One of my favorite perks of this profession, (in addition to meeting amazing families and eating cake every weekend) is the destination wedding. Even after 14 years of photographing events, I am still amazed and honored when a couple chooses to take on this extra expense to have us document their big day. Larry and I were particularly thrilled to be at this one.

Bruce and Larry have been friends for many years. Their friendship started when Bruce became his guitar teacher. Over the years we have enjoyed listening to Bruce play in lots of cool clubs around Ventura and Ojai. In fact, there is one gig we attended which really sticks in my mind. It was at Zooey’s, this funky little bar in downtown Ventura. Bruce was playing with his jazz combo and for most of the night, it was business as usual, lots of cool riffs and the boys in the band taking turns impressing us with their solos. At one point however, Bruce’s demeanor completely changed. It was as if his entire being had puffed up and lit up at the same time. He took on this amazing glow! I noticed he couldn’t keep his eyes off of the door and I turned around to see what had him so transfixed. There stood this tall, gorgeous blonde. If Bruce’s heart had taken on the shape and motion of one of those cartoon hearts and starting pounding 10 feet out of his chest, I would not have been the least bit surprised.

Bruce and Cherie were married in Cutler Bay Florida, near Miami. Bruce’s uncle welcomed all of us into his beautiful lakeside home for the reception and the ceremony took place in the neighborhood church. Every one in attendance was a close friend or family member except for my visiting parents, which the happy couple very graciously invited.

After dinner, several guests put on their swimsuits and went for a swim followed by a conga line on the beach. The perfect evening was capped off by fireworks over the lake.

Just like that gig at Zooey’s, this is one night I’ll never forget.

Take a look at the video slideshow below to see more of Bruce and Cherie’s very special wedding.