Two days after I got back from Belize, I photographed Kari & Erik's wedding. Theirs was one of the most magical fairytale weddings I had ever seen! The ceremony and reception were held outdoors at the lush Paradise Gardens in San Luis Rey.

There was a horse-drawn carriage, a beautiful lake and waterfall, gorgeous orchids hanging down the aisle, and of course, the golden couple themselves. Kari (& maybe Erik) had planned out every little detail and it all looked so perfect.

What I especially loved were the personal touches that she put into this wedding, like hand-making the bridesmaids' jewelry and the candles that sat on the reception tables.

Their wedding was a ball! Kari is one spunky gal and Erik's groomsmen were just goofy - and according to Erik, not drunk when they acted so either.

Here's a race they all had on the lawn, and what do you know, the bride, the one with the heaviest outfit on, beat them all!

One of the funniest moments of the wedding was during the cake cutting. Here's Kari & Erik pretending that they were going to smash the cake in each other's faces, but instead, they turned around and smeared cake on the maid of honor and best man. Don't they just look like they're up to no good there?

After the sunset, the magic continued as the Japanese lanterns lit up the dance floor and rope lighting accented all the trees.

Kari had said when we met 2 weeks before the wedding that she had always dreamed of having the Japanese lanterns at her wedding, but they weren't sure if they would get them or not. Once she uttered those words, I could tell by the look on Erik's face that there would be lanterns at the reception. So, good job Erik, because it looked magnificent at night!

And with that, I will leave you all with one last image of the lovely couple. You can check out a lot more of their wedding images on my website too.