Jolene + Elvin planned their Vegas destination wedding from their home state of California. They knew they wanted a destination where their friends and family could vacation, party and relax with the nearby amenities on the Vegas Strip, but also wanted a little more intimate, high-end feel for their hotel wedding. They settled on the M Resort, and couldn’t have made a better choice. We met when they were in Vegas planning their wedding, and I immediately sensed their awesome vibe and knew their wedding would be a blast. They came out to Vegas again for final planning a few months before the wedding and I got a chance to do an engagement session for the couple, which doubled as a family portrait session. I love how the couple included their three kids in their engagement photos as well as their wedding day–one daughter was a bridesmaid, another was a flower girl, and their son was the ring bearer.

Jolene + Elvin got ready in separate rooms that afternoon and decided they didn’t want to see each other before the wedding. To get some of our portraits done with natural light, we did separate bridesmaids, groomsmen and family portraits before the ceremony. The couple then did an alternative to a first look, which I like to call a “first touch.” Elvin stood around one corner holding his hand out, and Jolene walked up on the other side of the wall and took his hand. It was a sweet moment for the couple to talk to each other, share excitement about the upcoming ceremony, and calm each other’s nerves. The ceremony was at the pool at sunset, and I loves the dramatic aisle the bridal party walked down between the pool cabanas. After saying “I do,” Elvin grabbed their son and the three of them walked back down the aisle and off into the sunset.

We did some dramatic nighttime portraits around the pool area with the glowing lights of the resort in the background, and then headed up to their reception in the Lux. The room is located on the top floor of the M Resort, and features an amazing view of the Strip in the background. It’s perfect for the Vegas party vibe, with a more luxurious feel. The white linens and florals accentuated the modern feel, while the silver and sparkling details added the romance and glamour. I also loved the personalized shot glasses on each place setting–they showed a bit of the couple’s carefree, fun personalities! The newlyweds and their bridal party made their grand entrance into the room, followed by a beautiful first dance, teary toasts, parent dances, bouquet and garter toss and money dance. When I left at the end of the night, the party was still going strong. I think every single one of their guests was out on the dance floor! What an amazing, fun night for these two lovely people, and I was so happy to be a part of it. Congrats to you and your families, Jolene + Elvin!

Venue + Cake: M Resort  |  Floral: By Dzign  |  Videography: High Class Studios  |  DJ: DJ Slip  |  Bride’s Dress: Pebbles Bridal