Alex & Jen // Santa Barbara Historical Museum Wedding

Alex and Jen met in 2015 when one of them needed a little extra homework help for a communications class at CSUN. Many DMs & a few assignments later, their relationship status changed from “study buddies” to “boyfriend & girlfriend.” From then on, the two were inseparable. Eventually settling down in Studio City with their beloved rescue dog, Olive, they’ve been by each other’s side through all of adulthood’s milestones.

Jen & Alex planned to host their wedding at one of the most breathtaking venues in SoCal. I previously photographed Jen’s bridesmaid Jamie’s wedding in 2022, so I was very excited for the little reunion that this wedding would become.

Fast forward to a breezy May afternoon in Santa Barbara, the temporarily elusive SoCal sun (remember when it disappeared for 3 months?!) came out just in time for the Tempels to get married.

This couple's celebration at the gorgeous Santa Barbara Historical Museum was laid-back and beautiful as could be. The already stunning setting—with Spanish Californian architecture and blooming gardens—was perfectly accented with colorful florals from The Twisted Twig. Jen has the BEST eye for style, and from the florals to the cocktail hour setup to the rattan lanterns that canopied the dance floor, the details of the Tempel wedding were straight out of a —Chic Santa Barbara Wedding— Pinterest board.

A gaggle of flower girls and a goofy ring bearer brought light & silly playground energy to the festivities as they romped around in their respective little white dresses and tiny suit. One moment, I'd walk around the corner & find them playing princesses (twirling til they got dizzy), and later I'd catch a glimpse of them in the corner of my eye, sprinting around collecting an eXtenSiVe shot list of disposable camera gems. 

Somehow always in 10 places at once, Superwoman, aka Toby, aka the most warm & attentive wedding planner ever, absolutely stole my heart & helped execute a perfect event for this lovely couple.

This was one of those days where all the pieces fell seamlessly into place, and I felt like I was a part of an Avengers-level-synchronistic group of magical vendors. It was so FUN & a big highlight of my 2023.

(A VERY belated) congratulations to the Tempels!!!