Sarah and Matt: a Magical Garden Wedding at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA
DETAILS
Galway Downs
Temecula, California
Wedding Photography
Digital
A Fairytale Wedding with All the
Happy Tears
Sarah and Matt had the most magical wedding at Galway Downs in Temecula. It was pretty much a fairytale. The venue? Beautiful. Lush meadows with tall whimsical trees surrounded by white roses. When the light hits…wow. The perfect venue to showcase a love like Sarah and Matt’s.
I met them for the first time for their engagement session in Los Angeles. We were in the hills, it was early morning, and the summer heat didn’t shy away from making itself known. The only thing that distracted Matt from the 90+ degree weather, was Sarah. Every time he looked at her, it was like everything bad in the world faded away. It was a quiet kind of love, one that you felt. So it was the most amazing surprise when Matt came out of his shell while surrounded by all his friends and loved ones their wedding day!
When you meet their family and friends, you immediately understand all kinds of love. There were happy tears everywhere, from everyone (including us)! We can’t wait for you to experience it, so tag along as we go through memory lane and teleport to Temecula, CA on a day that felt like a dream!
Bride and Groom Suites in Galway Downs —
why they’re in my favorites list
Apart from just being a gorgeous venue, with ethereal willow trees and white rose bushes surrounding the outdoor ceremony area, and having a nicely sized indoor reception barn (that’s modern and elevated), what I love about Galway Downs is their Bride and Groom suites! Located apart from each other to assure the bride and groom don’t see each other before their first looks, Galway Downs boasts a brightly lit bridal suite with so much space and large windows! Even the outside of the suite has cute spots for portraits and the garden vibes do not miss!
Also an important thing to note is that they do not skip out on the Groom suite! Like the bridal suite, it also receives beautiful light and has some nice touches like a foosball table to entertain the guys. The best part is that it is spacious! I’ve lost count of how many venues I’ve shot at where the groom suite is the tiniest room with zero available light. Happy to say that Galway Downs gets bonus points for giving importance to both the bride and groom!
Let’s take a moment for three things:
That pathway bridge where Matt, the groom, and the bridal party walked down to enter the ceremony area is mind-blowing.
Sarah entering in a CARRIAGE!! This is it. Literally fairytale wedding.
MATT AND SARAH’S FIRST LOOK!! IT. IS. EVERYTHING.
(We can’t ignore everyone else’s reactions to this moment. someone pinch us because it’s too good to be true. Re-living it through this blog is giving us goosebumps!)
From dreamy sunset portraits, to a romantic textured reception
After the most perfect garden ceremony and portraits, Sarah and Matt turned their modern rustic reception in Galway Down’s ranch. We loved the wood beams and light fabric draping on the ceiling to elevate the space and give it a more gentle touch. Their red, white, and green wedding colors fit the space so well and allowed for a hype party to begin.
Wedding Photography with a Candid Approach and an Editorial Flare
Here in By Evening, we prioritize getting to know our clients and understanding what’s most important. That means we’re consistently chatting with you, whether it’s on your socials, brainstorming inspo ideas together, and hopping on video calls with you and your planner to go over your wedding day schedule to ensure a smooth day that allows us to capture what truly matters to you without taking away from actually celebrating.
This close connection is what inspires our storytelling, and helps us create art that feels close to you because it is a part of you. With a documentary approach, we’re allowing you to live your wedding day and be with the people you love. Capturing candid moments - the tight hugs, happy tears, or the way your friends helped you lift your dress on the way to the dance floor. The artistry that comes with an editorial approach is what brings the cinematic framing, stunning light, and intentional poses that feel more intimate and make your wedding album feel as special as your day felt.
This is why we focus on a documentary and editorial blend of photography, and why we feel so connected to it.
“The most beautiful day with the most amazing people in my life.”
— SARAH AYALA-WESOFF
DREAMING OF PHOTOS THAT FEEL HONEST, ROMANTIC, AND TRUE?
Let’s CONNECT AND CREATE STUNNING IMAGES!I'm Marijo of By Evening Photography, a destination wedding and engagement photographer based in Los Angeles, creating timeless imagery for couples who love a mix of documentary storytelling and editorial flare. I shoot in film and digital, and I'm always down to chase sunrises and belly laughs wherever your story takes us.