Warm breeze came into the room through the tall glass windows facing the Pacific. What was forecasted as a gloomy and cold day, was especially warm one, and surprisingly for Pacifca’s shore . . . with not a single cloud in the sky. Beautiful sunlight filled every inch of the coast and of the room where the bride got ready. Surrounded by her girlfriends, or more like best friends for life she’s known from high school or longer, Patty was the center of attention, and yet did not fail to be attentive and care for every single person in the room, including the four little flower girls, as precious to her as her friends. You could hear, “you got lucky,” coming from everyone. Weather like this was not just an exception for the middle of October, but especially after a week of rain and fog along the coast. The sky stayed perfectly blue until Patty exchanged her vows with Joey, the guy she secretly liked and even went to high school with, who through the years became everything to her. Strolling along the beach for their photos, one could see they didn’t just feel lucky to be getting married on such a beautiful day, but they felt truly lucky to be by each others side for always.

Patty & Joey, your wedding day will forever be special and dear to me. Thank you for all that you are, for your care towards the closest people in your lives, and your loyalty to those around you. It’s an honor to have captured your gorgeous and intimate wedding! Wish you much happiness as you cruise around the Western Caribbean together! Lots of love, Yuliya

Patty’s San Patrick’s wedding dress was perfect!

I love it when couples opt to see each other before the ceremony, it gave us lots of uninterrupted time for photos, and talk about the beautiful weather on the coast!

And this is where you melted my heart! You two make amazing models!


This is where it got a bit chilly in the shade, but Patty told me ahead of time, she’ll bear the cold for the sake of photos, truly a girl after my heart!


Patty with her niece Gabby

La Costanera couldn’t be more perfect for their wedding!

Patty and Joey made a few minutes during their reception for sunset photos, and of course that makes me love them even more!


The clouds rolled in at just a perfect time for these photos!

To see more of Patty and Joey’s La Costanera wedding click HERE for a slideshow,

Cheers, Yuliya

While walking through the park for the last sunset photos Vova suddenly picked up his bride just to spin her around from happiness. It’s moments like these that highlighted their wedding . . the attention and love Vova poured towards Liza, and her gentleness and sweetness that melts anyone’s heart. The sunny August afternoon of their wedding day turned out especially warm, but with all the happiness and joy around the bride hardly noticed. Surrounded by her sisters and closest friends, Liza got into her dress with her mom sewing a few loose pieces of lace and her little sister getting teary eyed, barely old enough to take in the occasion. While all attention was on the bride, Liza returned it all back to those around her. Even on her wedding she gave herself fully to others, through extra hugs and compliments. Having five younger sisters, it somewhat came naturally. And when Liz and Vova were finally standing by each other’s side, vowing to be there for one another, to cherish and to hold, they’ve already been practicing that for many days because of their selfless loving ways.

Dear Liza and Vova, where do I start? Probably from our first coffee date when you shyly admitted that you once saw me at a local store, but wavered to say hi. Who would have thought that months later we would be celebrating together at your wedding? I’m so thrilled to have been part of your day and wanted to thank you for your kind hearts, sweet words, and the attention you never cease to give to those around you. Whatever is in store for you, I’m sure you’ll triumph in many victories together, because of your care and love. As you’re enjoying a few last sun rays on Catalina Island, here are some photos to continue the honeymoon bliss! Much love and appreciation, Yuliya.

Watch the slideshow HERE!

Nothing like having a mom help with the last touch ups

When the bridal party thinks I’m funny, it’s a win win.

When Liza and Vova decided last minute that they wanted to see each other before the ceremony I couldn’t be more thrilled, and after these shots below, they completed melted my heart!

Oh sweet Liz, you’re so beautiful!

There are two sets of siblings in this bridal party and I say sisters are a girl’s best friends . . . (Liza’s sisters on each side of her)

Mr & Mrs

I love it when the bride and groom plan a few photos around sunset, with all the worry of the wedding day behind them, the portraits are so relaxed and natural.

You two are gorge!

While walking through the park Vova suddenly picked up his bride and after spinning her around I grabbed the shot.

And a sunset like this is a perfect ending to any day!

Congrats on your marriage! Love, Yuliya

To see more of Liza and Vova’s Citrus Heights Community Center wedding click HERE for slideshow. It’s extra sweet with my friend Monika providing the songs!