Bride and groom walk hand in hand through a lush green garden on their wedding day.

Historic charm, lush gardens, and timeless architecture made this wedding at Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach the perfect setting for a beautiful Southern California celebration.

Film photo of a bride and groom standing before green double doors, surrounded by lush greenery on their wedding day.
Three men in suits and ties stand in a doorway next to a bookshelf at a formal event.
Group of men in dark suits socializing in an elegant library room with bookshelves and a portrait painting.
Man in dark suit with mustache leaning against bookshelf by window in classic library setting.
Man with mustache in dark blazer and bolo tie standing in front of bookshelf in a library.
Woman in pink floral robe stands beside a white lace wedding dress hanging on a green door outdoors.
Bride in lace overlay gown and veil holds white bouquet, standing before lush green trees on wedding day.

As one of Long Beach's most unique wedding venues, Rancho Los Cerritos offers a blend of California history and natural beauty. The sprawling gardens, Spanish Colonial architecture, and peaceful atmosphere create an intimate backdrop for couples looking for a wedding day that feels both elegant and relaxed.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs on green lawn facing a rustic white villa with red tile roof.
Two men in dark suits walking through a green garden gate on a stone path surrounded by lush trees.
Man in brown suit with mustache smiling outdoors at formal event with group of men in suits behind him.
Bride in white gown walks down outdoor aisle with older man, guests seated on chairs, lush garden backdrop.
Bride in lace gown holds bouquet as older man shares emotional hug during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom at wooden arch, groomsmen in suits, guests seated on wooden chairs under green trees.
Guests laughing and smiling at an outdoor wedding ceremony, seated on wooden folding chairs on green grass.

This wedding was captured using a hybrid approach, blending digital photography, 35mm film, and Super 8 film to preserve every moment in a way that feels both timeless and true to life. Each medium brings something unique to the story—from the crisp versatility of digital to the nostalgic character of film and the dreamy motion of Super 8.

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor wedding ceremony with couple sharing a romantic dip kiss at the altar, surrounded by guests on a sunny day.
Bride and groom posing in front of green wooden gates, bride holding white bouquet, groom in black suit with white tie.
Bride and groom stand before a rustic green gate, smiling at each other, bride holding a white bouquet.
Newlywed couple in wedding attire showing off rings outdoors, groom in black suit with mustache, bride in white dress.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered in the charming courtyard for cocktail hour around the picturesque lily pond. Surrounded by blooming gardens and the historic beauty of Rancho Los Cerritos, it was the perfect opportunity for friends and family to mingle, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere before the evening's celebration began.

Guests mingle outdoors at a Spanish-style venue with terracotta roof, white walls, and palm trees during a garden party.
Guests mingle at an elegant outdoor courtyard event near a lily pond at a Spanish-style venue.
Two women share a warm hug at an outdoor wedding reception surrounded by elegantly dressed guests.
Guests laughing and hugging at an outdoor wedding reception, with a man in sunglasses embracing a woman in white.
Woman in green sequin dress smiling at outdoor garden party event during golden hour sunset.
Guests smile at an outdoor catered event with food trays on a black-draped table surrounded by lush greenery.
Woman in floral dress holding drink smiles at camera in green pavilion doorway with wedding guests gathered outside.

As the sun began to set, guests gathered in the gardens for a reception surrounded by the timeless beauty of Rancho Los Cerritos. Warm golden light filtered through the trees as everyone settled in for heartfelt toasts, delicious food, and an evening of celebrating with the people they love most. Every detail came together beautifully, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

 

Outdoor wedding reception with string lights, long tables, and guests dining among lush greenery and pink floral arrangements.
Couple in formal attire giving a toast at an outdoor wedding reception near a microphone stand.
Guests gathered at an outdoor wedding reception dinner table, with a man pouring drinks amid lush greenery.
Elegant outdoor garden wedding reception with long white tablecloths, colorful glassware, and floral centerpieces in natural light.
Dark romantic wedding reception table with colorful vintage goblets, bud vases with flowers, and illuminated table number 3.
Elegant outdoor wedding table setting with colorful goblets, white plates, and small floral bud vases on a white tablecloth.
Guests serving themselves at an elegant outdoor buffet table during a garden party event.
Guests raising glasses in a toast at an outdoor evening dinner party under warm string lights.
Bride and groom seated outdoors at wedding reception table, smiling, surrounded by guests in garden setting.
Guests gathered around rustic wooden tables at an outdoor garden dinner party with string lights and lush green trees.
Elegant wedding reception table with colorful glassware, beer bottle centerpiece, white tablecloth, and yellow runner.
Guests dining at elegant outdoor garden wedding reception with string lights and lush greenery.
Couple sharing a warm embrace at an outdoor wedding reception surrounded by guests and decorated tables.

Before the festivities were in full swing, we snuck away for a few golden hour portraits around the property. The soft evening light paired perfectly with the historic architecture and lush gardens, making for some of my favorite images of the day. As the sun dipped below the trees, the couple returned to their guests to cut their beautiful wedding cake before the celebration carried on into the night.

 

Couple in formal attire share a romantic moment on a garden path surrounded by lush green trees.
Bride in lace gown kisses groom in dark suit outdoors at garden wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand through a lush green garden on their wedding day.
Happy bride and groom walking hand in hand through lush garden greenery on their wedding day.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment in a lush garden, she wearing a white lace gown and he a dark suit.
Couple posing in lush garden, man in brown suit with mustache, woman in white lace top and sage dress.
Bride and groom cutting white wedding cake together at reception table with candles and framed photo.
Elegant wedding cake table with white frosted cake, candles, and framed photo displayed under warm romantic lighting.
White frosted wedding cake on crystal stand flanked by two lit red taper candles on a decorated table.
Heart-shaped wedding cake on crystal stand with candles and framed couple photo on lace tablecloth.
Bride and groom cutting white wedding cake at reception table with candles, groom laughing joyfully.
Couple in formal attire sharing a drink at a nighttime wedding reception, bride in white lace gown.
Bride and groom embracing behind a wedding dessert table with cake and treats at an outdoor evening reception.

Once the band, SEGA Genecide kicked off the evening, the dance floor came alive. From the first song to the last, guests packed the floor, singing along, twirling under the market lights, and celebrating alongside the newlyweds. The energy was contagious, and having a live band brought an unforgettable excitement to the night that kept everyone dancing until the very end.

Drummer standing behind a glowing white bass drum kit on a dark outdoor stage during a live music performance.
Live band performing outdoors at night, vocalist singing passionately at mic while guitarist plays electric guitar under string lights.
Man playing saxophone on stage with keyboard and microphone in dimly lit venue.
Guitarist performing on stage with teal pants, black shirt, and glasses, surrounded by microphones and guitar pedals.

Planning a wedding at Rancho Los Cerritos or searching for a Long Beach wedding photographer? I'd love to document your day through digital, film, and Super 8 with imagery that feels joyful, timeless, and true to you.