Serra Cross Park Wedding in Ventura, CA — Cloudy Skies, Soft Light, and So Much Love
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Locations: Serra Cross Park (ceremony & portraits), Orozco’s in Ventura (reception)
Photographed by: Melissa of Amori Weddings
Some love stories start with a swipe; this one began with a tweet. These two met in an EDM chat on Twitter, and even though they now live in Las Vegas, their families are spread across Northern California and Bishop, CA—so Ventura became the perfect “meet-in-the-middle” place to say “I do.”
A Perfectly-Timed Cloudy Day at Serra Cross Park
Two days before the wedding, Ventura got rare late-summer rain. For the three weeks prior? Bluebird skies. But at 3:00 p.m. on their wedding day, the clouds rolled in and gifted Melissa the dream setup: soft, even light. The famous ocean view at Serra Cross Park hid behind the marine layer, but that moody backdrop made skin tones creamy, colors rich, and the whole ceremony feel intimate and cinematic.
Ceremony length: ~30 minutes
Afterward: 45–60 minutes of family groups, friends, and bride & groom portraits
Fast, Joyful Family Photos (Without the Squinting)
Post-ceremony, we organized family and group photos efficiently—no harsh sun, no squinting, and plenty of natural softness. Cloud cover meant we could position everyone almost anywhere around the cross without battling shadows, so the pacing stayed relaxed and the smiles stayed real.
Portraits That Feel Like Them
With the light doing its thing, Melissa moved through a mix of movement-based prompts and quiet, close moments—walking hand-in-hand, tiny spins, forehead-to-forehead whispers—so their portraits feel like the two of them: playful, romantic, and a little bit EDM-kid at heart.
Reception at Orozco’s, Ventura
From there, everyone headed to Orozco’s—a charming, greenery-filled outdoor space that felt like a secret garden. Think: antique wardrobes and doors, a sweet little waterfall fountain with parakeets, and layered tropical plants that make every corner photogenic. The pretty details the couple chose looked right at home among the vintage pieces and lush textures.
Why Ventura Was the Right Choice
Central for families: With loved ones coming from Northern California and Bishop, Ventura kept travel fair for everyone.
All-in-one scenery: Serra Cross Park gives you coastal ambiance without the sand logistics.
Clouds = magic: Don’t fear marine layers—clouds create flattering, glowy light, especially for afternoon ceremonies.
Timeline at a Glance
3:00 p.m. Ceremony at Serra Cross Park (≈30 min)
3:30–4:30 p.m. Family, friends, and couple portraits (≈45–60 min)
4:30–6:00 p.m. Reception at Orozco’s, Ventura