Malibu Wedding Photographer . Malibu West Beach Club . Mayra & Brandon

Sometimes, you just know.

When I met Mayra and Brandon on the day of their Malibu beach wedding, I just knew that we were going to hit it off. I also had the distinct feeling that it was going to be a day to remember for both the couple and for me.

Mayra and Brandon started dating twelve years ago and in all those years together, they’ve added five dogs and a cat to their family. When I found out about their menagerie, I instantly knew I’d like them. I’ve never met an animal-lover that I didn’t like.

See, animal-lovers are givers by nature, and I could tell that was exactly the case with Mayra and Brandon. Not only were they lovely and generous people, but everyone around them was equally polite, helpful and wonderful. It was easy to see where the bride and groom got their good natures.

The day of the ceremony, that helpful, generous atmosphere came in handy, because the weather had the potential to ruin the day. The day before the wedding, a record-breaking storm hit Malibu. With five inches of rain in a 24-hour period and wind gusts of up to 40 mph, much of the beach was washed away the night before the ceremony. But that didn’t stop this couple. They and their loved ones worked together to make sure everything worked out.

And it did work out. The rain broke right before the ceremony was set to start, and the sun even made a cameo during their vows. (Brandon swore it was his grandfather’s way of saying hello and wishing their marriage well.)

One of my favorite things about photographing weddings is seeing the bonds between the people who gather for such a special event. While you can expect a certain amount of affection between the bride and groom, seeing a couple’s community really come together to celebrate is always a pleasure. For Brandon and Mayra, that meant the “pub group.”

At the start of the reception, Brandon, in his unassuming manner, quietly asked me if I could snap a shot of “the pub group.” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I immediately replied, “Let’s do it.” And from that moment, I felt like one of those photographers that travels the world, gets right in the middle of a different culture, and documents it all.

The group began clapping, dancing, and serenading the newlyweds in an upbeat outpouring of love. They had their own songs, handshakes, and even their own regalia. It was definitely a new experience for me, and it set the tempo for the rest of the reception.

But more importantly, Mayra and Brandon’s wedding set a wonderful tone for a new chapter in their lives together, and I was glad to be a part of it.