There is something so special about a wedding day that feels so dreamy from start to finish. This one at Coco Palm Restaurant was exactly that.

From the moment the getting ready time began, everything was just so full of joy and anticipation.

Janice got ready surrounded by her favorite people in a bright and airy space. As a photographer, the natural lighting was a dream to work with! The bride slipped into her dress and got to share a special moment with her mom before the day began, just breathing in how momentous this moment was in her life.

Trevor got ready with his buddies, and looked dapper in a green suit with black details. The couple decided not to see each other before the ceremony and do the traditional reveal.

Luckily Coco Palm Restaurant is a beautiful, expansive space!

So, we got all the wedding party photos we needed before the ceremony began and these two did not see each other!

bride gets ready with her friends at Coco Palm Restaurant venue
mother and daughter put their foreheads together by Southern California wedding photographer
groom in green suit gets ready by Desiree Ashley Photography
wedding party surrounds the couple outside at Coco Palm Restaurant

A Ceremony Bathed in Golden Light at Coco Palm Restaurant

As guests arrived, the view at the venue really showed off. The ceremony space overlooks the valley, and as the sun started to dip, everything turned golden. It was sparkling and magical, exactly the vibe you want for your big day

Soft light filtered through the trees. The aisle was lined with florals. And every guest seemed completely present in the moment. In a word? Dreamyyyyy.

Trevor cried when he saw Janice walking down those steps. And who wouldn’t? She was the perfect vision of a bride!

These two said their vows just as the light peaked, and their guests cheered loudly when they were finally pronounced husband and wife!

elegant outdoor ceremony set up at golden hour by Southern California wedding photographer
bride walks down steps leading to outdoor ceremony by Desiree Ashley Photography
groom wipes away a tear at golden hour ceremony at Coco Palm Restaurant
newlyweds share a dip kiss at floral alter by Southern California wedding photographer
husband and wife throw hands up in the air after ceremony in celebration by Desiree Ashley Photography

Coco Palm Restaurant Wedding Reception Vibes

Inside, the reception space felt elegant and welcoming. Neutral tones, soft candlelight, and a classic white cake set the scene. The guests mingled for cocktail hour, while the bride and groom snuck off with me for newlywed portraits.

The balcony views at this venue are unreal.
Think: rolling hills, soft skies, and that dreamy sunset glow.

These newlywed portraits are always good time to pause and breathe. To recognize that your whole life just changed for the better in a moment.

And that you’re freakin’ married!!!

elegant reception set up by big windows at Coco Palm Restaurant
elegant reception set up in ballroom with big windows by Southern California wedding photographer
husband and wife walk across balcony at venue by Desiree Ashley Photography
newlyweds share a kiss against balcony at Coco Palm Restaurant
bride giggles as groom kisses her under her veil by Southern California wedding photographer
newly married couple stand on elegant steps by Desiree Ashley Photography

Their Reception Was Nothing Short of a PARTY!!

When these two entered the room, the guests erupted in applause. It kicked off a night full of dancing, laughing, food and fun.

Janice and Trevor cut the three tier white cake together and shared toasts with friends. They hit the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple (!!). And then they danced the night away with their people.

As a Southern California wedding photographer, I love capturing the organic moments at the reception.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore the romantic portraits we get to take earlier in the day. But there is also something so electric and fun about seeing you let loose with your closest people, to celebrate this new season in life beginning. You miiiiight catch me out there stealing a few moves too, because you deserve to be celebrated!!

In the middle of the dance party, the newlyweds slipped away to change into their jerseys for the final hours of the party. They found a way to blend their love of their team into their day, and it was honestly so special.

newlyweds enter reception in ballroom at Coco Palm Restaurant
bride and groom cut a three tier white cake by Southern California wedding photographer
newly married couple dance closely under flowers at reception by Desiree Ashley Photography
newlyweds share a kiss on dance floor at Coco Palm Restaurant
newlyweds dance with friends under lights by Southern California wedding photographer
friend group sits together in front of reception backdrop by Desiree Ashley Photography

Why I Love Photographing at Coco Palm Restaurant

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this venue. The views are stunning, the light is beautiful, and they make the flow of the day feel seamless.

It’s a venue that gives couples space to relax and be present, while still feeling elevated and special.

And for me as a photographer, it offers everything I could hope for. Gorgeous backdrops, insane natural light, and wide open spaces to get creative.

If you’re planning your wedding and dreaming of a day that feels both effortless and unforgettable, Coco Palm Restaurant might just be the perfect place.