Oakland temple wedding — here’s what you need to know from a California wedding photographer
As a California Wedding Photographer, I am no stranger to the diversity California brings. I absolutely adore my couples who honor their religion/beliefs during their weddings. In specific this gorgeous temple wedding in Oakland — had me speechless. Courthouse weddings, elopements and micro weddings have hit the ground running these past few years. It makes sense. Imagine having such an intimate ceremony with less than fifty people and your favorite photographer. It is the perfect recipe to a perfect day.
how far in advance do we need to plan?
Like any wedding — planning should be a decent six to twelve months in advance. With the Oakland Temple in specifics, it’s very important that you are a member for a year before asking for a ceremony. After attending the Temple for over a year you will need two recommendations signed by the Bishop or branch president. It is important that you do everything in a timely matter so you can prioritize the interviews and become endowed before you seal.
Once you set your date and receive your approval: it’s time to plan! You can now start reaching out to vendors. As a wedding photographer. based in California it is very important you aim for your creative vendors first. What’s important? Photo? Video? Content Creation?
Want to tie the knot at the Oakland temple?
If the Oakland Temple represents you and your partners life style and you want to get sealed in the temple please, check out their website and contact info here. If you’re interested in my services for your special day please, inquire here.
The temple is booked now what?
From here you will start to wonder what your day will look like. Luckily I have a few different packages to fit your needs for the day. My couples normally book me for three hours ex: the temple exit is at 2pm I start at 2pm and were finished with photos around 5pm. You’re probably wondering ‘my guest count is low I won’t need much coverage.’ Well, after your beautiful wedding there are a few different sights we could head to take romantics as your family heads to your reception/dinner/lunch whatever you may have planned after.
aim for intention
My beautiful couple wanted to go to the gorgeous Redwood Tree’s located in Oakland California. This specific park is only a ten minute drive from the Oakland Temple. As a California wedding photographer there’s nothing I admire more than couples that go with the flow. On this specific day there was a light sprinkle throughout and E + J breezed right on through, all smiles. After all, rain is good luck and add’s gorgeous character to the images.
Seal the deal
It is important to note that you will still need to get your marriage license like you normally would at your local county office.
Ellie and justin
These two beautiful people met in college and have been inseparable since. Their whole family was in awe of their love and really worked as a village to support them. Ellie is from California and Justin is from Montana now they’re taking their love to Texas! When it was raining and I asked how they were feeling about the rain, their answer every time was ‘were married!’. Overall, this is the energy that is needed on a wedding day. Your day is not a performance. It’s not about the pictures and it’s not about opinions. It is about your love story. You and your partner and the support around you.
time of year
The time of year you get married is up to you. This wasn’t my first December wedding and I am sure it won’t be my last. Couples really do enjoy getting married in winter and there is something so beautiful in that. If you’re looking for clear skies and warmer weather: June - October (maybe November) is perfect!
Lighting
Lighting is insanely subjective. If you’re okay with brighter photos, aim for early morning/afternon. For softer lighting: aim for evening time. If your ceremony end around 4-ish you’ll go right into golden hour for those warmer/golden photos!
lani’s vision | California wedding photographer
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer that is familiar with the Oakland Temple and locations surrounding for photos after inquire with me here.
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