A Joyful Felton Guild Wedding Celebration | Jae & Bon

Shawna GD Photography

10/25/20252 min read

Some weddings unfold exactly as planned, and others surprise you in the best way possible. Jae and Bon’s wedding celebration at The Felton Guild in Felton, California was one of those beautiful, unscripted stories that reminded me why I love documenting weddings. Real emotion, real people, and the kind of joy that can never be staged.

HOW I ENDED UP PHOTOGRAPHING THEIR DAY

I wasn’t originally supposed to be the photographer for Jae and Bon’s wedding. I was actually there to assist my friend Brandon from Gateway Visuals, who had flown in from Las Vegas to film their day. (Fun fact: Brandon was also my wedding videographer!)

When one of the other photographers on-site had a camera mishap, I quickly grabbed my gear and jumped in to help. It turned into one of those unexpected moments that makes this work so meaningful. Sometimes you are simply meant to be in the right place at the right time.

A CELEBRATION ONE YEAR IN THE MAKING

Jae and Bon had already been married for a year, but this day was all about celebrating with their family and honoring their faith. Their ceremony at The Felton Guild was full of emotion and tradition. They included heartfelt Catholic elements such as the washing of feet, the tying of the knot, communion, and worship songs that filled the space with love and gratitude.

It felt less like a performance and more like a gathering of souls. Every guest was part of the moment.

DETAILS THAT TOLD THEIR STORY

After the ceremony, guests moved to the reception space surrounded by wildflowers, where the air felt light and alive with music, laughter, and conversation. Every part of the day reflected who Jae and Bon are: creative, intentional, and grounded.

One of my favorite details was their attire. They each wore custom outfits that they had designed and hand-embroidered with gold thread the night before the wedding. That small but powerful detail said so much about their artistry and their connection to one another.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE CANDID, IN-BETWEEN MOMENTS

Because I stepped in unexpectedly, I had no shot list or timeline to follow. That freedom allowed me to document the day exactly as it unfolded. No stiff poses. No forced smiles. Just the honest, in-between moments that tell the real story.

From quiet glances during worship to tears of joy during communion, every photograph became a reflection of what mattered most to them. That is what I love most about candid wedding photography: it captures truth, not perfection.

THE FELTON GUILD: A HIDDEN GEM IN THE REDWOODS

If you are searching for a Bay Area wedding venue that feels peaceful, natural, and intimate, The Felton Guild is a true hidden gem. Surrounded by towering redwoods, this venue offers a serene outdoor ceremony space and a warm, welcoming reception hall. The soft forest light and rustic charm make it ideal for couples who want their celebration to feel personal and relaxed.

Many couples choose a Felton Guild wedding for its simplicity and beauty. It is the kind of place that does not need much decor because nature does most of the work for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Jae and Bon’s Felton Guild wedding was never about being perfect. It was about gratitude, creativity, and connection. It reminded me that wedding photography is not about staging moments, but about preserving them as they truly happen.

If you are planning a wedding in the Bay Area or anywhere in Northern California and you want photographs that feel natural, emotional, and unposed, I would love to document your day. You can reach out via my Contact page to start planning your story together.