If you’ve ever dreamed of a fairytale wedding with cinematic flair, Sarah and Donovin’s celebration at The Clovis Castle in Fresno, CA will steal your heart. As The Clovis Castle wedding photographer and videographer team, we’ve captured hundreds of love stories across California — but this one felt straight out of an epic romance film. From the sweeping castle grounds to the golden-hour portraits that wrapped the day in magic, every moment was dripping with emotion, elegance, and intentionality.

The Setting: The Clovis Castle

Perched in the rolling hills of Fresno County, The Clovis Castle feels like stepping into another world. The stone architecture, arched entryways, and surrounding gardens gave the perfect mix of grandeur and intimacy. As Sarah slipped into her gown, the soft light spilling through the castle windows created a painterly calm before the celebration began.

Outside, guests were greeted by panoramic valley views and the distant hum of live acoustic music echoing through the courtyard. Every detail — from the floral arch framed by climbing ivy to the vintage-inspired table settings — reflected Sarah and Donovin’s timeless, European-inspired vision.

The Ceremony: Romance Among the Castle Walls

The ceremony took place in the heart of the courtyard, surrounded by towering stone walls that made the moment feel both private and monumental. Donovin’s reaction as he saw Sarah walk down the aisle was one of those genuine, tear-filled expressions that makes us so thankful for our work — the kind of raw emotion that still gives us goosebumps during editing.

The couple exchanged vows under a floral arch bursting with soft creams, blush, and greenery — tones that played perfectly with the castle’s warm textures. As they shared their first kiss, sunlight poured through the archway, turning the scene into pure gold.

Golden Hour Portraits

Golden hour at The Clovis Castle might just be one of our favorite sights in California. The light hit the stone walls in a way that turned every corner into a cinematic backdrop. We guided Sarah and Donovin through the castle gardens and open fields as the sun dipped below the horizon, capturing both sweeping, editorial-style portraits and those small, in-between glances that tell the real story.

For video, the castle’s textures and light allowed us to weave slow-motion moments and rich, filmic tones that truly matched their romantic energy.

The Reception: A Sacred Beginning and a Joyful Night

As the sun set and the celebration transitioned into the evening, Sarah and Donovin began their reception with a deeply meaningful act — a foot-washing ceremony. In front of their family and friends, they knelt before one another and washed each other’s feet, symbolizing humility, service, and the foundation of love they were building their marriage upon.

It was one of those rare, reverent moments where time seemed to pause. The room was quiet, except for soft music in the background and a few sniffles from teary-eyed guests. Capturing this on film was powerful — every motion, every look of tenderness, told its own story.

Afterward, the courtyard came alive under twinkling market lights and a deep Fresno night sky. The couple shared their first dance surrounded by loved ones, laughter echoing off the stone. The energy shifted from heartfelt to joyful — a perfect balance of sacred and celebratory.

The rest of the night unfolded in the best way possible: dancing under the stars, champagne toasts, candid laughter, and an unforgettable sparkler exit that felt straight out of a movie.

Ready to Capture your own Fairytale Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at The Clovis Castle or anywhere across Fresno County or Central California, we’d love to tell your story through cinematic photo and video. Whether your style leans romantic, editorial, or documentary — we focus on the little moments that make your day uniquely yours.

Let’s capture your love story in a way that feels timeless.

Vendor Team

• Venue: The Clovis Castle
• Photo & Video: Sarah and Brent Photography