Andrea + Aaron's Wedding at Bel Air Church and Allure Events

Bel Air Church wedding · Beverly Hills · Allure Events reception in Van Nuys

Vendors

Ceremony: Bel Air Church 
Reception: Allure Events and Catering in Van Nuys, CA
Photography: Raasch Photography (Rick Raasch and second shooter Elyse Leedom) 
Wedding Coordinator: Cherise Alexander (951-965-9094)

Some couples you meet and you know the photos are going to be good before you ever lift the camera. Andrea and Aaron were that kind of couple.

She walks into a room and the room knows it. Vibrant, spunky, and full of presence, the kind of energy that pulls everyone toward her. Aaron is the opposite, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Quiet, cool, completely collected. He doesn't perform. He just watches her with this steady look like he's exactly where he wants to be. Put them together and they bring out the best in each other. She brings the spark, he holds the center. It’s a vibe that was felt though out the day.

Getting Ready

We started the morning at an Airbnb that did half my job for me. Big windows and soft natural light pouring across the floors, the dream! Getting-ready coverage lives or dies on light, and this one gave us room to breathe and have fun. Andrea and her squad’s energy filled the place before she even had her dress on. It was the best way to start the day.

The Ceremony at Bel Air Church

Then we went up the hill to Bel Air Church in Beverly Hills, and that's a setting that earns its reputation. The architecture does a lot of the talking. Clean lines, high ceilings, historic presence, the kind of building that frames a moment instead of competing with it. And the hilltop views behind it gave us that open SoCal backdrop you can't fake and must bust out the drone for.

The ceremony itself obviously is the part that matters most. Two people making a promise in a space that takes the moment seriously. I stayed out of the way and let it happen while trying not to tear up with everyone else. They really brought all the feels for this one.

The Couple Session

After the ceremony we stole a short window for portraits, and short was all we needed. This couple delivered. We kept moving, kept it loose, leaned into the way they already played off each other, and the frames came fast. Some real bangers in there. When two people are this comfortable with each other, my job is easy. I just guide a little and let them be themselves.

The Reception at Allure Events

The reception moved over to Allure Events in Van Nuys, and the place brought the style and luxury. Polished, elevated, the kind of room that holds a celebration without trying too hard. Great atmosphere with a great mood and a crowd ready to party. First dance, toasts, and the whole floor filling up ready to party. It was the type of evening where tears were flowing from crying, laughing, and all the emotions in between.

A Day Worth Remembering

Andrea and Aaron, thank you for letting me be there for it. The energy, the love, the way you two just fit. It made for a day I won't forget and photos I'm proud of. Wishing you both all the best ahead.

Planning a Beverly Hills or Los Angeles wedding? I'm Rick Raasch, a Long Beach based wedding photographer shooting editorial-style coverage across LA and Orange County. Get in touch and let's talk about your day.