Wedding at El Dorado Park Golf Course in Long Beach, California

 
bride and groom just married walking down aisle
 

In my years photographing weddings, I’ve learned that love is in the way that we look at each other—the inside jokes, the affection, the easing of nerves, all shared in silent glances. This is what I look for in my work as a documentary wedding photographer, to capture those quiet moments and to understand the couple better. Throughout their wedding day, Matt and Sarah’s connection and mutual respect was clear in the way they looked to each other, spoke to each other, and considered each other.

On their first date, Matt brought bags of pastries from Porto’s Bakery and they talked for hours by the lake at El Dorado Park. And years later, they chose El Dorado Park as the venue for their wedding.

Getting Married at El Dorado Park Golf Course

Nestled in Long Beach, California, El Dorado Park Golf Course is picturesque, with lush greenery and a tranquil lake that create an enchanting backdrop that perfectly matched the lush, Lothlorien-inspired vision that Sarah and Matt had for their wedding day (also the inspiration for their engagement session at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Angeles Forest mountainside).

Testimonial from Sarah and Matt

“Pamela's photography was hands down one of the best parts of our wedding. Not only were the wedding photos amazing, but the whole experience was memorable. Wedding planning is usually stressful and hectic, but it was such a pleasure collaborating and working with Pamela. She put our minds at ease and it felt like we were hanging out with a good friend during the whole process. Our friends and family were also blown away by the quality of Pamela's work. We can't thank Pamela and her teammate Nico enough for capturing all the moments of our big day. We highly recommend Pamela's photography services whenever you want to capture a special moment in your life!” (Google Review)

Pre-Wedding: Getting Ready Photos

The day began with hair and makeup, snacks, and warm conversation with best friends. Sarah chose a light and airy AirBNB for her morning with her attendants, and Matt got ready at the Ayres Hotel.

bride getting hair and makeup done on wedding day
makeup kit on wedding day
bridesmaid getting ready
bride getting hair and makeup done on wedding day
bride detail flat lay
bride's detail flat lay photo
wedding bands and engagement ring flat lay
bride's shoes badgley mischka with pink and white roses on a pink velvet background
bride's gown hanging on wedding day morning
bride's mom helping bride put on wedding dress
bride's mom helping bride put on wedding dress
bride's mom helping bride put on wedding dress
bride getting ready candid
bride getting ready candid
bride getting ready candid
bride and bridesmaids in mismatching dresses
best man straightening groom's tie
candid groom portrait on wedding day
groomsmen and groom in blue suits
 

Wedding Reception and Ceremony Details

Sarah and Matt’s very personal wedding decorations at El Dorado Golf Course were an ode to the ethereal elegance of Lothlorien in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, with sage green and blush details throughout the beautiful design by Exceptionally Yours planning, gorgeous florals by Haus + Co, and a delicious cake by Butter + Cream Bakery decorated with little corgi figures (in honor of the couple’s adorable corgi pup Murphy).

mirrored wedding sign with pink flowers
wedding snack table
wedding gift table with pink and white flowers
wedding reception decorations
three tier wedding cake with blush flowers and corgi decorations
corgi decoration on wedding cake
sweetheart table decorated with pink flowers
pink and white wedding reception table decorations
pink and white wedding reception table decorations
wedding ceremony decoration on grassy field with blush flowers and white chairs
wedding ceremony decoration on grassy field with blush flowers and white chairs
 

Emotional Wedding Ceremony

Under perfect blue skies, Sarah and Matt officially tied the knot. In a beautiful, unique moment, the officiant guided the guests in group prayer for peace on Earth and for people in need everywhere.

wedding officiant's binder
groom walking down aisle with his parents
groom walking down aisle with parents
bride walking down aisle with her parents
wedding ceremony candid
groom shaking bride's father's hand
bride and groom at wedding ceremony
bride and groom at wedding ceremony
maid of honor giving speech at wedding ceremony
wedding ceremony candid
wedding guests praying at ceremony
wedding guests group prayer
wedding guests group prayer
wedding guests group prayer
first kiss at wedding ceremony
first kiss at outdoor ceremony
bride and groom walking down aisle
bride and groom walking down aisle
bride and groom kissing in the aisle
bride and groom walking
 

Family Group Photos and Cocktail Hour

While the wedding party and families of the bride and groom stayed at the ceremony space for formal group photos, the party in the beautiful outdoor reception tent commenced with cocktail hour filled with games for adults and kids and comfortable seating designs by Afaire Vintage Rentals.

family photo at wedding
family photo at wedding
family photo at wedding
wedding party group smiling at camera
wedding party walking
guests enjoying cocktail hour at a wedding
guests enjoying cocktail hour at a wedding
guests enjoying cocktail hour at a wedding
kids playing at a wedding cocktail hour
 

Lakeside Newlywed Portraits

While the wedding guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the bride and groom took their portraits by the beautiful lake at El Dorado Golf Course. There was a gorgeous willow tree next to the lake that we loved, as well.

portrait of newlyweds
portrait of newlyweds under a willow tree
wedding portrait of a bride with bouquet
wedding portrait of a bride with bouquet
portrait of newlyweds walking near a lake
portrait of newlyweds
candid portrait of newlyweds
 

Reception

After cocktail hour, guests took their seats and welcomed the bride, groom, and wedding party. They had their first dance, cut the cake, and danced the night away. The reception was DJ’d and MC’d by the fantastic Mike Jayy of SoCal DJ Pros (who I highly recommend for a dance floor that stays lit all night!).

bridesmaids entering wedding reception
groomsmen entering wedding reception
wedding first dance
bride and groom at wedding reception
bride and groom cutting cake at wedding reception
bride and groom cutting cake at wedding reception
bride and groom cutting cake at wedding reception
bride and groom cutting cake at wedding reception
bride giving speech at wedding reception
mother son dance at wedding
father daughter dance at wedding
guests dancing at wedding reception
guests dancing at wedding reception
groom and sister at wedding reception
late night snack smores at wedding reception
guests dancing at wedding reception
guests dancing at wedding reception
 

All photos captured by Los Angeles wedding photographer Pamela Tatz Photography. If you liked this wedding, you may also be interested in seeing this MountainGate Country Club wedding in Los Angeles and this intimate wedding at a private Temecula vineyard.

Vendors for Sarah & Matt’s El Dorado Park Golf Course wedding

Photography: Pamela Tatz Photography
Venue: El Dorado Park Golf Course and Event Center
Coordination: Exceptionally Yours
Florist: Haus + Co.
Cake artist: Butter + Cream Bakery
Rentals: Afaire Vintage Rentals
DJ/MC: Mike Jayy of SoCal DJ Pros
Hair and Makeup Artist: Heather Pepe
Favors: Porto’s Bakery

 

El Dorado Golf Course Information

El Dorado Park Golf Course Wedding Venue Address: 2400 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach, CA 90815

Parking at El Dorado Park Golf Course Wedding Venue: Parking is free and plentiful in the venue’s parking lot.

El Dorado Park Golf Course Wedding Venue Reviews: Here is a link to reviews for the venue on The Knot.

 

HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!

I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography. I know that the choice of the best wedding photographer is a deeply personal one, and I’m grateful you found your way here.

My rates for wedding photography and photo sessions are all available, as well as some answers to frequently asked questions. You can learn more about me and my business, as well as check out some resources I’ve put together to help anyone planning their California wedding, destination wedding, elopement, or engagement.

If you’re interested in working with me or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out! ♥

 

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