Hey friend! As you plan your wedding weekend, I wanted to share an idea that makes a big impact:



Consider hosting a WELCOME PARTY instead of a day-after brunch. From my experience, a welcome party lets you truly enjoy quality time with your guests, and here’s why it can be even better than a post-wedding brunch:🌟


  1. ✨ Connect When You’re Fresh and Excited: After the wedding, you might be feeling a little tired or even groggy! It’s common for brunch to feel a bit rushed with guests focused on flights and schedules. A welcome party lets you be fully present and spend meaningful time with loved ones—without the day-after (let’s be real, hungover) fog!
  2. 🤗 Catch Up Before the Busy Wedding Day: At your wedding, there’s so much happening that it’s hard to connect with every guest. There were guests at our own wedding we didn’t even get a chance to greet, and I’m so glad we had our welcome party the day before to spend real time together.
  3. 🤝 Break the Ice Before the Big Day: A welcome party gives your guests a chance to mingle and get comfortable before the wedding. 💖 I loved being able to introduce friends and family who might be at the same table, making things feel even more relaxed on the wedding day.


Now, let's take a look at Gloria & Austin's gorgeous welcome party at the Omni La Costa resort!


Pre-Party Portraits:


Before the party started I was able to capture the couple in the most gorgeous part at the venue!

Elegant couple dancing on a terrace with palm trees and string lights at sunset.
A romantic moment on a green terrace overlooking a scenic landscape.
Close-up of hands with rings and jewelry embracing in formal wear.
Intimate black and white portrait of couple in formal attire against a scenic hillside backdrop.
Romantic moment between couple in formal attire on an outdoor terrace overlooking a golf course.
Close-up shot of formal attire and elegant footwear on a stone patio.
A couple sharing a romantic moment on a scenic golf course at sunset.
Couple dancing on green terrace between two tall palm trees with pink flowers in planters.
Two people walking together on a lush green golf course with rolling hills in the background.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple embracing outdoors.
Palm trees frame a romantic scene near a garden wall at sunset.
A romantic evening portrait under an outdoor umbrella.

The Details:


They put so much thought into the little details of the welcome party and it all came out so beautifully!

An evening outdoor event with illuminated palm trees and guests mingling.
White gift bags arranged in rows beneath illuminated palm trees at dusk.
An elegant charcuterie board with fruits, cheeses, and crackers arranged on a wooden platter.
Elegant wedding menu card featuring drinks list with white roses in soft focus background.
White floral centerpiece arrangement in a cut glass vase on a table with ambient lighting.
Collection of colorful snack packets and treats in a white gift bag.
Gold-framed wedding menu displays with small floral arrangement between them.
Rooftop party venue at night with crowd gathering under ambient lighting.
Overhead view of cocktails and drinks on a round white table.

The Party:


They had speeches and the best time celebrating with their friends and family the night before their wedding!

Elegant evening event on a rooftop terrace with city lights in background.
Group photo at an upscale outdoor evening event.
Elegant evening celebration on a rooftop venue with city lights.
Evening celebration by illuminated palm trees on an elegant outdoor terrace.
Two speakers share microphones while standing on illuminated stairs during an evening event.
Guests attentively watch a presentation during an elegant evening gathering.
Party guests laugh and smile while enjoying entertainment at an indoor venue.
Guests raise their drinks in celebration during an outdoor nighttime party.
Woman in blue dress gives speech while standing on tiled stairs at an event.
Two women in formal dresses share a joyful moment at an evening celebration.
Couple shares an intimate moment while relaxing on outdoor lounge furniture.
Group of party guests embrace and celebrate near illuminated palm trees at night.
Friends gather around an outdoor fire pit table during nighttime celebration.
Group poses under white umbrella during evening outdoor celebration.
Two friends pose on a staircase at an elegant evening event, one wearing a sparkly dress and one in black.
A crowded outdoor party at night with people dancing and socializing on a patio.
Two friends in suits enjoying drinks at an evening party indoors.
Two fashionable friends at a party, one with a green handbag and wine glass.

Hosting a welcome party is such a meaningful way to kick off your wedding weekend! It sets the tone for all the celebrations to come, gives you extra time with your guests, and makes your wedding day feel even more relaxed and connected. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lively soirée, a welcome party is a special touch that your guests will absolutely love.

If you're considering adding one to your wedding weekend, I’d love to capture those moments for you! Let’s chat about how we can document every beautiful detail—from the welcome party to the big day itself. 💛


And a big thanks to Gloria & Austin for letting me celebrate their pre-wedding festivities with them.