As a wedding photographer in ventura county...
There are still so many venues that I have yet to photograph at. It took me six years of actively living as a wedding photographer in Simi Valley and Moorpark before I ever got to photograph at Eden Gardens. I actually got married myself at Rancho de las Palmas, which is right down the street from Eden Gardens, and next to another wedding venue The Walnut Grove. Like I said, there's a lot here to choose from!
See my blog post A Perfect Wedding Destination: Say 'I Do' in Beautiful Ventura County, California to view some of my work at Ventura County wedding venues such as Gerry Ranch in Camarillo, The Vineyards in Simi Valley, and Rancho de las Palmas in Moorpark.
And HEADS UP! If you are planning to get married at Maravilla Gardens, I will offer you a discount, as it is one of the only venues left that I am dying to work at!
Now onto Cassidy and Josh
Eden Gardens in Moorpark, California, is a popular wedding venue known for its lush gardens and romantic ambiance. Located in Ventura County, it's a private venue that offers couples a serene and secluded setting for their special day.
Lush Gardens and Water Features
The venue is filled with tropical plants, palm trees, and vibrant flowers, creating a beautiful, garden-like atmosphere everywhere you turn. There are picturesque ponds, koi and fountains scattered throughout the property, adding a tranquil touch to the scenery and the sound of running water.
Bride and Groom Suite
There is a bridal house with bathrooms as well as a groom's trailer for getting ready in and hanging out prior to the ceremony. Couples do not need to worry about finding a hotel as the venue allows early access to get ready.
Outdoor Ceremony
Couples can choose from outdoor areas for their ceremony depending on their guest count. The most popular being the one featured in this post.
Privacy
Since Eden Gardens is a private estate, it offers exclusivity, ensuring that the wedding feels intimate. Although tucked right next to the 23 freeway, the cars cannot be heard and the entire venue feels secluded.
Shown Above is the Eden Gardens Bridal Suite
After getting ready with the help of their families, Cassidy and Josh revealed themselves to their friends and family, but not to each other. Cassidy shared a sweet first look with her Father, and then they both prepared for the ceremony. As Cassidy walked down the aisle at Eden Gardens in Moorpark, escorted by her Father, Josh turned around so that he could view her when he was ready and have his own first look with her.
What Pinterest Wedding inspiration boards want to be:
Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by lit candles and white roses. That's exactly what Cassidy and Josh chose, with the help of Velvet Alley Events and specifically Soltana! Velvet Alley Events is the primary planner and coordinator at Eden Gardens, and she is lovely to work with and makes my day and her couple's day both beautiful and smooth.
Posing my couples naturally- aka documentary style photography
As an experienced wedding photographer, I focus on capturing couples in a way that feels authentic and effortless, not overly stiff or posed. I work closely with each of my couples to ensure they feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, guiding them into natural poses that reflect their personal connection as well as the venue's beauty. I tend toward putting my couples in a spot where the background and lighting look the best, then letting their natural love shine! Eden Gardens has lush greenery, charming water features, and an overall romantic ambiance which provide the perfect backdrop for stunning portraits. A similar venue with photo opportunities built into every corner is Hartley Botanica in Somis, right down the street from Eden Gardens. Linked here.
the reception at eden gardens
Planned by Velvet Alley Events, the wedding reception was set up as a gorgeous display of long tables and florals. Plus a neon sign that proclaimed the couples last name was displayed above the sweetheart table, which made for a beautiful keepsake! This wedding was absolutely gorgeous, and I am honored to have the privilege of photographing weddings and elopements in California and all over the world. Each day even at the same wedding venue is so unique and special to me, and every couple's story is different. Making your reception decor truly reflect you, your interests, and what you're drawn to as a couple are a surefire way to make your day as unique as possible.
Bridal party photos, night portraits, and dancing
Night portraits at your wedding are an opportunity to create truly magical moments. As the lights dim and the ambiance shifts towards a party, I love using the soft glow of string lights as well as my flash to light up the night. Whether using venue uplighting or incorporating flash to create modern documentary shots, night photography adds a totally different mood to your wedding album.
In the end, your wedding day is a collection of unique and unforgettable moments, and my goal as your photographer is to capture them all over the course of the day and night. With a natural approach to posing and a deep appreciation for the beauty of each venue, including the stunning Eden Gardens, I work to create timeless, authentic images that reflect the love and joy of your celebration. Together, we'll craft a visual story that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
