Christian and Dawn. What can we say?

No, really: What can you say about a picture-perfect day in North County, with a couple that’s totally in love, a bridal party that knows how to get down, and a gorgeous venue set up just right? That’s the kind of day it was.

We owe a few words of thanks before unleashing this barrage of photos: First, to the couple, who made our job easy by being relaxed and fun and not even a little bit camera-shy; to their groomsmen and bridesmaids, who were awesome in that upbeat, drama-free kind of way; to the guests who made the photobooth rock (coming soon…); and to Melanie at Twin Oaks Valley Golf Course, who was super helpful and liked our photos enough to print a promotional brochure a few months after the wedding featuring only Dawn and Christian. (Check out Twin Oaks if you’re looking for a killer outdoor venue with a view.)

We were at the scene of the ceremony for more than eight hours, and left with hundreds of blog-worthy shots. For the sake of time (and your eyeballs), here are our favorite 100 — give or take 20. That’s how tough it was to narrow this one down.

Let’s start out with nine of the best, then go back to the beginning…

We met Dawn through a friend, whose wedding we have yet to blog. (Actually, it was Grace from this engagement session.) Since Christian was working out of state, we did not have a chance to shoot their engagement pictures. Wedding day was the first time we met him.

Ties! Can’t live without ‘em… Oh wait, yes you can!

You just can’t be in a wedding without one.

Best boutonniere-pinning sequence in history:

The toasts were some of the best we’ve ever heard. Funny, heartfelt, profound. A bridesmaid read a toast from one of Christian’s former Marine Corps buddies that was absolutely ridiculous.

Start to finish, this was one of the best weddings we’ve ever attended. To have been the ones documenting the day was a privilege indeed.

Christian and Dawn, thank you.

Congratulations, and best wishes.