Bella & Marco’s Intimate Garden Wedding in Vista

Some weddings stay with you long after the day ends, and Bella and Marco’s will always be one of those for me. Though I was only there for four hours, those hours were overflowing with love, intention, and the kind of moments that remind me why I feel so honored to do this work.

Their wedding took place at Bella’s parents’ home in Vista — a setting that felt like a secret garden. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the property. It wasn’t a venue designed to impress with grandeur; it was something more personal, more heartfelt. The gardens stretched in every direction, filled with flowers and greenery, creating the most peaceful and inviting backdrop for such a meaningful day.

One of the loveliest surprises was the pumpkins growing in the garden. They weren’t staged or styled as decor, but their presence felt so symbolic of abundance and new beginnings. It’s details like these — unexpected, organic, and genuine — that make a

wedding feel even more memorable.

Another part of the property that caught my eye was the chicken coop, surrounded by flowers in bloom. It ended up being the perfect place for intimate portraits — unique, a little playful, and yet beautifully fitting within the flow of their day. I love when spaces like that transform into backdrops for love stories.

Even though this was the first time I met Bella and Marco, it was easy to see how much joy they share. The way they laughed together, the way they lit up surrounded by family and friends — those are the little moments that told their love story without needing words.

And then there was the food — delicious pizza that made the celebration feel even more intimate. It reminded me that weddings don’t need heavy catering or an elaborate spread to be meaningful. Sometimes the simplest choices are the ones that feel the most inviting. Sharing pizza on a warm evening, surrounded by loved ones, felt like the perfect reflection of what weddings are truly about: gathering, celebrating, and savoring the moment.

A detail that felt serendipitous to me was learning that Bella and Marco are beekeepers. With my own brand being Honey Lust Co., it brought such a smile to my face. It felt like a sweet little connection, a reminder that sometimes our paths cross in ways that feel almost destined.

Though the wedding was short in hours, it never felt incomplete. Every moment carried weight, from the smallest details in the garden to the heartfelt embraces and laughter that filled the air. It was proof that weddings don’t need to follow a specific script or last all day to be meaningful. What matters most is love, and Bella and Marco’s day was filled with it.

Bella and Marco, thank you for inviting me into this moment in your lives. Capturing your wedding was such an honor, and I hope these images will always remind you of the beauty and joy of that day.

If you’re planning an intimate garden wedding in San Diego (or anywhere beyond), I’d be honored to capture your story with the same care and heart.