I feel so privileged that this is my JOB. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating so here I am repeating it. After I delivered their wedding gallery, Jann brought me to tears with her heartfelt feedback. Reflecting on their day and re-reading Jann’s messages again and again, I felt so validated—knowing that the couple loved their photos and that they felt as connected to me as I did to them.
People like these two—and weddings like this—gift me an unbreakable confidence that I am one thousand percent where I am supposed to be in my career. I am endlessly grateful that this couple chose me as their wedding photographer, and I feel crazy-lucky to call them my friends. I look sooo forward to splitting a giant pizza with them in a few weeks when we reunite. :)
Thank you, Brad & Jann, for inviting me into your world and letting me capture your magnificent wedding day in one of the most stunning places on earth. & thank you for sharing your hearts with me.
