Last spring, I had the pleasure of shooting behind the scenes for a promotional video for Sara Lindsay the Makeup Store at the historic Hotel Saskatchewan. Nadia came along with some amazing gowns from her bridal boutique NWL Dresses in downtown Regina.I have always loved her classic and romantic style. We chatted a bit about weddings, when she told me that she had found the one that made her heart full, and that she had hoped they would be married.

Fast forward a few months, and Nadia calls me from Santa Monica, where she has now made a beautiful life with Steve in the most perfect city for her. When asked if I would fly down to capture their elopement, I absolutely could not refuse.

I met Nadia and Steve bright and early on a Wednesday morning at their beautiful, light filled home in Santa Monica. We had coffee, flan and enjoyed the sun as they got ready together. In all of the years I have been shooting, I have never had a couple choose to do this, and I absolutely loved it. Watching the excitement grow as each piece was added, Nadia and Steve were so tender with each other and beamed as they dressed.

They elopement took place at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, following a rather epic same-sex couple that gifted Steve one of their beautiful flower boutonnières as they left. As opposed to a very rehearsed, quiet ceremony, theirs was filled with laughter, small talk and admiration for all of the celebrities who had also exchanged vows there.

The afternoon was a whirlwind of various locations, an very loud diver that took us to random locations (which we didn’t use, lol), lunch at the infamous Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel and we finished on the beach in solitude.

Nadia and Steve, I cannot thank you enough for choosing me to join you on this incredibly journey. While my visit was short, I so appreciate your incredible hospitality and making sure that I was well taken care of. I loved seeing the love-filled life you have built together amongst the hustle and bustle of busy LA life, and I love that you balance each other so well.

Here are some of my favourite images from their day. I would LOVE to hear what you think and which your favourite images are! Leave some love for Nadia and Steve too 🙂

 

Love and Light,

Melissa