California Casa Bonita Event Center Wedding Ceremony & Reception in Fullerton | Sayori & Jordan

Hillcrest Park • Casa Bonita Event Center • Fullerton • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on November 24, 2024

Helpful Tips

📆 November 24th 2024 ☀️ Sunset at 4:46pm
🎬 Ceremony at 4pm 🌡️ Clear sky weather

Some love stories come full circle in the most beautiful ways, and Sayori and Jordan’s journey is one of them. We first met them in 2023 when we had the honor of capturing Jordan’s surprise proposal to Sayori at the stunning El Matador State Beach in Malibu. It was a breathtaking moment, set up with a romantic picnic on the cliffside, followed by an intimate photoshoot. Fast forward exactly a year later, and we were privileged to document their wedding day on November 24, 2024, at Casa Bonita in Fullerton, California.

The couple planned their own entire intimate wedding themselves, every touch of decor was uniquely curated to tell their own story as a couple. From the fun Lego guestbook, to their sweet first dances, every part of their wedding was filled with joy alongside their loved friends and families.

The Team of Talented Vendors

Venue | Casa Bonita Event Center https://www.casadelagoevents.com/casa-bonita @casadelagoevents
Photo/ Video | Stephanie Ip Photography @photography.stephanieip
Wedding Dress | David’s Bridal @davidsbridal
Tuxedos | Friar Tux @friartux
Cake/Desserts | Patty’s Cakes and Desserts @pattys.cakes
DJ | Trevor @viibzgroup

First Look & Wedding Portraits (2:30pm)

Location: Hillcrest Park, Fullerton

Our coverage of their wedding day began at 2:30 PM with their first look at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton. The weather was absolutely perfect—clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and a serene atmosphere. Sayori’s family flew in from Japan, while Jordan’s family traveled from various locations to witness this heartfelt moment. The couple shared their first look on an open grass lawn, framed by tall palm trees, creating a picturesque backdrop. We then moved to the park’s iconic fountain for additional family and couple’s portraits.

Sayori & Jordan’s Intimate Fullerton Wedding at Casa Bonita and Hillcrest Park | Heartfelt Moments & Candid Photography — California Los Angeles & Orange County Wedding Photographer | Stephanie Ip Photography

Family Formals (3pm)

With the sun setting at 4:46 PM, we had a limited window to capture these special moments before heading to the ceremony. Despite the time constraints, we were able to document a mix of formal and candid shots, ensuring Sayori and Jordan had a beautiful collection of memories with their loved ones.

Ceremony (4pm)

Location: Casa Bonita Event Center in Downtown Fullerton

By 3:45PM, we arrived at Casa Bonita, allowing just enough time to set up before the ceremony began at 4PM. The venue’s rustic barn-inspired aesthetic, with rich wood tones and string lights, created an intimate and warm ambiance. The ceremony was heartfelt, with an officiant who shared a detailed love story of the couple. With approximately 100 guests in attendance, the setting felt personal and special.

Sunset Portraits & A Unique Urban Vibe

Since the sun had already set by the time the ceremony concluded, we had to get creative with the couple’s evening portraits. Instead of traditional fairytale-style wedding photos, we embraced the urban setting near the venue. Using parking lot backdrops, alleyways, and city lights, we captured a more modern, city-inspired vibe that suited Sayori and Jordan’s easygoing personalities perfectly.

A Reception Filled with Fun & Connection

The reception was held indoors at Casa Bonita’s event space, featuring a buffet-style dinner with classic American dishes like Chicken Alfredo and an open bar. The night was filled with heartfelt speeches from Sayori’s brother and Jordan’s brother, a touching first dance with their parents, and a fun cake-cutting moment that turned into an impromptu cake-smashing session.

Knowing that Sayori’s family might be more reserved due to cultural differences, we collaborated with the DJ to create an engaging dance floor experience. We introduced an unique “photo bomb” activity, where guests from each table took turns joining the couple for a quick series of fun and formal photos. This not only got everyone on the dance floor but also made for some fantastic candid moments.

Afterward, we gathered everyone for a massive group dance, ensuring that even the more hesitant guests felt included. It was an incredible way to keep the energy high and celebrate the joy of the day.

Ending the Night with Games & Laughter

As the night progressed, the outdoor ceremony space was transformed into a fun game area featuring corn hole, giant Jenga, and a photo booth. Guests mingled, played games, and shared laughs, while we took the opportunity to capture some playful moments—including a competitive round of Jenga with Sayori herself! It was a unique experience for us as photographers to actively engage with the couple, making the night feel even more immersive and memorable.

Reflections on a Meaningful Celebration

Every wedding we photograph is different, shaped by the personalities and dynamics of each couple. Sayori and Jordan’s wedding was a beautiful reminder of how special it is to truly connect with our clients. Beyond just taking photos, we found ourselves contributing to the atmosphere—whether by encouraging group dances or joining in on a game of Jenga.

For future couples, our biggest advice is to find a photographer who understands your vision and makes you feel comfortable. Photography is not just about capturing images—it’s about documenting emotions, interactions, and the essence of your day. Working with a photographer whose style and personality align with yours can make all the difference in your wedding experience.

Sayori and Jordan, thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. From the surprise proposal to your wedding day, it has been an absolute joy to witness and document your love story. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!