This garden wedding at Rancho Los Cerritos, in Long Beach, California was such a dream! Jason and Rebekah’s wedding is one that I’ll always remember, not just because of how beautiful it was, but because of who they are as a couple. They have been some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve ever had the chance to work with, and their wedding day truly reflected that.

Meeting the Couple

From the moment Jason and Rebekah first reached out to me, I knew they were a down to earth and easygoing pair. After I sent them my usual video introduction, they surprised me by responding with a photo of themselves as a couple. I’ve never had a couple do that before, and it set the tone for the incredible connection we would build leading up to their wedding. Rebekah was so excited to talk about their plans and couldn’t wait to get started, which made me even more eager to be part of their special day. I loved all the energy that they brought to the table! 

Their Love Story!

Jason and Rebekah met at church and have been together for about 2.5 years. Rebekah grew up in Long Beach, which made their wedding feel like a true hometown celebration. Rebekah is one of eight siblings and the only girl, which made her wedding day especially significant for her family. This wedding wasn’t just about celebrating their love—it was also a chance for their families to come together, with many folks meeting each other for the first time during the wedding week.

After getting engaged in January, Jason and Rebekah decided to keep things simple with a short engagement, planning their wedding for July. They wanted a day that was natural, joyful, and a true reflection of who they are. The historic garden wedding venue in Long Beach they chose, with its trees and flowers in full bloom, was the perfect backdrop for their celebration.

Capturing Moments

From the beginning, Jason and Rebekah made it clear that photography was a top priority for them. They shared that many of their friends had regretted not investing more in a photographer who could capture the day in a way that felt authentic and meaningful. Hearing this made me feel both flattered and determined to deliver a collection of photos that truly reflected their day. The couple particularly highlighted their interest in pictures that felt natural, organic, and in-the-moment so the images would tangibly represent the memories they made at the wedding. This outlook resonates so much with my own mission as a photographer, so I felt very excited to be able to provide them with documentary-style wedding photos. 

Garden Wedding

This garden Wedding at Rancho Los Cerritos was a delight. Rebekah’s dress was simple yet stunning, with intricate floral stitching that perfectly complemented the garden setting. She wore a fresh orchid in her hair, which added a simple, elegant touch. Their first look was one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever captured! They were both in tears, overwhelmed with happiness and excitement for the day ahead. I love how much the couple values candid, natural photos. They wanted their pictures to show real emotions—smiles, laughter, tears, and the little moments that make a wedding day special. Jason especially loves candid photography, and I was excited to capture the day in a way that felt organic and true to their personalities. Looking back at these photos makes me feel so incredibly proud of the work we did together!

In Their Words

“My wife Rebekah found Erin online and really liked her style and photos. But that’s only half the picture (pun intended). While Erin’s photos were just what we were looking for, and she really adapted to what we wanted… It was her day-of professional and kind demeanor that made it feel like she was the best photographer in the world. Again, her photos are awesome. Classy and beautiful. Candid. So many special, natural moments.

“We’re so happy with our pictures. But it’s also the memories of her interacting with us and our guests consistently in a kind and thoughtful manner all day. And it was a long, warm day. Time and again she had a smile on her face. And multiple times throughout the night offered to take photos with guests’ phones! Some would call it luck. But we think Erin and her work (and her secondary photographer) were God’s blessing to us on our wedding day. Thank you Erin. You gave us more than the perfect photos. You helped give us the perfect day 😊” – Jason & Rebekah

Thoughtful Details

The details of Jason and Rebekah’s wedding were just as thoughtful as they are. The flowers were vibrant and full of life and the garden was in full bloom, creating a beautiful setting. One of the sweetest moments happened while the girls were getting ready. Rebekah pointed out two little white butterflies to her mom and said, “Look, that’s me and Jason.” Later, after their first look, Rebekah spotted two more butterflies and pointed them out to Jason, who replied with the same words she had used earlier that day! It was such a sweet and personal moment that really showed how connected they are as a couple. They can practically read each other’s minds!

Garden Wedding at Rancho Los Cerritos

Their first dance was beautifully done—just the right mix of choreography and spontaneity. It was clear they had put in the effort, but the dance still felt natural and true to who they are. As the sun set, we captured some of my favorite images of the day of the couple walking through the garden. 

The toasts during the reception were particularly moving. Jason gave a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude to his parents and sharing memories of growing up. His words were filled with love and appreciation, and you could see how much it meant to him. Rebekah’s dad also made a memorable toast, even breaking into a worship song during his speech. It was such a touching and unexpected moment that perfectly reflected the strong bond between father and daughter.

The father-daughter dance was another highlight, made even more memorable when one of Rebekah’s cousins tossed handfuls of dollar bills into the air! . 

Jason and Rebekah also have a sweet tooth, and they wanted to share that with their guests in a fun and interactive way. Instead of a traditional dessert, they opted for a local shaved ice company to cater their wedding. The shaved ice was a hit with the guests, offering a refreshing and creative treat that added to the laid-back and joyful atmosphere of the day.

Final Words

Jason and Rebekah’s garden wedding at Rancho Los Cerritos was one of those days where everything just felt right. The weather was perfect, the venue was stunning, and the people were warm and welcoming. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that I’ll never forget. From the thoughtful details to the emotional moments, it was clear that this wedding was a true reflection of who Jason and Rebekah are as individuals and as a couple. Photographing their wedding was an absolute joy, and I’m genuinely sad that it’s over. It was one of those rare weddings that felt almost too good to be true—a “unicorn” wedding, if you will. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it!

Vendors: 

Planner: Hutchinson Weddings

Venue: Rancho Los Cerritos

Photo:  Erin Marton Photo

Catering: Fork in the Road Catering 

Cake: Sugar from the heart bakeshop 

Florist: Floral Stories

Dessert: Oncle’s Cafe

Hair and Makeup: Emily Lynn & Co.

Suit: Tweed Maker

Dress: Jenny Yoo

Rentals: Yennis Party Rentals

DJ: Andy Nation