The Maxwell-Barron wedding last weekend was absolutely gorgeous – and a ton of fun.
I’ve known Paul for 19 years now… wow… just did the math. That’s a long time. Hilary I met either in Jr. High or High School, I don’t really recall exactly when however I do remember back when we were all attending Cupertino High.
Over the last several years it’s been fun to watch the two of them together as they’ve dated since they’re ridiculously cute when they hang out with one and other. Paul and Hilary are one of those couples that just always seems to be having fun together. And having grown up since my early teens with Paul, knowing what a kind person he has always been, and knowing Hilary through my high school years, as the always-sweet-and-friendly friend of my younger sister, it was disgustingly cute to see them wind up together. Hahaha!
I have a lot writen out about their gorgeous wedding in Monterey. And I have various photos from all the weddings I’ve been lucky enough to attend with Paul and Hilary.
So click past the break and read on if you have some time! I hope you enjoy the images. I had a lot of fun with the Maxwell and Barron families and I hope all of you enjoy this glimpse of their wedding day!
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So for this writeup on their wedding weekend I decided to dig through my photos and see what I might be able to find….
I went through Boy Scouts with Paul. We were in the same patrol (the smaller groups within a Boy Scout troop). Paul and his dad were a large reason I stayed active as much as I did. The photo above is me (black jacket) and Paul (far right, my left) at my Eagle Scout project at the halfway point. Paul and I both made it to Eagle Scout.
Awee, look at this embarassing photo. Paul and myself at Camp Hi-Sierra… ages 12 and 13. God we were stylish kids.
We’re making those dreamcatcher things… I had to stare at this photo for a few minutes to try and remember what we were doing. lol
More recently you guys probably remember the engagement photos I shot of Paul and Hilary
Their first date was a hike… so we went out to that location and shot images around the area there. These two had no problem being cute and playful for the photos
At this point it was abouttt 11 months til their wedding..
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But like I said, I’ve been to several weddings with these two… the first of which, was my sister’s wedding.
I had to go through my photos from Matt and Monica’s wedding slowly to try and find a shot that Paul and Hilary were both in. This was one of the last songs of the night, my sister dancing with her new husband while laughing because he was singing the song to her at the same time…
But off to the side these two were standing together watching.
Say it with me now… “Aweeeeeeeeeee”
The following year was the Balatoni wedding. These two had been dating quite a while at that point.
Still lookin’ great after a long night of dancing and breakin’ it down guys!
The following year I saw them both again at the Rowe wedding!
And the most recent wedding we were all at was last year, at the Randle-Villarreal wedding!
Four months after that we shot their engagement photos.
Then 11 months later it was time for their wedding!
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Paul and Hilary got married at the Monterey Museum of Art. It was a beautiful location with this great garden area they host weddings and events in
Starting the rehearsal!
This shot is great because neither of them look excited to rehearse. haha!
The flower girls and ring bearer were ready to go though!
I (apparently made a mistake and) offered Tim some Red Vines that I was eating when we both arrived early. He used it as a prop during his opening words. Whoops. hahahaha
After a second run-through we all headed to Tarpy’s Roadhouse for the rehearsal dinner.
It’s always fun seeing photos I shot used in the decorations.
Tim got up to say a few words about Paul. He told a story from Scout camp where Paul’s drawing skills were so accurate they were able to track a footprint down and find someone who committed a crime and the camp was able to deal with the issue quickly. Those are some serious skills right there.
Hilary and Paul also got up and thanked everyone for being a part of their weekend and lives
A quick run through of the order the of events for tomorrow before everyone called it a night.
When I arrived the next morning the girls were already starting on hair and makeup. Everyone had to get curlers in early to give their hair plenty of time to set
Family stopping by for hellos and to drop things off
Hilary’s “I Do” shirt. She was saying how it was a gift from Sarah
All the ladies and their curlers!
It’s a long process gents… you better be impressed with what they all went through to look great for the ceremony
Being done ahead of schedule meant time to sit and chat
The girls stopped by to have their hair curled, too!
Makeup for mom as well!
Time for Hilary to start on her makeup
Starting to take the curlers out
Dannnnnnnngg Hilary. Already looking great
I stepped out for a bit to visit the men as they got ready.
There was a debate of cufflinks and style. French was decided..
Steffen trying to change his cufflinks after everyone decided to swap it around.
Paul getting himself buttoned up
Steffen helping with Paul’s tie.
They’ve been friends since the first grade! How impressive is that?
Coats on and then everyone is ready to head out!
Quick group shot of the men. Looking great guys!
Back in the girls room Hilary was getting the last part of her makeup applied now that her hair and veil were set
The bridesmaids were on top of Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat for the day
The ladies all lookin great after hair and makeup was complete.
Time to head to the museum!
Mom was all smiles as she helped Hilary get dressed
Gettin cinched up with the ribbon Hilary wore around her waist
practice session bustling the dress
Hilary just patiently waited as the girls all tried to figure it out
Putting on the jewelry
Hilary chose to wear only a few pieces
Garter time! debating if she wanted to wear it or not
Hilary, laughing as I placed her for some quick bridal shots. We had really great, soft, window light to work with. And a few minutes before she was to walk out and see Paul for the first time!
Absolutely stunning
Hilary went sans glasses for her wedding day! She has bright blue eyes, too, so why not show them off.. right?
Hilary and her mother
Outside Paul was waiting in the garden for the first look
Hilary was excited though and quickly making her way toward Paul
I’ve come to really enjoy first look’s for those who elect to do them. For many couples, too, I hear that it really helps alleviate some of the nervous anxiousness that builds up that morning as well.
With Paul and Hilary they also wanted to get photos done before the ceremony that way they would have more time with their guests.
The paths here were great with some sunlight breaking through for backlighting. Really beautiful setting for photos.
This shot came out great. While I don’t usually ask for certain poses from my couples, sometimes you just got to do certain ones you have a feeling will work
Back in the gardens we started knocking out some of the group shots of everyone
The (almost) Mr and Mrs Barron
Hilary and the girls! So cute
Paul was looking sharp. Had to get a shot of just him
The girls being silly
Hugs! I almost missed it! haha
First position, ladies!
#lemmetakeaselfie
The entire wedding party
You guys all look great!
The calm before the ceremony.
The wedding party had been shooed off to the back rooms so the guests could start taking their seats
We’re about to get started… last shot with Miss Maxwell
Hilary about to turn the corner and see her guests
Even though Paul and Hilary did a first look I still had to get Paul’s reaction as he watched Hilary turn down the aisle
Everyone was smiling as they watched Hilary and her father walk down the aisle
This was also the point I realized how tricky lighting was going to be that day. The sun broke through the cloud cover and it got bright pretty quick
Tim starts off saying a few words and welcoming everyone
And he starts talking about Hilary and Paul and when they first started dating…
As I said earlier, and as many of you know, it was around Monica and Matt’s wedding. Both Hilary and Paul looked toward the Rettke’s in the audience and smiled.
All the girls were lucky enough have the shade to stand in as they watched the ceremony.
After a few minutes Hilary reached out and grabbed Paul’s hand
Ian, handing off the rings
Exchange of rings
Paul, saying his vows to Hilary
And Hilary saying hers to Paul
Definitely and emotional moment. I heard some sniffles through the audience from where I was knealing.
Tim, starting to give Paul vows to repeat…
And then Tim paused for just a moment.. but it was long enough that Paul thought he was done. And Paul quickly said “I do!” And then Tim, Hilary, the audience, and even Paul, started laughing and the mistake
It was definitely a great moment in the ceremony though
Monica and Matt, watching from the audience. Paul was one of Monica’s closest friends through many years of school.
Tim, wrapping up the ceremony
It’s official! Mr. and Mrs. Barron!
A blurry moment, I know, but Hilary turned and gave Paul a big hug as they got back to the patio after leaving the ceremony
Big congrats from Mom
And a hug and congrats to Paul from his father
After group photos with the families we ran down to the pond briefly to take a few more photos
Walking around seeing what else is in the immediate area
Family photos
Paul and Hilary make a guestbook from lots of photos of their travels together
But now it was time to socialize and enjoy the cocktail hour with everyone.
This is where the benefit of a first-look comes in. Paul and Hilary had an extra 40 minutes or so to talk with guests that day
Meanwhile, inside the reception area was looking great
Paul and Nick. These guys grew up together as well. Actually both of them, and myself, went through scouting together. We were all in the same troop and patrol. I also shot Nick’s wedding as well. Unfortunately his wife Melissa wasn’t able to join us this weekend.
The high school group!
All these guys (with a few additions) were friends through high school and still friends now.
The bromance between Ernesto and Matt is strong
Introductions of Mr. and Mrs. Barron before dinner is served
I actually got to sit outside with several friends, four of whom I’ve shot their weddings! So fun to catch up between running around working that night
Paul and Hilary walking tables after eating and greeting the guests.
Paul, talking with Nick and Nick’s mom. Nick’s parents were a bit part of our experience throughout scouting and the Balatoni’s have been a big part of Paul’s life through the years
Paul and Nick’s dad
Hilary, showin’ off the bling!
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell saying a few words and thanking everyone for being there
Mr. Barron got up and said a few things, too
Ian actually had some very sweet things to say about Paul. While he did of course add some humor, he spoke about Paul and who he was as a person and a man rather just tell funny stories. And that always makes for a great speech.
Shortly after speeches we all returned outside for the first dance.
And photos like these were exactly what I was expecting. They always look so happy at every other wedding I see them at… this time though their smiles were just bigger ; )
And since I don’t think many people were watching Hilary closer than I was throughout the day.. there were a lot of moments I caught like this.. where she was just looking at Paul, and smiling.
Of course I had to get a photo with my sister and brother-in-law. Family shot! Right?
I think Dale’s thought process was something like this:
“Wait, is this my jam?!”
“Someone hold my jacket!”
“Dale, what the hell am I going to do with your jacket?” – Nicole
Getting apron’d up for the cutting of the pie!
Paul and Hilary opted for four different kinds of pie instead of cake!
But it was little tricky to cut!
They took turns instead of risking feeding each other like I thought they were going to do.
And then Paul went for more right after! Haha!
Me with the bride and groom!
Had to get this photo early because I knew they’d be getting down on the dance floor most of the night afterward
Earlier that afternoon Nicole said “John! We have to get our photo together!” because she knows I always make sure to get photos with my past wedding couples. I had shot Will and Nicole’s wedding 4 1/2 years ago! And last year I also shot Nicole’s sister’s wedding. I think this makes the fifth wedding (including their own) that I’ve been at with the Machallisters!
Brooks, myself, and Dale. Two wonderful men, love these guys. They’re some of the kindest people you will meet.
Time to make things official on paper…
A couple signatures and everything is final!
Those little kids, man.. they’re quick! She beat everyone!
Garter time..
Paul stood up and threw the garter so quick I missed the actual throw! Sorry dude!
But I got a great reaction from Steffen!
Ernesto and Sarah, whose wedding I photographed last year in San Ramon
The rest of the night was a hell of a party. The weather was incredibly mild outside, particularly for Monterey.
My favorite moment with Hilary and Dale! Hahaha!
This is these two at every wedding dancing together.. ALWAYS having fun.
Paul, trying to get a little bit softer nowwwwwww
Family and friends, everyone was getting down
Who’s seen “Night at the Roxbury?”
Last dance of the night. The dance floor was still full. Lighting and weather still beautiful… and these two, still smiling
Group hugggg!!!!
A bit congrats from the DJ and the guests to the newlyweds!
And Paul leaned in to kiss his wife one last time before making their way out for the night
That’s it! I hope you guys all made it this far and enjoyed the images.
As I said many many times, it was a lot of fun to be able to shoot Paul and Hilary’s wedding. The Barron family has always been incredibly kind to me over the years, and while I didn’t know the Maxwell’s much growing up it was awesome to spend a bit of time and get to know them more, too.
These photos are nothing short of how colorful, fun, and loving I expected them to be when I first was asking about shooting their wedding. Hilary, you made a beautiful bride as we all knew you would. Paul, for someone I always knew as being a pretty quiet guy it’s been fun seeing this whole other side to you around Hilary.
Thank you both for asking me to be part of your day.