Wayfarers Chapel Photographer | Palos Verdes Wedding
Every time I have the opportunity to photograph weddings at Wayfarers Chapel I am always blown away by the beauty of this wedding ceremony site.
This fairytale all glass chapel set amongst a grove of redwood trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean is one of Los Angeles’ most enchanting places to exchange wedding vows. Wayfarers Chapel is beautifully landscaped on 3.5 acres of land with panoramic ocean views.
Also known as the “Glass Chapel” Wayfarers has welcomed couples of all religious backgrounds the opportunity to celebrate their wedding for over fifty years.
Chapel Architect Lloyd Wright, son of the pioneering American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, conceived the design of Wayfarers Chapel as a “tree chapel”, a natural sanctuary set in the midst of a forest.
“I wanted particularly to allow those trees and those trunks to be seen and the space beyond and into infinity to be observed, so those who sat in the sanctuary would perceive the grandeur of space out beyond and around them.”
Kira and Aaron’s Wedding Day
The morning of a couple’s wedding is filled with so much excitement and energy it’s one of my favorite times to photograph people. Getting ready might not seem like an exciting part of the wedding day, but we get momentous photos while the bride is getting hair and makeup done with all her bridesmaids by her side. This is a perfect opportunity for the bride to write her groom a love note, we love to photograph this moment followed by the delivery of the note to the groom. You can imagine the photos of the groom reading the note, tears of joy.
Father’s First Look with Daughter
We suggest to the bride before the ceremony to do a first look with her father, this is a precious moment and we love capturing these images. We can’t forget the groom and his groomsmen, the scene in their suite while getting ready is always festive full of laughs, sometimes accompanied by a customized flask for sipping.
Getting Ready
The bride and groom chose Portofino Hotel to stay at and get ready for their wedding. Great choice to stay when getting married at Wayfarers Chapel.
Onto the Chapel where we photographed the groom and his groomsmen amongst the redwood groves outside the chapel.
A beautiful ceremony in the glass chapel, followed by the bridal party and family photos in the gardens and around the property. The bride and groom had a vintage 62 Rolls Royce waiting to escort them to the reception at Trump National Golf Club where they would continue to celebrate with family and friends.
The Trump Room is a stunning banquet room with large window that overlooks the Pacific Ocean you can step out on the balcony and enjoy sweeping views of Palos Verdes and the coast.
Kira and Aaron’s Love Story
We met at the dog park shortly after Kira moved to Houston for the first time and Aaron moved back to Houston. It was in 2012.
How were you engaged?
We were both in California to run the Mountains to the Beach Half Marathon over Memorial Day weekend 2015. Aaron had flown to California in February to ask my dad’s permission. He wanted to go to the beach the evening after our half, and since it was our last night in California before flying back to Houston, we went. Aaron proposed on the beach at sunset.
What do you love most about your husband?
I appreciate the fact that Aaron always keeps me on my toes. I have a lot of energy and always need to be doing something. I love that Aaron shares the same passion for life experiences – whether it’s running, riding our bikes, or exploring a new place.
I love having a partner to enjoy all aspects of life with. I love our inappropriate jokes, exercise, serious talks, and passion for our beliefs. It’s not always an easy day, but I love being together with Kira.
Gold, blush, and ivory.
Our wedding is a semi-destination wedding. Kira was born and raised in California, and Aaron served in the Marine Corps, so he was stationed in California for a bit. It’s a special place to both of us, and we wanted our friends and family members to experience a place that is near and dear to both of our hearts. (Also, no one wants to get married in Houston, Texas in the middle of summer!)
Dear Kira and Aaron,
Your wedding day was so beautiful and jubilant. We loved being apart of your special day and capturing all the special moments and love that you two share. We look forward to creating a custom wedding album that we know you will cherish and share with future generations.
Always,
Christopher Todd
Christopher Todd Studios
