San Diego Catholic Wedding: Monica + Joshua | St. Gabriel Catholic Church - Poway, CA (08.24.19)

Monica + Joshua

August 24, 2019

Poway, CA

I got so much joy sending out Monica and Joshua’s completed package. These high school sweethearts ditched the boyfriend and girlfriend title on Saturday August 24th at the gorgeous St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Poway with so much support from their family and friends.

The last 30 minutes before Monica and Joshua’s ceremony started were a little hectic but that’s how Weddings go. But before Monica walked down the aisle, she had a formal “first look” with her father that brought tears to my eyes. It may have been short but it was definitely sweet as you can see in Toby’s highlight video below.

The two had a full Catholic Mass ceremony with all the cultural traditions and to those who have never been to a Catholic Mass Wedding, the ceremony is a full hour in length just like a regular Catholic Mass would be. With help from their family, the two were draped with a crystal lasso as the significance of creating the number eight representing new beginnings in the Bible. Also included in Catholic Mass traditions is the presenting of the flowers to the statue of the Virgin Mary which Monica and Joshua did together before the final blessing from the Priest.

After all the formal portraits were complete, it was time for the couple to really enjoy their new celebration in the Church’s attached reception hall that had a beautiful high vaulted ceiling above the dance floor. Mr. and Mrs. Torres made their grand entrance and went straight into their first dance while Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” played through the speakers. Once dinner was complete, guests were eager to get on the dance floor so to help get that energy going, the couple welcomed everyone to the floor by starting the money dance.

Taking a break from the dancing, the couple got to sit and relax while Monica’s dad, sister and Joshua’s brother gave their touching toasts to the happy couple. It’s those moments that always seem to matter the most to couples and documenting those times always brings a smile to face. After the bouquet and garter had been tossed and the cake had been cut, it was time for us to say goodnight to Monica and Joshua but not without one final picture where Joshua scooped up Monica in front of their “Mr. and Mrs.” wooden backdrop.

I can’t thank Monica and Joshua for allowing us to be there and document their day. It was an absolute pleasure to work with them and their loving family that kept us smiling all night while we got to enjoy what we do.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Torres!

Vendors:

Venue: St. Gabriel Catholic Church

Photography: Alleen Carmel Photography

Videography: Toby Hughes

Gown: David’s Bridal

HMUA: Alejandra Robles