C & K’s Wedding at Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont

There’s something unmistakably magical about weddings at Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont. C & K seemed to recognize this, leaning fully into the venue’s natural charm and beautiful scenery. Tucked into the foothills and surrounded by olive trees, this venue offered the perfect blend of rustic charm and romantic elegance. The ceremony unfolded under the venue’s signature wrought-iron gazebo draped with cascading florals and white chiffon, kissed by the sunset light filtering through the trees. As a photographer, the natural glow at Padua Hills made for some truly stunning golden-hour captures.

The festivities began with a quiet moment between the couple before the ceremony. C wore a richly detailed embroidered outfit during the earlier portraits—a nod to traditional Cantonese wedding attire that added a beautiful personal layer to their gallery. While C had on this dress, we quickly grabbed some solo and couples portraits before moving on to the main ceremony.

The ceremony took place beneath the signature wrought-iron dome of Padua Hills, draped in soft white fabric and framed by cascading floral arrangements. With the sunset light streaming through the trees, the entire courtyard glowed as C walked down the aisle with her parents by her side. K’s expression as he saw her was one of pure admiration and quiet emotion.

The ceremony itself was heartfelt and personal, filled with quiet glances, joyful tears, and the kind of emotion that doesn’t need embellishment. Framed by cascading florals and soft draping under the venue’s iconic wrought-iron dome, C & K exchanged their vows surrounded by the people who mattered most. The light filtering through the olive trees gave everything a warm, golden hue—one of those moments that feels still, even in motion.

The reception moved indoors to Padua Hills’ Spanish-style grand hall, where chandeliers sparkled overhead and warm wood tones gave the space an intimate feel. C & K shared their first dance beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and drifting bubbles. This moment is one of my favorites as a wedding photographer—the couple dancing with all their loved ones watching from their seats, fully immersed in the moment. I make it a point to snag this frame every time I have the privilege of shooting at Padua Hills.

As night fell, we returned to the outdoor ceremony space for one final portrait—a romantic dip-and-kiss beneath the softly lit archway. It was the perfect bookend to a day filled with love, laughter, and quiet elegance. C & K’s Padua Hills wedding was a beautiful celebration of partnership and joy, and I’m honored to have been there to witness it.