Well, the first wedding of 2025 certainly got off to an unexpected start, I’ll tell you that! On my way to Orange County, my trusty Fiat 500 POP decided to throw a tantrum and refused to shift gears. Of all days! Now, after 25 years of photographing weddings, I’ve never missed one – but this little hiccup sure tried to test that streak! Taking the bride’s advice, I jumped in an Uber to Orange, then headed back to the Arco station where my poor car was stranded (a cool $124 in Uber fares). Of course, I had to renew my AAA for a late-night tow service too, which added another $180 for the towing and extra miles. What a way to kick off 2025, right? But once I arrived at the wedding venue, I quickly shifted my focus. No time for car trouble woes – it was time to make the bride my priority! The wedding was a lovely and elegant Jovah celebration, complete with a stunning reception. We even managed to capture some beautiful moments in a nearby park during sunset, with the vibrant orange and amber leaves as the perfect backdrop. It was magical. My couple was absolutely gorgeous and a dream to photograph, radiating love and joy as they embarked on their happily ever after. While I did go the extra mile (literally and figuratively!), I was a tad surprised that they didn’t offer to pitch in for the unexpected expenses or even a small gratuity. But hey, life’s unpredictable, and you never know why things unfold the way they do. Despite the early setbacks, the wedding was truly beautiful, and I wish this lovely couple all the love and happiness in the world! Oh, and in case you’re wondering, here’s a fun little behind-the-scenes moment: a bird decided to poop on the bride while we were shooting in the park. Talk about the unexpected, right? But I’m choosing to believe that these quirky moments are good signs and not bad omens! Here’s to a fantastic year ahead – full of love, laughter, and the unpredictable! CANDID BEHIND THE SCENE PICS TAKEN WITH IPHONE