13Jun

Orfila Vineyard Wedding | Brittany and Matt

By, June 13, 2017

Sitting on a picturesque hillside in the San Pasqual Valley lies Orfila Vineyard where Brittany and Matt held their classic outdoor vineyard wedding. Located on 70 acres of property, the vineyard offers timeless rustic features in addition to the boundless fields of trellised grapes.  We had fun using the vintage cellar rooms in contrast to the natural foliage outside to create a diversity of looks with a minimal amount of space.

The photos below capture the elegant, romantic spirit of Brittany and Matt’s special day. Here is a selection of our favorites!

Groom holds Brides hand at vineyard
Bride wedding dress and shoes
Brittany wore this elegant cream-colored wedding dressed by Elle Bridal. The dress was pairedwith flats by Betsey Johnson, which added in a hint of glitter.
Bride looking in mirror and getting ready before ceremony
Bride's vow book and jewelry
Bride and Groom before wedding ceremony
Groom suit jacket on wine barrels
As Matt finished getting ready, we had fun using the room's cellar backdrop for photos.
Groomsmen helping Groom get ready
Custom signage at wedding ceremony
Father gives away bride during wedding ceremony
Wedding Couple at Vineyard wedding ceremony
Bride crying while groom reads vows
In addition to stylized portraits, we love capturing candids throughout the day. For example, as Matt recited his vows during the ceremony (above), Brittany pulled out a tissue to dry her tears. It's small moments like these that can hold big emotion!
Bride reads vows during wedding ceremony
Laughing groom during wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom share First Kiss
Bride and Groom smile during bubble exit
Funny wedding bridal party at vineyard
Bride and Groom smiling in vineyard
Funny Bridesmaids hold up bouquets
Groomsmen scattered in cellar room at vineyard
Bride and Groom at vineyard on wedding day
While the venue's exterior offered a classic vineyard look, with lots of natural foliage, the metal tanks in the cellar provided a clean, modern aesthetic. Playing with the two opposing styles created a fun juxtaposition!
wedding couple with bridal party in cellar room at vineyard
Smiling bridesmaids wearing seafoam green dresses
Stylish groomsmen wearing glasses
Sweetheart table and cake at wedding reception
Tented rustic wedding reception at vineyard
Bride and Groom share first dance during wedding reception
Bride and groom listen to toasts during wedding reception
Bride and Groom dance with parents during parent dance at reception
Bride and Groom cut rustic wedding cake during reception
Night photo of bride and groom during sunset
Bride and Groom kissing in cellar room at vineyard
Funny night photo of bride and groom during wedding reception

Congratulations to this happy couple! For more, check out our gallery of Brittany and Matt’s classic outdoor wedding at Orfila Vineyard.

Venue: Orfila Vineyards
Officiant: Rev Don Toshach
Wedding Dress: Elle Bridal
Musician: Coriander
Bakery: VG Donut & Bakery
CatererBehind the Scenes Catering & Events
Linens and RentalBehind the Scenes Catering & Events

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!

30May

Memorial Day | Love and Valor

By, May 30, 2016

The military presence runs deep here in San Diego, and many of us come from families with military backgrounds. We greatly appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice made by the brave men and women who serve our country, and love photographing weddings for active and retired service members. To pay tribute to our local servicemen from the Army, Airforce, Navy and Marines, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite moments from military weddings throughout the year.

Military Groom and Bride pose with classic Ford car after wedding in Julian, California Military Groomsmen in uniform pose with classic cars and american flag

During Boo and Michael’s wedding at The Westin San Diego (above left), our photographers arrived early, and discovered this American flag mural on a nearby building. We were amazed by the striking visual of Michael’s clean white uniform set against the patriotic hues of the flag.

Groom with Navy military Groomsmen dressed in Blues Military Wedding Couples get ready for the Wedding Day and pose for portraits in Hotel Bride looks at camera while hugging military groomMilitary Groom poses with group of Bridesmaids before wedding ceremony

You have to love a guy in uniform (above). Before Ashley and Andrew tied the knot at Founder’s Chapel at USD, the bridesmaids pulled Andrew in for one last photo. By having two photographers documenting the day, we were able to capture this moment while Ashley remained hidden from guests.

Military Couples celebrate after tying the knotMilitary Groom in Uniform kisses Bride as they hold Thank you Sign Military Wedding Couples celebrate with Arch of Swords after ceremony

After Ayami and Bryan’s ceremony (above left), the new couple made their way through the Arch of Swords. As a comical “welcome to the military” gesture, officers gently swatted at Ayami’s behind. Her candid reaction to the moment speaks volumes! We love freezing moments like these filled with genuine emotion.

Bride and Navy military Groom exit ceremony laughingMilitary Groom and Bride hold hands and lean in for kiss by red paintingMilitary Wedding Couples enjoy intimate moments during wedding day ceremony in San DiegoBride and Military Groom dip for kiss in front of white fence and beach after wedding in Coronado, CaliforniaClose-up of military bride's yellow bouquetBride poses with wedding guests as they laugh while wearing navy military hats

To show our respect and give back in a small way, our studio offers an ongoing 10% discount for all active and retired military couples. To inquire about your own wedding, please visit our Package Customizer for details, and be sure to contact us with any questions.

Military Groom picks up Bride for fun wedding couple portrait under white gazebo

Check out more inspiration from recent San Diego military weddings :)

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