Wedding Photography ~ Dream Inn & UCSC Hay Barn, Santa Cruz CA

What a cool combination of locations for a wedding day. Melissa & Jacob got ready at the uber retro Dream Inn, which overlooks Cowell's Beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. After chilling with friends and getting ready, the couple walked out on the sand right from their hotel and enjoyed a memorable "first look." The wedding party joined them a few minutes later for photos on the beach, and then it was off to the ceremony!

The wedding was held in the UCSC Hay Barn - a beautiful old post and beam structure that combines elegance with a rustic vibe. Their ceremony was equal part tears and laugh-out-loud moments... All the feels for sure.

After they made their way down the aisle, a mariachi band fired up outside and set the tone for a lively cocktail hour. As the band played and the guests enjoyed delicious bites and drinks, we drove just up the road to the northern tip of Wilder Ranch on Empire Grade. I love grassy fields for portraits, and that's a favorite spot of mine.

The gorgeous couple made their grand entrance back at the reception, where they were met with loud cheering and a buffet line of amazing Mexican food. Dancing, dancing, and more dancing is the best way I can describe the rest of the night!