John Kilby
- Mar 5, 2022
- 4 min read

Chapel Estates Enchanted River Wedding

Updated: Mar 9, 2022

Esmeralda & José’s Chapel Estate Wedding in Bakersfield California wedding kicked off the 2022 wedding season with muted tones and the mystical pallet of a winter sunset. Their event can best be captured in the Words: Traditional and Stunning!

The details for this wedding were punctuated by a refined style and a grace of traditional craftmanship. The small elements truly captured the larger ease of the couple and the event.

The Grooms moments in preparation with his father were truly precious.

Esmerelda selected a traditional silhouette for her dress. The lace truly complemented her smile and the joy she had for the day.

The first look truly captured the couple's expressions of affection for each other. No nerves for these two, just enthusiasm to be together.

Esmerelda and Jose chose a traditional Catholic Ceremony. The one modern twist was when the couple walked in together. They bypassed he lengthily wedding procession and instead selected a personal entrance with the two of them hand in hand.

The reception was hosted at a sprawling estate, in Bakersfield, CA. It isn't common to find a place with the most extraordinary vistas along the river front. The reflection, light and colors were perfect and set a mystic backdrop for the couple.

The couple was all smiles as they walked along the river and enjoyed their first moments together as a married couple.

Farmhouse tables and cross back chairs added an easy elegance to the event. Event decor and foods service were provided By Casa Royal Catering service. The dusty blue accent napkins provided a perfect accent to the muted pallet of the event.

Weddings are full of family. This event seemed to evoke a huge amount of warmth from the family. It was obvious that this was the moment to express a depth of affection for the new couple.

Stephen from @DJSKInc turned up the fun on the Dance floor. He brought a mix of traditional favorites and modern fun to the party. Even with this traditional event there was room for a modern mashup. Stephen also brought the Dance Floor sparklers which were a big hit with the crowd,

Beautiful Bride Esmerelda had a naturally enchanted smile all through the day, but this bouquet toss seemed to evoke smiles all around.

Words from the Photographer, @I'mMaryKatherine

I had the best time getting to know these two last June when I flew out to CA for their two-part engagement session, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting going back for their wedding. This was also my very first West Coast wedding and it was so special to be invited all the way across the country to photograph their wedding day.

Esmeralda & José are high school sweethearts with a mutual love for their Catholic faith, their families, and serving others and every part of the day reflected these three priorities.

The day started at Esmeralda’s parent’s house where she had all her details ready for me to photograph. Esmeralda was so excited I was there that she started to take behind-the-scenes videos of me while I arranged her details. I was blessed to be able to have my sweet friend, Kaitlyn Heacock, come with me and second shoot for me and she captured the most stunning images of Esmeralda finishing up her makeup (love, love, love all the plants and natural light).

One of the many things I love about the Hispanic culture is how family-oriented absolutely everything is. Esmeralda didn’t have bridesmaids, but she had her mom and grandmother zip her in her dress, her little sister put her shoes on, her older sister’s help with everything from invitations to dress fluffing, and emotional first looks with both her dad and grandfather. Likewise, José had his father and brother help him get ready in the morning, and later on during the reception, he read letters out loud to each of his parents, his two siblings & his new wife instead of doing the garter toss.

Esmeralda and José opted to do a First Look because they chose to process into the Church together at the beginning of the Mass. If José’s reaction to his bride doesn’t melt you, I don’t know what will. It was such a sweet moment and a delight to witness the love and awe they shared with one another.

After their beautiful Mass, we headed to their reception along a beautiful riverfront tucked away behind the oil fields of Bakersfield. It was a hidden oasis and the perfect spot for their wedding reception! And it made for the most beautiful portrait location! When I say I’m obsessed, I’m really obsessed.

Esmeralda and José, you two have become such sweet friends of mine and I was so honored to document your wedding!