Lena & Sal’s Crescent Bay Beach Wedding

I don’t think I’ve ever cried at a wedding as much as I did at Lena and Sal’s—and I mean that in the very best way. To be totally honest, after 16 plus years of photographing weddings, I was quite surprised at how emotional I got as I hardly ever get teary eyed anymore.

Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay beach wedding created unforgettable memories for everyone present. Photographing their day felt less like “working a wedding” and more like being invited into the heart of a story that had been unfolding long before I ever picked up my camera. It’s one of those days that changed me a little bit, both as a photographer and as a mom.

I first met Lena through my sister. At the time, my oldest had just come out as gay, and I was holding so many emotions—love, pride, fear, and that ache of wanting to do everything right and not always knowing how. My sister suggested I talk to her friend Lena, and I’m so glad she did. From the moment I met her, I instantly fell in love with who she is—warm, grounded, funny, and incredibly open-hearted. I also loved seeing how she and Sal co-parented together, the way they showed up for their kids with so much intention, tenderness, and joy. I remember thinking, “This is what love and family can look like.”

So when Lena asked me to photograph her wedding to Sal, it felt like such an honor. I knew it would be meaningful, but I don’t think I was ready for just how deeply it would touch me. Witnessing the love at Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay Point beach wedding was truly inspiring. Their ceremony took place at Crescent Bay Point Park, overlooking the ocean. It’s one of those spots where the coastline curves around you and the water feels endless. Guests gathered on the lawn with the waves crashing below, and there was this calm, sacred energy in the air. The light, the breeze, and the sound of the ocean all came together in this really peaceful way that felt so fitting for their story—expansive, brave, and beautifully free.

One of the most beautiful parts of the ceremony was when Lena and Sal included their kids in a colored sand blending ritual. Each person had their own color of sand, and one by one they poured it into a single vessel. As the layers started to swirl and mix together, you could see this tangible symbol of their family forming right in front of you—different colors, different stories, all coming together into something new that couldn’t be separated. It was such a simple act, but so powerful. Watching their kids carefully pour their sand in, knowing they were being seen, included, and honored in this commitment, was incredibly moving. It was one of those moments where I had to take a deep breath, wipe my eyes, and remind myself to keep shooting.

After the ceremony, we headed down to Crescent Bay Point Beach for their wedding portraits. I absolutely loved the spot they chose. The combination of cliffs, sand, and sea made it feel both wild and intimate at the same time. We wandered along the shoreline, played with the movement of Lena’s dress and the soft way the light reflected off the water, and let them just be themselves—laughing, holding hands, soaking in the fact that they were finally married. Those portraits feel so full of freedom and joy, and you can see the ocean breeze in every frame.

The stunning backdrop of the ocean made Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay beach wedding feel magical. Later, their reception was held at a beautiful greenhouse up the canyon. It’s closed now, which makes the memories from that day feel even more special, like we got to experience something rare and fleeting. The greenery, the glass, and the soft light created the dreamiest space for everyone to eat, laugh, and dance together.

One of the details I loved most about their wedding was how intentional they were with everything. Lena and Sal wanted a rainbow theme, but not in a flashy, over-the-top way. Instead, they infused color thoughtfully and subtly throughout the day. Guests received crystals at the ceremony—small, beautiful tokens of light and energy they could hold onto and take home. At the reception, there were rainbow-colored sweets, playful and joyful, but still elegant. The mismatched colored table settings felt like a celebration of individuality and togetherness at the same time—every plate, glass, and napkin a little different, yet all working perfectly in harmony. It felt like such a beautiful metaphor for their community and the people who love them.

The morning of the wedding was one of my favorite parts to photograph. I loved that both brides helped one another get ready. There was something so tender and intimate about it—zipping dresses, adjusting hair, checking in with little smiles and soft touches. Lena wore a stunning gown by Grace Loves Lace that moved so beautifully when she walked. It felt effortless on her, romantic and modern all at once. Sal wore a custom blue suit that was perfectly tailored to her—sharp, stylish, and completely her. Together, they looked incredible, but more than that, they looked completely at ease in their own skin and with one another.

Every detail of Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay beach wedding reflected their unique love story. And then there was the layer that made this day so unique: they were filming the last episode of their show, Mormon No More, on Hulu. There was a full camera crew documenting the day, weaving in and out as they captured their own angles and moments. It made things a little more challenging at times—dodging lenses, sharing space, and being extra aware of where everyone was—but honestly, it was also really fun. I loved being part of that production energy and getting to know the crew. Everyone there clearly cared deeply about telling Lena and Sal’s story with respect and love.

One moment I will never forget happened during the reception. Lena’s ex-husband was invited to the wedding and was genuinely supportive of her and Sal’s relationship. That alone says so much. But at one point, I looked over and saw the three of them—Lena, Sal, and her ex-husband—hugging. There was absolutely no denying the love and respect they all have for one another. As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for emotional moments, but this one hit me personally. I lifted my camera with tears in my eyes, trying to focus through the blur. It was such a powerful reminder that family can look many different ways, and that love, when it’s real, makes room. It doesn’t shrink or divide; it expands.

Family and friends came together to celebrate during Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay Point beach wedding. The rest of the evening felt like one long, joy-filled celebration. There was so much dancing, laughter, and connection. Toward the end of the night, Lena surprised Sal with a choreographed dance number alongside her bridesmaids. It was fun and energetic and completely “them”—the whole room was cheering, and you could see the delight all over Sal’s face.

The laughter and joy were palpable at Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay Point wedding. As the night went on and I kept clicking the shutter, I kept thinking how grateful I was to simply be there. To witness not just a wedding, but a story of courage, authenticity, and chosen family. The amount of love I felt at this wedding was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. It wrapped around everyone present—kids, friends, family, exes, crew members, and yes, even the photographer.

As I captured moments at Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay Point beach wedding, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. By the time I packed up my gear, my heart felt full in a way that’s hard to put into words. Lena and Sal’s wedding wasn’t just beautiful in the visual sense—though it absolutely was. It was beautiful in the way that reminds you what love can look like when people choose truth, tenderness, and openness over fear.

The essence of love was beautifully displayed during Lena and Sal’s Crescent Bay Point beach wedding. I walked away from that day truly changed, inspired, and incredibly honored that I got to tell their story through my lens. I might have even cried on the way home from pure gratitude and love.

Wedding Vendors

Lena and Sal’s crescent bay point beach wedding showcased the talents of amazing vendors.

Venue: The Greenhouse PNOC
Wedding planner: Cassandra Lee Co.
Wedding designer: Willow and Bloom Events
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Suits: Suit Shop
Florals: Kira Pearson Studio
Rentals: AKT Made Rentals
Oracle cards: Pixie Curio
DJ: Oh Watta Night
Hair: Brittney Ryan Hair
Makeup: Steve Oraha

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