After spending the afternoon rehearsing at the beautiful Los Angeles River Center, we made our way with Lindsey + Michael, the bride- and groom-to-be, to Il Fornaio in Old Town Pasadena for a lively rehearsal dinner.

Fueled by delicious food, great wine, and the best company, we joked and laughed our way through the entire meal, pausing only to listen to some touching toasts offered by couple-to-be-wed. 

Lindsey, the bride-to-be, summed up the experience beautifully:

It was so powerful being surrounded by our nearest and dearest at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. It was the first time my dad and sister had been around our extended group of close friends, and it was heart-warming to see how everyone clicked immediately—within the first hour, my dad had already come up with a handful of catchphrases with Michael’s friends (“SUPERCHARGED!!”)!  I couldn’t even get through my thank-you speech to my friends without crying; it was overwhelming to be on the brink of becoming our own baby family, surrounded by our chosen family, those who love us the most.

Everyone must feel this way about their own circle, but I seriously have the greatest friends on earth: we all laughed so hard that my ears were ringing as I left that evening!  It was the perfect conclusion to an amazing afternoon, and I’m so glad I had the chance to document it.  Be sure to visit our Facebook Album to see more photos from this hilarious evening.

I’m excited to share some photos from the following evening’s low key pre-wedding get-together, so be sure to check back soon!