Overview

Enchanted, lively, and delicately beautiful—these words perfectly encapsulate the magic of this wonderful day.

Madey and Riley tied the knot at Noriega House in Bakersfield, California, a venue that radiated charm with its lush greenery and vibrant colors. The house itself exuded timeless elegance, while the surrounding floral gardens set a picturesque backdrop for their garden-themed wedding.

The bouquets bursting with spring colors and the bridesmaids’ mismatched dresses added to the day’s cheerful and light-hearted atmosphere. Every moment was genuine and heartfelt, from the touching parent gifts and emotional first look to the speeches that left a lasting impression.

Madey + Riley: A Wedding Recap

As the morning of their special day dawned quietly, the couple shared a series of unforgettable first moments.

When I arrived, the morning was alive with the tender moments shared between the bride, her mom, and grandmother. Together, they were immersed in the preparations, where the mother and grandmother’s gentle touch and loving guidance ensured that the bride looked absolutely radiant and ready for her wedding day. It was a scene filled with warmth and familial love, a snapshot of cherished traditions and the excitement building for the day ahead.

When the bride was ready, the couple began with the tender recitation of personalized vows, spoken in a private exchange that captured the essence of their journey together and their hopes for the future.

Following this heartfelt ritual, the bride savored a touching interlude with her father, filled with shared memories and an exchange of meaningful gifts. Their time together was marked by tears of joy and deep affection, a testament to the love and support that had shaped their lives.

In these intimate moments, emotions ran high, weaving together a tapestry of love, gratitude, and anticipation that set the tone for the day ahead.

The ceremony was everything they had hoped for and more. With friends and family surrounding them, Madey and Riley declared their love and commitment to each other, promising to journey together for eternity. The joy in the room was infectious, reflecting the happiness and love shared by all present on this special day.

The speeches were a delightful blend of wit, entertainment, and sincere emotion. While there were occasional moments of lighthearted embarrassment, each speaker shared sentiments straight from the heart. It was evident that everyone in the audience knew the couple intimately, as each word spoken resonated with the gathered guests. There was not a dry eye in the room!

As the evening unfolded, the bride surprised everyone by changing into a dress sewn with love by a family member, followed by a delightful s’mores bar that capped off the festivities perfectly. These personal touches made the Haagsma wedding truly unforgettable, ensuring it will be fondly remembered by all who attended.

Just a snippet of this magical day here:

(keep scrolling for some thoughts about 2024 weddings as well as VENDOR links!)

Notable Elements of the Day

Drawing from over a decade in the wedding industry, here are some key observations from this wedding and recents:

1. Return of Color: After a trend of neutrals dominating weddings, vibrant colors are making a strong comeback. Brides are embracing bold hues, adding a lively and dynamic feel to their celebrations.
2. Garden and Wildflower Themes: There’s a noticeable shift towards themes inspired by gardens and wildflowers. This trend aligns with the resurgence of vibrant colors, creating weddings that feel vibrant and brimming with natural beauty.
3. Documentary Style Photography: Couples increasingly prefer a documentary style over heavily posed shots. Capturing authentic, candid moments has become a priority, reflecting the genuine emotions and experiences of the day.
4. Embracing Imperfections: There’s a growing appreciation for imperfections in wedding photography. Photos that capture natural flaws like slight blur or unconventional lighting are now seen as authentic and desirable, adding a sense of realism to the storytelling.
5. Intimate Celebrations: While this particular wedding was larger in scale, there’s a noticeable trend towards smaller, more intimate gatherings. Couples are opting to invite only close friends and family, fostering a more personal and meaningful atmosphere for their special day.
6. Embracing Personal Choice: There’s a noticeable shift where couples are prioritizing their own desires over external expectations. The traditional pressure to conform to family or societal norms is gradually diminishing, allowing couples to authentically shape their weddings according to their own preferences and values.
7. Rediscovering Flash Photography: Flash photography has made a resurgence as a sought-after aesthetic. In the past, many photographers preferred natural light and identified as such. Now, the current generation of couples getting married is embracing flash photography for its ability to evoke a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of childhood memories. This shift reflects a renewed appreciation for the creative possibilities and emotional depth that flash photography can bring to capturing wedding moments, a trend I find personally enjoyable and fulfilling.

These trends reflect a broader shift towards more personalized, natural, and vibrant wedding aesthetics, where authenticity and individuality take center stage in capturing the essence of each couple’s special day.

What are your thoughts on the most recent wedding day trends? Did I forget anything? I’d love to hear your point of view in the comment section below.

Shout out to the most talented team of vendors that made this day to happen:

venue: @noriegahouse

photographer: @jvarnerphoto

videographer: @augiefilms

florals: @flower.powerrr18 

dj: @nalentertainment 

mua: @beebee_esthetics_mua 

hair: @styledbyclaireee 

dessert: @sugartwistbakery 

catering: @mossmanskitchen_catering

Looking for vendors for your SoCal wedding? Check out this talented team!

Not planning a wedding anytime soon? If you’re moving into the next chapter of life and starting a family, I’ve got you covered! My specialty lies in documentary-style family photography, capturing authentic moments that reflect your unique journey. Whether you’re expecting a new addition or looking to capture the beauty of everyday life with your family, I offer maternity shoots, natural newborn sessions, and relaxed family photo sessions.

These sessions are all about celebrating real moments and creating memories that tell your story. If you’re expecting a little one, I invite you to explore my blog here where I share tips on preparing for an in-home, documentary-style newborn session. It’s a wonderful way to capture the genuine joy and love as your family grows.