There’s something magical about shooting at a new venue for the first time. P & J’s wedding at Willow Heights Mansion in Morgan Hill was no exception. In fact, most of the weddings I capture take place at venues I’ve never worked at before, but I always take the time to scout the location beforehand and arrive early on the wedding day to make sure everything runs smoothly.

From the very first conversation I had with P, I knew she was my dream client. Why? Because she trusted me completely to capture her day without overloading me with a rigid shot list or do’s and don’ts. That kind of trust means everything, and it allows me to focus on telling the story of the day authentically.

A Venue Worth Gushing About

Willow Heights Mansion is a gorgeous estate with rolling Morgan Hill hills as its backdrop. The outdoor ceremony space, the indoor reception area, and the grand fountain-front dancing floor all add a touch of luxury and romance. And let me tell you about the getting ready rooms—they are nothing short of stunning. Spacious, elegant, and filled with beautiful natural light—a dream setting for those intimate pre-wedding moments.

One of the standout features of Willow Heights Mansion is the seamless flow of the day. The outdoor ceremony leads effortlessly to cocktail hour on the patio, where guests mingled and enjoyed drinks under the California sun. The mansion itself offers plenty of quiet, beautiful spots for portraits, while the fountain at the front serves as the perfect centerpiece for both grand and intimate moments.

The Day Begins: Thoughtful Details and Sweet Moments

We started the day capturing flatlays, a collection of carefully curated wedding details that set the tone for the celebration. P designed these herself, featuring hues of blues and purples—simple, elegant, and so reflective of her style. Her details included custom stationery, meaningful trinkets, and accessories that brought her vision to life.

Then, it was time for getting ready photos. My second shooter captured J and the groomsmen, while I spent time with P and her bridesmaids. The energy in the room was filled with laughter, anticipation, and excitement. One of the sweetest moments? P’s high school best friend helped her into her dress—a beautiful memory to cherish. These are the kinds of moments that remind me why I love what I do.

The First Look: A Quiet Moment Together

For their first look, we captured P & J seeing each other for the first time that day. J’s reaction was as expected—subtle but heartfelt. He didn’t need to say much because his love for P was so evident throughout the day. P carried a little charm on her bouquet to honor her late father, a small but meaningful way to keep him close. It’s details like these that make a wedding day feel so deeply personal.

The first look also gave us the opportunity to capture stunning bride & groom portraits before the ceremony began. The gardens and open spaces at Willow Heights Mansion provided the perfect backdrop for soft, romantic images. Their chemistry was so natural, making every shot feel effortless.

Following their portraits, we gathered the entire bridal party for some fun, energetic group shots. The bridesmaids in their perfectly coordinated dresses and the groomsmen in sharp suits brought such personality to the photos. Bridal party portraits are always a great way to capture the excitement and camaraderie of the day, and this group did not disappoint.

The Ceremony: A Picture-Perfect Willow Heights Mansion Wedding

P’s brother walked her down the aisle, and when he handed her off to J with a handshake, it set off a wave of laughter among the guests. It was such a candid, joyful moment that perfectly captured the energy of the day. The ceremony itself was a beautiful blend of heartfelt vows and lighthearted moments, including a backstory of how P & J met that had everyone chuckling.

As I stood there photographing their ceremony, I couldn’t help but take in the incredible setting. The rolling hills behind the couple created a picturesque frame, while the love and support radiating from their friends and family made it all the more special.

A Stunning Willow Heights Mansion Wedding Reception: Joy, Personal Touches, and Dancing

One of the things I loved most about P & J’s reception was the attention to detail. P even made custom dachshund magnets (a nod to their own beloved dog) as place settings for each guest, with their names engraved on them. It’s thoughtful details like this that make weddings feel so personal and memorable. The guests were overjoyed, and it was clear how much love and care went into every choice.

The reception kicked off with an epic bridal party entrance, featuring alcoholic balloons and P & J making their grand debut holding oversized cutouts of their own faces—a hilarious touch that got everyone cheering. It was such a fun way to set the tone for the night ahead.

Speeches were shared, tears were shed, and glasses were raised. There’s always something magical about hearing stories from the couple’s loved ones—anecdotes that make everyone laugh and cry in equal measure.

Sunset Portraits: A Quiet Escape

Before their first dance, we snuck away for sunset portraits in the vineyard. Despite having had their engagement photos taken in Korea, photographing P & J felt effortless. They were so wrapped up in their own newlywed bliss that every interaction and movement was natural. Capturing their connection during golden hour felt like a dream—soft light, quiet laughter, and the hills glowing behind them.

These sunset moments are some of my favorites from the day. It’s such a calm pause amid the excitement, a chance for the couple to take a breath and simply enjoy being together.

A Perfect Ending: Dancing, Churros, and Celebration

After their romantic first dance, guests were treated to a churro truck—because who doesn’t love churros? The churros were a hit, and guests happily indulged as the dance floor came alive. There’s something about an outdoor dance floor by the fountain that feels absolutely magical—twinkling lights overhead, music filling the air, and friends and family celebrating under the stars.

The energy on the dance floor was electric, with guests of all ages joining in on the fun. From choreographed group dances to spontaneous twirls, the night ended on such a joyful note. It’s always so special to see everyone come together to celebrate the couple in such a lively, carefree way.

Final Thoughts on P & J’s Willow Heights Mansion Wedding

P & J’s wedding at Willow Heights Mansion was a perfect blend of elegance, laughter, and heartfelt moments. From the thoughtful details to the candid moments of joy, every part of the day felt intentional and filled with love. It was an honor to capture a day so full of personality, emotion, and connection.

To P & J—thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful day. Your trust meant the world to me, and I hope these photos bring you back to every cherished moment. Cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and plenty of churros!

If you’re considering Willow Heights Mansion for your wedding, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s truly a stunning venue that offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out this San Francisco City Hall Intimate Wedding!

Inez J Photography is a San Francisco Northern California Fine Art photographer specializing in wedding, couple and family photography. Serving the Bay Area: Napa, Sonoma, Berkeley, San Jose, Palo Alto, San Carlos, Fremont and surrounding areas.