Steve and Andi: Poltrabend

I'm back... :)

So... a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being a part of the "day before" festivities/BBQ for Steve and Andi. They held a very special event at Andi's parents' home in the desert. The event is called a Poltrabend and is a pre-wedding German tradition where family and friends come together to eat, drink and celebrate the coming together of the happy couple and watch them perform one very special tradition. What's the tradition, you ask? Well, each guest brings a piece of pottery which the couple will break (getting out some of that pre-wedding anxiety!). The key, though, is not in the breaking of the pottery (though the broken pieces are supposed to bring the couple good luck) but, instead, it is in cleaning up the broken pieces... together, symbolizing that nothing will be broken in their house again.

It was a really fabulous day and event and I can't wait to share the wedding pictures from the day after... Andi looked simply beautiful... you'll have to wait and see... coming soon... :)

Jenell and Jeff's Rehearsal Dinner

It was a beautiful night in Newport Beach... I had the pleasure of capturing Jenell and Jeff's rehearsal dinner at the Cannery Restaurant. They thought of all the details. Make sure you check out the silver dolphin bottle opener... so cute! Check out the ribbon on the dolphin... personalized with Jenell and Jeff's nick names... Nellie and Jeffro. :) Both families were fantastic, as was the bridal party. I'm so excited to post the wedding... stay tuned... it's coming soon!

Note... not all of my couples choose to add this option on to their collection, but I think it's a great addition and truly helps capture the entire wedding celebration. Fun! :)

Jeff's dad gave a great toast and quoted some Irish sayings and sage advice for the happy couple.

Jeff and Jenell gave everyone in their bridal party gifts (check out the hand strung pearls a few pics below this one). There were lots of hugs and love going around.

Some final words from Jeff's dad...