Real Weddings {California}: Angela & James!

James and Angela were introduced through a mutual friend in 2009. Their friend, Mira, introduced them very covertly, by asking Angela to meet up with her and James. Angela got there and Mira was running two hours late, leaving Angela and James to be forced to chat while they waited for her. The happy couple has been together for about 7 years. Check out their special day, captured by Sun & Sparrow Photography.

Bride: Angela Ruffin, 32, Technical Consultant

Groom: James Taft, 35, Real Estate

Place of residence: Long Beach, CA

Wedding location: First Baptist Church, Glendale, CA

Ceremony location: Anoush Galleria Ballroom, Glendale, CA

Wedding theme: Romantic and soft with touch of gold

Wedding date: 8/9/15

Honeymoon Destination: "Our new house is our honeymoon."

From the Bride:

I was so nervous until the second they opened the doors for me to walk down the aisle. I took my first step and saw James’ face and the faces of our family and friends and walked onto cloud nine and did not come down.

From the Groom:

My wedding day was awesome. Best day.

What makes your love special?

From the groom: I love her positive energy. She can illuminate a dark hole. She is very intelligent with the vocabulary to make a grammar check "Grammar Check". She is welcoming and thoughtful. She challenges me and push and motivate me to be the best me for me. She supports me when I don't have clarity and have the patience to walk with me in difficult times.

From the bride: He balances me. I inspire him. James is hard-working, not a quitter, sweet and romantic. He surprises me all the time with sweet gestures, cards, flowers.

Memorable moments:

Walking into reception – seeing the vision come to life, was amazing! The smell of lavender, menu cards folded neatly over the matched linens, centerpieces and special additions such as words we used to describe each other on our sweetheart table – it all flowed so beautifully!

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

Enjoying life together.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

As often as you can, pause to be present in the moment. Take it all in and remember the things that don’t go according to plan can often make for the best stories.

Favorite wedding detail:

Handmade name cards. The name cards were supposed to be one of my DIY projects but by the day before the wedding, I still hadn’t gotten to them. So my family and bridesmaids spent the evening writing name cards for the over 100 guests – and they turned out beautiful!