Deanna & Steven wedding. Botanica, Oceanside, California. (formerly Paradise Falls)

I've been photographing weddings at Botanica (formerly Paradise Falls) since Top Shelf Photo's first year.   When I first visited in 2012, I was blown away by its beauty.  Over the past several years, they have gone to great lengths to make it one of the premiere wedding venues in southern California.  The property offers lush, tropical gardens, bamboo groves, waterfalls, and so many lights in the giant trees.  I also recommend checking out their sister venue, Los Willows.

Deanna & Steven managed to be one of the few couples to avoid the crazy el niño rain in the spring of 2017.  The clouds parted that morning and allowed the guests to enjoy waterfall backdrop for the wedding ceremony.

The morning was spent with family for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and the reception kicked off with Chinese dragon dancers.

Photographer:  Shaun Hagen, Top Shelf Photo

Second photographer:  Michelle Herrera, Muse Moments Photo

Venue:  Botanica