A Classic Garden Wedding at the Richard Nixon Library

Alvis Pham

2 hours ago

4 min read

Bride and groom kissing beside the reflecting pool and palm trees at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda

A Classic Garden Wedding Day

Palm trees, a long reflecting pool, a floral arch on the lawn and a ballroom full of chandeliers. Wendi & Kun Woo were married on September 18, 2026, at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, and every corner of the day felt classic, elegant and full of light.

I first met Wendi & Kun Woo at their engagement session, so walking into their wedding day felt like seeing old friends again. Their day was planned and coordinated by Joyfully Co., with florals by Flower Allie, catering by White House Catering and a late-night In-N-Out truck to close the night. It was a day built around family, friends and a few playful surprises of its own.

Chapter One

Getting Ready

Soft window light and the bridal party

A Quiet Morning Before the Richard Nixon Library Wedding

The day began slowly, with the bride and her bridesmaids gathered in soft window light, with plenty of laughter before anyone reached for a gown.

I always start with the details, from the invitation suite to the shoes, because they set the tone for everything that follows. A quiet morning like this one always shows up in the photos later in the day.

Chapter Two

Portraits and the Wedding Party

Shaded paths, palms and the gardens

Portraits of Wendi & Kun Woo in the Gardens

Before the ceremony, Wendi & Kun Woo spent a few unhurried minutes together on the tree-lined paths of the library grounds.

The shade under the trees kept the light soft and even, which let the lace of the gown and the quiet moments between them stand out. These were the frames where they relaxed into the day and stopped thinking about the camera.

The Wedding Party

Pale Blue Gowns and Black Tuxedos

Then the wedding party joined in, with bridesmaids in pale blue gowns and groomsmen in classic black tuxedos.

We moved between the lawn, the palms and the shaded paths, keeping the group photos relaxed so everyone could simply enjoy each other. The white parasols against the pale blue gowns gave the bridesmaid portraits a light, airy feel that suited the gardens perfectly.

Classic, unhurried and full of light.

Chapter Three

The Ceremony

A floral arch on the lawn

A Garden Ceremony at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda

The ceremony took place on the lawn, with white chairs facing a floral arch and the library's palms rising behind the guests.

I love a ceremony in open shade like this, where every face is easy to read and the florals glow without any harsh shadows. From the walk down the aisle to the final kiss, the whole ceremony felt calm, bright and personal.

Golden Hour

Golden Hour Portraits by the Reflecting Pool

As the sun dropped, we slipped away for golden hour portraits around the gardens and the long reflecting pool.

The backlight caught the edges of the veil and the florals, and it remains one of my favorite parts of any wedding day at this venue. The palms, the roses and the soft evening sky did most of the work.

The backlight caught the edges of the veil.

Chapter Four

The Reception

Chandeliers, candles and white florals

A Reception Ballroom of Chandeliers and White Florals

Inside, the ballroom was dressed in ivory drapery, crystal chandeliers, candles and a floral arch behind the sweetheart table, with florals by Flower Allie.

Every surface caught the light from the chandeliers, which made the whole room feel soft, bright and timeless. Gold chairs, white blooms and long candlelit tables carried the classic feel of the gardens inside.

Ballroom Portraits

A Few Quiet Minutes Under the Chandeliers

With the ballroom set and still empty, Wendi & Kun Woo stepped onto the floor for a few portraits beneath the chandeliers.

Having the room to ourselves, even briefly, is one of my favorite ways to show off a ballroom like this one. A slow dance, a dip and a few quiet moments were all it took.

The Celebration

Toasts, Live Music and a Champagne Tower

The evening moved through a grand entrance, heartfelt toasts, a live saxophone set and a champagne tower poured by the couple together.

By the time the dance floor filled, the room was glowing in a way that made every frame feel like a celebration. Family and friends filled the dance floor as the music picked up.

Every frame felt like a celebration.

Late Night

An In-N-Out Late Night and Night Portraits

To close the night, an In-N-Out Cookout truck was parked outside, and Wendi & Kun Woo put on paper hats for a few playful frames in front of it.

We finished with a few night portraits by the steps, a fun and playful ending to a classic day. It was exactly the kind of night that shows who a couple really is.

With Gratitude

Thank You, Wendi & Kun Woo

Thank you, Wendi & Kun Woo, for trusting me with both your engagement session and your wedding day. It was a privilege to tell your story.

If you are planning a wedding at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, or anywhere in Orange County and Los Angeles, and looking for a wedding photographer and videographer, I would love to hear from you.

The Team