Irene's outfit: bridal gown, borrowed diamond studs and pearl necklace

Nick's outfit: Macy's suit and tie

Flowers: Flowers by Laurel

I met Irene in my Baroque Interpretation class at USC. We would play (mainly) Bach for the small class and then critique each other. Irene is a beautiful pianist who recently graduated from USC with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. She's played with a variety of artists, from choirs to classical soloists to an Afro-Cuban group. She's also my friend and I had the wonderful pleasure of photographing her for her promotional material in May 2012.

Irene met Nick, a percussionist, sometime in 2012 during a rehearsal. Nick just walked in (apparently, uninvited) and started eating her garlic chicken dish that she had laid out for her musician friends. Amazed by the fact that she had used whole garlic cloves and that it just tasted so damn right, he insisted that he felt like he knew this person who had cooked it. Irene was intrigued and thus began their story.

Nick makes Irene laugh. You get a sense of ease and knowingness that usually comes after years of being with someone. They crack jokes. They make you feel welcome.

Running a little late, there was a nervous flutter in the air as Irene and her bridesmaids changed into their wedding attire (black was the theme) in the tiny bridal suite at La Venta Inn. Pantyhose, shoes, and makeup were strewn about. Champagne was poured. Laughter was flowing.

Nick and his guys hung out with the groomsmens' kids as they waited.

Irene and Nick met each other at the alter overlooking the ocean and LA.

It had just rained. Although the grass was soggy and the air was cool, Irene and Nick were married beneath a warm sunset. Beautiful music was sung by Irene's brother, Dominic; her friend, Kaia Richards; and the choir that she accompanies, the Beverly Hills High School Madrigal Singers.

The two spent a few minutes together before they rejoined us, laughing.

Now, it was time to celebrate amid the spicy, jaunty music of Nick's band, SitaraSon. It could've been Havana. We all danced before and after dinner, not caring if shoes were discarded or if drinks splashed from a quick spin. Irene and Nick had a moment together during their first dance.

Deciding that the dancing had to continue, we reconvened at a nearby hotel, singing and reveling on the fourth floor lobby. Hotel guests couldn't help but stop to listen and tap their feet along with the drum beat.