Some love stories feel meant to be from the start, and Jessica and Alfredo’s has been years in the making. I first met Jessica back in 2020, and about a year and a half later I photographed her at Paicines Ranch to celebrate finishing school. Alfredo came along that day, still early in their relationship, but already so supportive. He held the reflector, offered to help in every way, and was just the kindest presence. Toward the end of the session, I pulled him in for a few photos with Jessica, and it was immediately clear that their connection was something special. The way they looked at each other said everything. I remember telling Jessica later, “He’s a keeper.” And here we are in 2025, celebrating their wedding day.
In August, just a couple months before the wedding, they came out to the desert for a romantic Milky Way session. We spent the night beneath the stars, photographing them under a sky full of light and quiet beauty. There’s something magical about photographing two people who are so grounded in love, so steady in how they care for one another. Even in the middle of the dark desert, their warmth filled the space. It was one of those sessions that stays with you.
Fast forward to October 4, 2025. Their wedding day.
Jessica got ready at her parents’ home, surrounded by her family, radiating joy in her elegant gown. She was calm, graceful, and somehow still making sure everyone else was okay. That’s Jessica in a nutshell: so giving, so big-hearted, even on one of the biggest days of her life. She laughed with her mom before stepping into her dress, and then did a first look with her dad that just melted me. The way his jaw dropped when he saw her, the pride in his eyes, and the pure happiness on his face was beautiful.
Meanwhile, Alfredo was getting ready with his groomsmen at the hotel, full of anticipation. When Jessica walked down the long aisle of Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach, one of the oldest and most stunning Catholic churches in the area, his composure nearly gave way. You could see every emotion flicker across his face: awe, love, gratitude, and the deep, quiet kind of joy that makes your heart swell. By the time she reached him, he was completely overcome.
Their ceremony was timeless and full of reverence. After the ceremony, they exited through the grand doors to cheers from family and friends before climbing into a vintage Rolls-Royce. Watching them drive off together in that car felt straight out of a movie.
At Padua Hills Theater in Claremont, the celebration continued in true Jessica and Alfredo style: elegant, heartfelt, and joy-filled. We tucked away for portraits among the olive trees, swooping her veil through the golden light as Jessica smiled that radiant, unmistakable smile—one of the purest and most infectious smiles I’ve ever photographed.
Guests enjoyed mariachi music during cocktail hour as the sun dipped below the hills, children laughed and played, and there was this warm, communal energy in the air. Before anyone else entered, we brought Jessica and Alfredo inside for a private reception reveal. It was such a sweet, grounding moment before the whirlwind of the night ahead. Their DJ queued up their lighting and music, and they practiced their dance alone in the empty room. And let me tell you. It was flawless. One of the most beautifully choreographed wedding dances I’ve ever seen, full of elegance and joy.
Then came their grand entrance. Fog rolled across the dance floor, the lighting glowed, and they performed their first dance as everyone watched in awe. Their song was Stargazing, a perfect nod to the night we spent photographing them beneath the Milky Way just a few months earlier. When the lyrics swelled and bubbles floated through the air, you could feel the whole room light up.
Dinner was delicious, and the toasts were full of laughter and love. Jessica danced with her dad, Alfredo with his mom. Their cake cutting was as sweet as it gets, complete with Jessica’s trademark smile, and the champagne tower scene was full of bubbles and giggles.
Then came the money dance, a tradition I adore because it gives every guest a chance to share a moment with the couple. Instead of a bouquet toss, Jessica dedicated her bouquet to her mom. As she brought her onto the dance floor, she spoke about how much her mother meant to her, and the tears and hugs that followed were unforgettable.
The rest of the night was pure celebration. The dance floor was packed, the DJ kept the energy high, and everyone was out shaking what the good Lord gave them. Guests had a blast in the photo booth and recorded heartfelt messages on a vintage-style phone for the newlyweds to listen to later.
We snuck Jessica and Alfredo out for night portraits under the glowing olive trees, lit in warm autumn hues of amber and gold, and captured some of my favorite shots of the day. Then they surprised everyone with a late-night treat: putting on their In-N-Out hats and serving burgers and fries to their guests. It was such a fun, personal touch and the perfect way to end the night—so them.
Jessica and Alfredo’s story is one of purpose, faith, and deep devotion. From meeting as student leaders in Hawaiʻi years ago to long-distance love to careers rooted in helping others, every part of their journey has been about growth, service, and genuine care. Their wedding was a reflection of all of that: heartfelt, faith-filled, and overflowing with love.
What an absolute joy it was to document the beginning of this next chapter for them!
Jessica + Alfredo’s Review:
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Venue, Catering & Rentals | Padua Hills Weddings
Coordination | Events LC (Penelope)
Day-of-Assistant | Grace with Events LC
Florals | Cesar Haro Floral Design
DJ / MC | Entertainment Express DJs
Videography | Symboll
Photobooth | EY Photobooth
Cake | Some Crust Bakery
Dress | Rosa Clara from Veronique Bridal & Gowns
Makeup | Astrid Artistry
Hair | Kaelyn Christine Hair
Transportation | Five Diamonds Limousine
Late Night Snack | In-N-Out
