Shelby and Jake - Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort wedding

When Jake and Shelby said their ‘I do’s” at their Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort wedding, it was a sight to see.

Surrounded by 151 of their closest friends and family these two became one along the coastline of Santa Barbara at the Hilton, Beachside Resort. Once again I couldn’t help but be entirely grateful to be able to witness such a beautiful union in such a remarkable setting.

I was recommended to these two through a mutual friend, Perla. Luck would have it as Shelby shared her need for a wedding photographer Perla recommended me. Over the course of a year I was blessed to build a friendship with Jake and Shelby. Which is honestly making lasting friendships with my clients is really my favorite part of being a wedding photographer.

It always amazes me how couples meet and how sometimes it just feels like it was truly, “meant to be.”

While Jake and Shelby went to the same college they didn’t officially meet until Jake was matched with Shelby met on Match.com. Thank goodness for match.com am I right?! Through the course of their engagement the two renovated their home, Shelby became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and planned the celebration of a lifetime.

When asking Jake what he was most excited for on his Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort wedding he responded with, “seeing Shelby come down the aisle.” While similarly Shelby said, “Seeing Jake’s face and making eye contact when I start walking down the aisle.” And so naturally they chose to forgo the first look, exchanged a few sweet words around a corner from each other and didn’t “officially” see each other until they walked down the aisle. And honestly I am so glad they went this traditional route because seeing Jake’s smile as he first laid eyes on Shelby was one of the sweetest parts of their Santa Barbara beach wedding.