Wedding: AJ & Marisa | The Grand Tradition | Analisa Joy Photography | San Diego, CA Wedding Photographer

Photographing AJ and Marisa’s wedding day was like photographing my older brother and sister. I have known AJ since birth and I met Marisa when I was seven years old. When I was little, I always loved being around them because they were the older kids so therefore they were the cool kids. As we grew up, the age gap became less noticeable and we transitioned into friends. After spending several vacations and holidays together, we agreed to just adopt one another as family.

All thought they have known each other since they were younger, their love story started a few years ago. My brother and AJ grew up together and they became roommates when he moved out to Arizona. My brothers wife was best friend’s with Marisa so naturally they all hung out together. When Luke and Bree got married, AJ and Marisa walked down the aisle together as a groomsman and bridesmaid. Like I said earlier, AJ and Marisa always knew of one another, but it wasn’t until they started hanging out as a foursome that their relationship began to blossom. After their first date, they were attached at the hip. AJ was a firefighter in Arizona and Marisa lived in San Diego, but they didn’t allow distance to factor into their relationship. AJ would drive down to see her multiple times a week even if it was for a day or for a single event. That is A LOT of driving! They tied the knot this summer at The Grand Tradition, which happens to be one of my favorite venues. It’s so beautiful, the food is delicious, and the service exceeds all expectations. I had so much fun capturing this amazing day and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this amazing couple… hopefully more babies ;) Congrats AJ and Marisa!

Hair by my favorite wedding stylist: Brenna Bidegain
Makeup by: Shelby McElroy

Marisa’s daughter who also happens to be the cutest little flower girl.
She just woke up and she was instantly covered with kisses.

So beautiful!

The ultimate princess dress!

These have to be my all time favorite groomsmen presents. They were wrapped in crates and duck tape.
They were each given a mini crowbar to open it up. It was awesome!

They had the sweetest first look. What a special moment to capture!

His reaction is priceless!

Put these two on a magazine cover!

Marisa rode into her ceremony on a horse drawn carriage. Talk about a fairytale wedding!

I love that they incorporated Ellie into their vows. There she is giving them a little wave.

This will be a fun tradition. They boxed their favorite wine and a love note to one another.
Every anniversary, they will drink wine, read their notes, write new notes, and box it up for their next anniversary.