12Dec

Fun with Strangers | Creative Environmental Photos

By, December 12, 2016

Whenever an opportunity presents itself, we love a little crowd participation! By making use of our environment, and getting strangers in on the action, the results can be very fun and spontaneous. Below, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite photos with passers-by who became part of the story, including surfers, Ugly Sweater Gangs, street performers, and Santa Claus himself. Enjoy!
Breakdancers perform as bride and groom kiss in downtown san diego
During photos with Jessica and Adrian (above) outside the Ultimate Skybox, we noticed two breakdancers in the distance, getting crafty with their photobombing skills. Rather than shoo them away, we insisted they join in and show off their moves!Bride and Groom pose with funny street performers
Street performers dance with scarves around Bride after wedding ceremony
While photographing at Balboa Park, our bride Ana Flavia’s smile was contagious, as this unplanned group of women danced around her (above). Engaged couple have fun playing with Star Wars characters in Downtown San Diego
By getting creative with a scene, a couple’s natural personalities are able shine through. For example, the force was strong with Yvette and Daniel (above) during their engagement session in Seaport Village! As Daniel protected the galaxy, Yvette’s candid smile was priceless.Bride and Groom sit on ledge as skateboards do tricks around themGroom and groomsmen snapping fingers in front of brick wall with Tipsy Elves in ugly christmas sweaters
Before Sharla and Jeremy’s wedding at the Andaz Hotel, Jeremy and his groomsmen bumped into the Tipsy Elves, sporting their infamous ugly sweaters. We felt a bit of West Side Story vibe, and were inspired to stage a classic snap-off between the crews. Our groom Jeremy stepped it up, and had fun with his new “rivals”.Bride and Groom make funny faces as they pose with local street performersEngaged couple kiss on beach between two surfers
During Kaitlyn and Maxwell’s engagement session at Scripps Pier, these two paddle-boarders caught our eye (above). We asked them to pause for a quick photo, and framed their boards around the couple. This added a pop of color, and created a classic San Diego beach vibe.Bride and Groom smile and walk through row of armed service military menBeachgoer in speedo watches wedding ceremony from shoreAs Jessica and Dan exchanged rings during their destination wedding in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean, a couple of beachgoers positioned themselves perfectly in the background (above). By switching to a telephoto lens, and adjusting our focus, we documented these impromptu wedding participants. True love really does expose the best parts of us all ;)Bride and Groom sit on Santa's Lap for funny photo at Balboa ParkBride and Groom kiss in school bus with funny driver in front seatBride and Groom lay with beachgoers on Coronado BeachFunny photo of Groom getting handcuffed and arrested
Love is all about getting through the hard times (above). Groomsmen laugh behind colorful street performer
With Joshua and his groomsmen dressed sharp in their black and white suits (above), we wanted to add a ‘subtle’ dose of color into the mix ;) As this parade-goer passed by, we knew it was a perfect fit for a fun visual contrast.Engaged couple laugh and kiss while interacting with living statue street performersBride pretends to be mannequin as tourists watch in Las Vegas
For Amanda and Omar’s destination wedding at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, tourists stopped in their tracks to watch Amanda striking her best mannequin pose. Because the couple was outgoing, and willing to try goofy ideas, it allowed us to think outside the box with poses.Bride and Groom stand in door of ice cream truck after wedding ceremonyBride and Groom make funny faces at beach as photographer take photos of model in background
While photographing Kelli and Edward at Windansea Beach in La Jolla, we happened across a second photo shoot in the background. Posing the couple far enough away to avoid distraction, we had a good time reacting to the scene unfolding behind.Engaged couple stand by train with conductors at DisneylandWedding Couple Kiss as Dirtbiker performs trick

For more spontaneous moments from recent weddings, check out our full funny weddings gallery.

29Mar

Turn Down for What!? | Fun Wedding Receptions

By, March 29, 2016

After you’ve exchanged rings, and sealed the deal with a first kiss, it’s time to party! The guests have been well fed, perhaps with a cocktail (or two) and are ready to cut loose. At this point in the evening, there are many ways to get everyone in a festive mood.

For a little inspiration, we have pulled some of our favorite reception photos from recent weddings. There is a little something for everyone, including a high-energy live band, spontaneous breakdancing, and a grand sparkler exit. So let’s get this party started!

Bride and Groom stand in crowd and kiss during wedding reception

At Alison and Kevin’s wedding (above) at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the couple surprised their guests with an all-out performance. Backed by a full band, their show-stopping routine featured go-go dancers, dramatic lighting, and bursts of confetti. Within seconds, the party came alive, and guests got on their feet to join the excitement. In moments like this, we love being in the middle of the action, capturing all the energy in the room.

Guests are entertained during wedding reception with grand exit and live performancesGroom takes shot and has money throw at him during wedding reception

We also love when couples throw a few personal twists into their day. For example, the photo above shows our own staff photographer, Billy, during his reception at the Ultimate Skybox in Downtown San Diego. Paying homage to his Greek roots, Billy performed a traditional Zeibekiko dance for guests, and finished with a shot of ouzo. Adding special moments like this keeps the reception festive, while also paying homage to centuries of family tradition. Opa!

DJ plays music and performs for guests at wedding receptionWedding Guests form dance circle during wedding receptionFun, live band perform for guests during wedding receptionAerial view of outdoor reception overlooking city lights

While covering the must-have photos, we also like to explore creative angles and views of the reception area. For example, we captured the photo above by hiking to the roof of the O’Donnell House in Palm Springs, CA. From that vantage point, we were able to achieve this aerial shot of guests at Chelsey and John’s wedding, as they enjoyed the beautiful evening and dinner.

Bride serenaded by band of musicians during wedding receptionWedding Couple have fun posing with photobooth propsWedding guests being entertained by live band performanceBride and Groom celebrate during new year's eve wedding

Planning to have a photo booth during your reception? Borrow a few props and get your groove on! You just can’t beat a dance floor populated with captain hats, oversized glasses and fake mustaches, like at Courtney and Andrew’s New Year’s Eve wedding at Sunset Temple.

Close-up of DJ's hands using digital padLive band with guitarist playing during wedding receptionBride and Groom pose and have fun in photobooth Experimental photo of DJ playing during reception

We wanted to show the DJs some love too! To capture this photo from Jennifer and Jason’s wedding at Hotel del Coronado (see above), we used an experimental technique of slowing down our shutter speed and dragging the image. This allowed the natural light of the equipment and market lighting to take on new form, creating a cool frame around this mixmaster.

Wedding Guests jump into pool during wedding reception

Working up a sweat from all those fresh dance moves? Cool off with a jump in the pool! When we saw these fellas at Arianne and Julien’s wedding inching towards the water for an epic set of cannonballs (see above), our photographers were quick on their toes to freeze the action.

Colorful dancers perform dance at wedding receptionPerformer plays guitar while guests party at wedding receptionGroom prepares to throw garter during wedding reception

Hut, hut…hike! Get a little creative with your garter toss and throw something the guys will want to catch! At Darlene and Jeremy’s wedding at Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, the groom had fun putting a modern spin on this old tradition. By wrapping the garter around a football (go Chargers!), the groom prepared to hike the ball to this buddies for an epic garter catch showdown.

Groom is lifted in air by guests for hora dance

End the night on a high-note…literally! As Ashley and Tyler celebrated their reception at Park Hyatt Aviara, a few close friends swept Tyler off his feet for a fun surprise Hora towards the end of the night. The Hora dance, originating from the Balkans, comes from the words “round (dance)” and “celebration,” and is usually spontaneously prompted by guests. Because we had positioned ourselves in the middle of the excitement, we were able to capture this up-close angle, including Tyler’s priceless reaction.

Couple make grand exit using glowsticksLive performers throw performer in air as confetti goes off

Looking to get your own party started? Click here for more unforgettable moments and reception ideas :)

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