I’ve been trying to write this blog post for hours, and I can’t put into words how special this Orange County backyard wedding was to me. My mother, Giselle, married her fiance last month in their backyard. Their wedding day was nothing short of perfection. In its colorful simplicity, it was absolutely gorgeous and we were honored to be a part of it.

When Giselle first introduced Marvin to us, she was in the midst of her battle with skin cancer. They took to sharing handwritten letters, and emails regularly and soon enough their hearts became one. For the past three years, they’ve remained by each other’s sides and persevered through good times and bad.

My mom has the kindest, free-spirited soul and I want nothing but life to provide good health, love and grace for her. Marvin and Giselle originally asked Josh and I to be guests at the wedding, but when they admitted they’d like for us to photograph their big day, we happily agreed.

Marvin and Mom, I couldn’t be happier for you two! Thank you for being the best mother I could ever ask for and I wish you all the best as you begin this next adventure in your life. Much Love and Appreciation…Josh and Michaela.

The day started at their beautiful home in Orange County, California. Giselle donned a gorgeous Oleg Cassini wedding dress and paired it with Betsey Johnson heels…

My sister and I helped my mom get into her dress and adjust her veil while Josh the moment…

Mom, you looked absolutely stunning…

Marvin and my younger brother Shane, got ready privately in another room in the house…

Traditionally, May 1st is celebrated as May Day in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a day spent dancing, singing and eating cake!

As an introduction to the ceremony, Marvin played a song on his bag pipes before taking his place at the altar to await his bride-to-be.

Both my mom’s father and step-father walked her down the aisle to the man of her dreams…

The ceremony was so special…

Officially Mr. and Mrs…

Before the ceremony ended, Giselle and Marvin announced a special surprise…

…and asked my sister and I to carry a basket around and hand each guest a triangle with the surprise inside…

As a symbol of their relationship and love for one another, we all released Monarch Butterflies…

They fluttered across the backyard, some choosing to stick around…

Giselle and Marvin beamed with happiness as the guests went ooh and ahh…

Giselle spent months handcrafting her wedding decor and it was so lovely to see it all come together…

Many of the oranges used in the wedding were grown in their backyard!

The wedding guests dined on delicious vegetarian, gluten free Italian food from Tutto Freco…

Giselle and Marvin decided to have not one, but two custom designed wedding cakes from Loving Hut!

The DJ kept the party going all day, and well into the night with the custom playlist Giselle and Marvin created…

Overall, the wedding was nothing short of spectacular and filled with nothing but love…

Many thanks to the creative team that helped put together this magical tday…

DJ : The Mad Platter

Cake : Loving Hut

Rentals : Signature Party Rentals

Photographers : Moose Studio