Natalie and Matt were (finally!) wed on July 2, 2011. I used the term ‘finally’ because these two kept trying to plan their wedding, but separately kept getting called to serve our country.  The two met while attending the Naval Academy.  Matt has been deployed to Iraq twice and to Haiti once, and Natalie has been deployed to Iraq once (there was a point in time where they only got to spend less than 2 weeks together before Natalie was deployed, and zero communication for 3 months!).  Matt proposed back in May of 2008- he was returning from his first deployment to Iraq, and Natalie went to meet him.  Matt was the last one off the bus and he proposed to Natalie in the pouring rain (swoon!).  I should mention that I had the pleasure of being Natalie’s high school pal- she and I sat next to each other in our senior english class, but I had not seen her since we graduated!  To this day, she is still one of the sweetest people I know.  I don’t think the girl has a mean bone in her body!  So photographing their wedding was very special to me: meeting the man who stole her heart, seeing all of her wedding guests truly celebrating their union, and seeing her so IMMENSELY happy!  Natalie and Matt- congratulations!  It was a honor to be a part of your day!

Ceremony: The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, Old Town San Diego

Ceremony Musician: Floyd Watson

Second Shooter: Cheryl Tivar

Reception: Oceanview Room, Point Loma Submarine Base

DJ: Primo DJs

Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero

Flowers: Handmade Tissue Paper Flowers tied with fresh roses (BEAUTIFUL!)

Cake: European Cake Gallery, Point Loma

Transportation: Big Woody Tours

Hair & Makeup: Glamdolls

Mariachi: Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana, San Diego

Mirelle Carmichael is an award-winning fine art photographer based in San Diego and Santa Barbara County. She specializes in high-quality publication-worthy photography for weddings, special events, and editorials. Mirelle Carmichael Photography also offers year-round family photography and portraits throughout Southern California.