Justine + James | The Paseo

My heritage and my culture are a super important part of who I am, so when I get to work with a couple that shares the same culture I do, I get SUPER excited. That’s why I can’t wait to tell you about this incredible couple, Justine & James! Justine & James got engaged on a family trip to the Philippines, and they incorporated a lot of Filipino traditions into their wedding, like Justine’s Lola’s (or grandmother’s) coins and James’s Tatay’s (or grandfather’s) rings. Every wedding is special and beautiful, but whenever weddings reflect a bride and groom’s shared culture it makes me feel so honored to be a part of it!

Justine & James are the most incredible people. They met at UCLA, moved to Arizona for dental & medical school (no biggie), and spend their days hiking, travelling, baking (and taste testing), trying local restaurants, and giving their pup June the best life possible. Justine is outgoing, loyal, and an amazing baker, while James is polished and put together on the outside, but a total goofball on the inside. Together, they are somehow this high-achieving, incredible power couple, yet totally warm, fun-loving, and sweet.

So many of Justine’s & James’s family members came from out of town, so the Paseo (one of my favorite venues!) was the perfect way to show off the Southwest scenery to those who were unfamiliar with it. Justine & James also handmade many of the decorations used in their wedding, so the wedding felt so personal and intimate and was overall just so beautiful. My favorite part was when Justine's mom sang during the father/daughter dance and her dad started weeping. I cannot handle it when dads cry! It is the most precious thing and it was so evident how much Justine’s dad loves his daughter.

Justine & James, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day! Seeing so many familiar customs and traditions from our shared culture really made me feel at home, and your wedding day was so incredibly beautiful. It was such an honor to capture the start of your next chapter, and I know you two will spend the rest of your lives madly in love. Congratulations!!!

VENDOR TEAM:

Photographer: Carmela Joy Photography

Venue: The Paseo

DJ: Bella Sano

Florist: Bloom & Blueprint

Dress: Weddings and Dreams

Suit: Indochino

Hair & Makeup: Ideal Bridal