A Movie Worthy Love Story
What an incredible story and what an unforgettable event!
Let me start by telling you how I know these two beautiful souls and how their love story unfolded across continents.
My husband, Ethan, was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. His older brother, Ben, was high school friends with another Ben—the amazing groom you see in these photos. Even after 10 years, this tight-knit group of friends has stayed incredibly close, which is something really special.
Since I met Ethan, I’ve been embraced by this wonderful circle of friends. In a funny twist of fate, when my husband received orders to move to San Diego, we unknowingly chose an apartment just one block away from Ben and Julia’s place in North Park, San Diego. We didn’t even realize we were neighbors until three months after settling in!
But let’s rewind a bit—Julia wasn’t always living in San Diego. She’s actually from Australia! Julia and Ben’s story began in the most modern way—through an online game. As fate would have it, their virtual connection led to FaceTime calls, and eventually, Julia took a leap of faith and moved to Texas to see if their connection would hold up in real life.
Clearly, it was the best decision ever.
Fast forward a few years, and when it came time for their wedding, they made an exciting choice. Rather than having just half of their guests travel for the big day, they invited everyone to join them for a destination wedding in Spain! The stunning town of Marbella was the perfect backdrop for their special day, and the whole experience was breathtaking. Having all their closest friends and family in one beautiful place was the highlight of the week—not just for them, but for everyone who attended.
As a guest, it was an amazing opportunity to not only witness their love but to truly connect with their friends and family. This wasn’t just a quick “hi, nice to meet you” at the reception. We traveled, explored, and shared meals together, and I left feeling closer to Ben, Julia, and all their favorite people.
So, how did I end up photographing this incredible event? Well, I asked!
Ben and Julia wanted me to focus on being a guest first and foremost, which I happily did. But, knowing my passion for capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments, they reached out to their destination wedding photographer in Spain to see if I could second shoot everything leading up to the ceremony. Their photographer, Aske, was so gracious and said yes!
Now, for the record, I don’t typically second shoot weddings where I’m a guest, but how could I pass up the chance to take photos of my dear friends on their wedding day in luxurious Marbella, Spain?
Julia's Details & Getting Ready: A Blend of Elegance and Spanish Flair
Julia’s wedding details were simply stunning. Her dress from Grace Loves Lace embodied the perfect blend of Spanish elegance and modern chic. Every aspect of her look was meticulously curated, from her flawless hair and makeup to the beautifully coordinated setting of their luxurious hotel in the heart of Marbella. The venue itself, with its picturesque backdrop, provided a breathtaking canvas for Julia’s preparations, making her details not only beautiful but perfectly in sync with the wedding’s ambiance.
Ben's Details & Getting Ready: A Relaxed Groom’s Sanctuary
Ben, surrounded by his closest friends, exuded the quintessential groom’s ease. As I entered their preparation space, it was clear that both the bride’s and groom’s rooms were unusually calm and relaxed—a refreshing change from the usual hustle and bustle of a wedding day. This relaxed atmosphere allowed for natural, candid moments that truly captured the essence of Ben and his groomsmen’s camaraderie, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
The First Look: A Private Courtyard Moment in Marbella
Ben and Julia chose a charming courtyard at their luxurious hotel in Marbella for their first look—a decision that added an extra layer of intimacy to their destination wedding. This serene and private setting provided the perfect backdrop for the couple to share their first glimpse of each other, creating a memorable start to their wedding day. As a huge advocate for the first look, I was thrilled to witness this special moment, which beautifully set the tone for their celebration and highlighted the elegance of their Spanish wedding.
Couple Portraits: Capturing Romance Against Marbella’s Splendor
For the couple portraits, we explored the charming streets of Marbella, creating a visual narrative that perfectly encapsulated their love story. The gorgeous town provided a stunning backdrop, highlighting the couple’s connection and the significance of the location they chose for their destination wedding. From the historic architecture to the vibrant local color, every shot was designed to reflect the unique beauty of Marbella and the deep bond between Ben and Julia.
The Main Event: Celebrating the Love Story
While I don’t have photos of the ceremony, venue details, or cocktail hour—thanks to my primary role as a guest—Julia and Ben’s Spanish photographer, Aske, captured these moments beautifully. It was wonderful to witness and celebrate their love, and I’m thrilled to share glimpses of the large group of friends (mostly from Dallas) and the wonderful new additions to their circle, including myself.
Dance Floor: Capturing the Joy and Energy!
As the night progressed, I couldn’t resist grabbing my camera to capture the energetic dance floor. The spontaneous joy and lively celebration were too irresistible to miss. Dance floor photos are always a personal favorite of mine, and this wedding was no exception. The vibrant energy of the guests dancing and celebrating was a perfect end to an unforgettable day.
