There are so many ways for love stories to happen. Sometimes couples meet in high school, sometimes through work or through friends, sometimes online. One of my favorites is definitively a chance meeting which through time and space would seem improbable. Somehow the stars align and the two who were meant to be together meet. Mary and Jason’s is one such story. They met when Mary was in England. An American girl meets an Englishman. They fall in love and manage being long-distance. Then at last they get married and begin their life together.

Mary started the day at a close friend’s home; she got ready there and even did a few portraits with her favorite ladies. We’ll start off with this image by Brian Lee who joined me for the day. What a great moment he captured!

Checking in with her friends….

With mom.

With the girls.

We all headed over to the church. Jason was all ready to go and looked very dashing. He’s a Brit so that seemed a given.

And he was very happy to see his bride join him at the end of the aisle.

The guests from across the pond enjoying the ceremony.

The church is so beautiful- it has great architectural details with a modern craftsman flair.

After the ceremony, we took a few portraits around the church.

Then we headed over to Santana Row.

And the Hotel Valencia. Jo and I photographed a wedding at the hotel a few years ago but didn’t get nearly enough time to enjoy all that it has to offer. I was so excited when Mary said she wanted to go there for photos. There are so many opportunities for great images.

Brian knew about this fabulous wall around the corner from the hotel. We were lucky enough to catch a lady who was moving in upstairs. She had this great black leather couch and was happy to lend it to us for a few shots. The red wall, the lanterns, the black leather couch and our stunning couple- can’t imagine anything better. Teamwork made this one!

This super sweet portrait by Brian.

Off to the reception at Maggiano’s. The cake was really beautiful. Loved the sculputural quality of it, and I think the silhouette definitely captures that element.

Have a I mentioned how much fun everyone had on the dance floor? Mary and her ladies took the party to high gear. This one by Brian.

Old, young and everyone in between knew how to kick it up on the dance floor. Love the movement!

Weddings have so much energy and the nature of the energy changes from moment to moment. Mary and Jason took this opportunity during a slow song to hold on tight and enjoy being Mr. and Mrs.

Congrats Mary and Jason! I can’t express what a joy it was to photograph you and your families. (We have known Mary’s side since Krista and Andy‘s wedding a few years back and are so glad we can continue to be a part of these wonderful celebrations.) A million thank you’s!

Special thanks to all those who made their day incredible:

Getting ready venue: friend’s home
Ceremony site: St. Andrew’s Church
Reception venue: Maggiano’s
Wedding cake: Cake Expressions
Floral Design: The Wild Geranium
DJ: Joel Nelson Productions
Invitations: David’s Bridal
Hair and make-up: Nirvana Salon, Los Gatos
Gown designer: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew
Groom and groomen’s tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Much gratitude to Brian Lee for tagging along on this fabulous wedding. It was such fun working with you.

If you want to see more from Mary and Jason’s wonderful day, check out their slideshow.