When I say this weekend was meant to be, I truly mean it. I was booked for two completely unrelated weddings at the University Club by Wedgewood Weddings, on the same weekend, and it was my very first time photographing there. What are the odds? I just could sense that both of them landed in my lap for a reason! 

Lauren and Elliot found me on Instagram and inquired on in July of 2024. They officially booked on in August for their July 12, 2025 wedding day. 

But get this? I had another couple inquire around the same time, for the NEXT day: July 13th. I was really excited to say YES to them both, and spend the whole weekend at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings. What a venue! 

I’m going to be sharing the second wedding SO soon, but today is all about these two and their joy-filled celebration.

These two decided to get ready separately at the venue, with their closest friends and family present. Lauren did a “first look” with her bridesmaids, and their reaction was priceless. Elliot shared a “cheers” with his groomsmen as everyone prepared to walk these two down the aisle!

woman gets ready with bridesmaids in pastel gowns at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings
diamond and gold rings sit on delicate fabric by Southern California wedding photographer
groom gets cufflinks put on by dad by Desiree Ashley Photography

A Sweet Aisle Reveal for These Two Lovebirds

Lauren and Elliot skipped the first look for their special day. Instead, they chose to see each other for the first time as Lauren walked down the aisle. It was so, so special. Elliot’s face said everything. There were tears. Lots of them, from everyone!

Their ceremony was Catholic and deeply meaningful.

Surrounded by family and friends, they exchanged vows in a space that felt reverent and full of love. You could feel how supported they were from everyone in the room.

bride walks down aisle to groom before reception at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings
woman stands at alter with her man saying I Do by Southern California wedding photographer
woman and man kiss at the alter during ceremony by Desiree Ashley Photography
newlyweds share a kiss at catholic alter before reception at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings

Pastels, Sunshine, and Celebration for the Newlyweds at University City!

After the ceremony, we stepped outside onto the lawn for wedding party portraits. It was a bright, sunny July day and the light was perfection. As a Southern California photographer, I am always happy for light like this!

The bridesmaids wore soft pastel spring tones.

Think lavender, sage, blush, and buttery yellow. It was the happiest, most joyful kind of color palette! And the groomsmen kept it classic in black suits, and provided a visual “anchor point” for the photos.

It was such a pretty contrast and it photographed beautifully against the greenery.

newlyweds and their bridal party walking away from gazebo by Southern California wedding photographer
bride surrounded by her bridesmaids who are in pastel gowns by Desiree Ashley Photography
husband and wife stand on lawn at at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings with bridal party around
groom and his groomsmen out on the lawn by Southern California wedding photographer
man spins his bride on sidewalk in garden by Desiree Ashley Photography
newlyweds share a kiss under veil on lawn at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings
husband and wife share a kiss under arch covered in ivy by Southern California wedding photographer

University Club Ballroom Magic for Their Party!

The reception inside the University Club by Wedgewood Weddings ballroom was a party in the best way. The energy shifted from emotional to electric the moment they walked through the door with sparklers to announce their entrance. Their guests were ready to celebrate!!

Some of my favorite details:

  • A pink rotary phone guest book. I love this trend!
  • A live painter capturing the evening in real time.
  • Vibrant, colorful florals on every table.
  • Traditional bouquet and garter tosses.
  • The honeymoon dance that brought everyone to the floor.

Take notes for your wedding! These details really made the whole evening feel so elevated and special!

The newlyweds cut into a classic white tiered cake, before getting back out on the dance floor for the evening!

And, no surprise, the dance floor stayed full all night.

guest seating chart on a mirror next to pink phone by Desiree Ashley Photography
live painter works on art during reception at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings
colorful flowers on top of reception table by Southern California wedding photographer
newlyweds enter their reception with sparklers by Desiree Ashley Photography
newlyweds share a first dance at reception at University Club by Wedgewood Weddings
newlyweds share a toast while mariachi band serenades them by Southern California wedding photographer
bride throws the bouquet to waiting women on dance floor by Desiree Ashley Photography
groom goes under bride's dress for garter toss at University Club
men throw hands in the air with garter at reception by Southern California wedding photographer
bride and groom cut three tier white cake by Desiree Ashley Photography
newlyweds hold up money from honeymoon dance at University Club
guests dance and clap on reception floor by Southern California wedding photographer
newlyweds dip for a kiss in front of large LOVE letters on patio by Desiree Ashley Photography

Why I Love What I Do As a Southern California Wedding Photographer:

This wedding felt completely different from the one I photographed the next day. Same venue. Same weekend. Totally different vibe. That is why I love weddings so much. No two are ever the same.

I love telling your story in a way that is authentic to you.

Lauren and Elliot’s day was heartfelt, joyful, and full of meaning. The University Club by Wedgewood Weddings was the perfect backdrop for their celebration, and I am so honored I got to capture it all.

More from this venue coming soon. I cannot wait to share the next love story.