08Dec

Stylish So-Cal Destination Wedding | Karla and Jaime

By, December 08, 2016

Today’s post features our neighbors to the North, Canadians Karla and Jaime :) This Vancouver duo traded parkas for flip flops, and headed to sunny San Diego for a stylish destination wedding. Fortunately, our city came through with bright blue skies, and an all-around amazing day for the happy couple!

Bride and Groom embrace on rock during Sunset

The ceremony was a traditional Catholic mass, and was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chula Vista.

Exterior of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Chula Vista, California
Father's candid reaction to walking bride down aisle during church ceremony
Bird's eye view of church wedding ceremony from balcony
As photographers, we are always thinking on our feet, and looking for new perspectives. For example, during Karla and Jaime’s ceremony, we wanted to show the immense ceilings and scale of the church (above). We spotted an elevated area in the back of the room, and this gave us a unique bird’s eye view. From this vantage point, we were able to pull back, and capture the ceremony in its entirety.

Bride and Groom laughing during church ceremonyBride and Groom share romantic First Kiss during Catholic church ceremony at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chula VistaBride and Groom's candid smiles as they walk down aisle after first kiss at Our Lady of Guadalupe church
Bride and Groom embrace one another under wedding veilGroom dips Bride for kiss in front of Hotel Del Coronado
We loved the timelessness of Karla’s traditional cathedral veil, and Jaime’s distinguished bowtie. So after the ceremony, we set the couple in front of the Hotel Del Coronado and used the wind to our advantage (above). With a natural breeze, and friend nearby to help, we were able to incorporate a bit of motion, and bring life to the fabric.
Groom's fun reaction to playing with Bride at Hotel Del Coronado
Then, because every San Diego adventure needs a beach, we headed to Coronado! We couldn’t help but throw in a few twists, such as surprising the couple with a game of Smash Ball (above). This impromptu competition brought motion and playfulness into a relaxed environment.

Bridal Party pulling apart wedding couple for fun portraitFor a bit of fun, we invited Karla and Jaime’s bridal party along for a game of tug of war (above). We love how committed everyone was to the moment!Bridesmaid have fun showing off legs in pink dresses by David's BridalGroom and Groomsmen stand on sea wall at Hotel Del CoronadoBride and Groom smile candidly as they run on Coronado BeachBridal party with wedding couple on rocks at Coronado BeachSide profile of Bride looking away as Groom looks at her from background

For a unique portrait (above), we placed Karla in the foreground, and focused on her profile. Then, we asked Jamie to fix his eyes on Karla, which he was happy to do! We love the energy of the leading lines, and how they draw you into the image.

Bride and Groom hold hands on rocks at beach

As the sun began to set (above), we used a nearby seawall as a backdrop, and showed off Karla’s stunning Romona Keveza mermaid dress. With so many vivid colors in the sky, the natural light illuminated the couple with a radiant glow.

Bride and Groom hold hands in front of Hotel Del Coronado
Individual portraits of bride and groom on wedding day at Hotel Del CoronadoBridal Party cheers in front of vintage taxiOur very own CEO Aaron Feldman acted as ambassador, and escorted the wedding party around San Diego (above). Riding in style, the group went in his vintage 1977 Brooklyn Checker Cab Limo. By converting the image into black-and-white, we gave the photo a classic look that matched its old-school style.

Black and white photo of bride and groom embracing in vintage limo

On the way to the reception at the Star of the Sea Event Center in downtown San Diego, we noticed Karla and Jaime enjoying a sweet moment together (above). By remaining unobtrusive, we were able to freeze time and preserve the subtlety of the moment.

Bride and Groom cheer and dance during Grand EntranceGuests cheer on as Bride and Groom celebrate their First DanceGroom kisses Bride at Sweetheart TableCute flowergirls on Dancefloor

These two adorable flower girls literally got on the dance floor! (above)

Bride and Groom smile at camera for champagne toast during reception

Because there were so many guests traveling from all over the world, we pulled everyone together for a photo (below). With the couple leaning in for a kiss, we had the crowd gather around and cheer, for an unforgettable finale to the night!

Guests join wedding couple on dance floor for group photo

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of  Guadalupe 
Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Makeup: King Cardoza Studio –  Makeup by Christina
Disc Jockey: DJ Frank Pompeo
Photobooth: Pixel Photo Booth
Bakery: Sweet as Bliss
Lighting and Decor: San Diego Party Rentals
Linens and Rental: San Diego Party Rentals
Reception Venue: Star of the Sea Event Center

Check out more classic moments from Karla and Jaime’s stylish destination wedding!

06Jun

Sunset Cliffs Engagement Session | Andrea and George

By, June 06, 2016

George is from Hawaii, and he and bride-to be Andrea requested a tropical beach engagement shoot. We ultimately decided on Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach, which is famous for its sweeping oceanfront view. We timed the shoot around the gorgeous sunset, also made use of the surrounding neighborhood for extra variety in the photos. It was a fun shoot with this happy and personable couple, and we hope you enjoy the highlights below :)

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Check out more recommended San Diego engagement photo shoot locations, including more of our favorite spots for beach engagement photos.

16Mar

La Valencia | Classic Venue with a Modern Twist

By, March 16, 2016

La Valencia is a vintage Spanish-stye San Diego hotel overlooking La Jolla Cove. With a colorful history dating back to 1926, this old-school gem has color flourishes throughout, and stunning panoramic ocean views. The venue’s tropical garden is tranquil and breathtaking, and is an undeniably gorgeous place to exchange wedding vows.

Couple lean in for kiss overlooking ocean at La ValenciaBeautiful Brides in at La ValenciaBride poses with blue wedding shoes at La Valencia

As photographers, we love finding new, creative ways to put a fresh spin on this old-world venue.

Bride looks out from balcony during pre ceremonyGroomsmen walk down city street near La Valencia

We have our favorite spots also, such as the hotel’s vibrant pink exterior, gorgeous tiled walls, and hand-painted murals.

Groom standing in front of textile wall at La Valencia Aerial view of couple's wedding ceremony at La Valencia HotelCollaged image of ceremony details at La Valencia HotelBride and Groom lean in for kiss out on balcony at La ValenciaModern Couples pose in front of colorful textile walls at La Valencia HotelBride and Groom lean in for an artistic photo of them kissing down stairwell Bride and Groom lean in for kiss with dramatic back lightCouples explore the artistic, urban neighborhood next to La Valencia Hotel for creative backgrounds

The surrounding La Jolla neighborhood is a treasure trove of photo opportunities. There are colorful buildings, city backdrops, and the famous La Jolla Cove, all within a four minute walk.

Bridal Party dressed in grey and pink walk across street in La Jolla Bride posed with fun groomsmen bridal party at La Jolla Cove

After the ceremony, the nearby beach is an inviting place for couples to relax, have a quick photo session, and refresh before rejoining friends and family. The vivid hues, natural surroundings, and soft light create a sense of timeless intimacy, resulting in beautiful portraits. It is an amazing way to spend the first few moments as a newly married couple :)

Couple pose in front of sunset sky at La Jolla CoveCollage of classic wedding receptions at the Verandah Ball Room and Terrace in La Valencia Hotel

As the day crosses over into evening, it’s time to celebrate at La Valencia’s Verandah Ballroom and Terrace. Sitting high above the property, this room provides magnificent views, and is furnished with crystal chandeliers and stylish checkered floors. This elegant setting is perfect for a dramatic grand entrance, and will enchant guests as they party the night away.

Elegant room photo of couple's wedding reception at La Valencia HotelBride and Groom share first dance at La Valencia HotelGuests at wedding reception have fun with photoboothUrban night photo from the outside of La Valencia HotelBride and Groom kiss and toast champagne

For more of our favorite weddings photographed at La Valencia Hotel, please visit this link.

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