Karlee and Kurt’s Gorgeous Cliffside Wedding at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
I have known Kurt for a decade and as I sat and listened to his vows to Karlee and hear him talk about their 7 year journey to get to the altar, I realized that I was there in the beginning when they first met and started dating in Las Vegas. I have had the privilege of shooting the World Oilmen’s Poker Tournament that Kurt organizes for his oilman clients ever year and over time they have become like a 2nd family to me. I have photographed many of their friend’s weddings, family portrait shoots, watched some win a lot of money, and partied down with Kurt and Karlee in vegas (but of course we were all working:), but through it all I saw Kurt and Karlee become more dedicated and in love with each other.
What I love about weddings is that even though you may know someone for a decade, you still learn SO much more about them and their journey by photographing them, meeting their families, and listening to their vows and speeches given by their best friends on their wedding day. Being a part of all of that on Kurt and Karlee’s wedding day just triple reconfirmed what I already knew, that they are perfect for each other! I loved spending a fun-filled day in Las Vegas after one of the tournaments shooting their colorful engagement photos, but their wedding was even more magical (and I’m not just referring to John Stamos photobombing us and giving marital advice on our way to shoot their first look:)
I have to thank both Jodee Debes for helping me out on this wedding (it was only appropriate since she photographed their proposal for me AND has photographed the WOPT tournament in Vegas with me) and of course the one and only Jennifer Dawson of LVL Events who rocked it on the wedding day fully prego and all! These two ladies made the whole day even that much more fun!
Kurt and Karlee you are both lucky to have found each other and I hope you keep journaling and showing each other how you feel everyday like you have done thus far! I have to say your “Send off” song, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” by Starship was EPIC…and miraculously enough I have never heard it used in a wedding before!!! It is such a perfect song, so perfect that you have inspired me to sing it at another friend’s wedding in December and I have now been putting Starship Pandora on repeat lol!
Congratulations, I hope you both enjoyed your relaxing honeymoon in Maui and ignored ALL of the crazy election coverage! You got out just in time!!
