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

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 :)

26Jan

Bring it on, El Niño!

By, January 26, 2016

If you’ve been anywhere near San Diego these last few weeks, chances are you’ve felt the wrath El Niño has had on our sunny shores. But a little rain never stopped us before :) By booking talented photographers who know their craft, and how to handle the elements, you’ll see how rain can easily be turned into a dynamic and creative photo opportunity.

Here are a few fun ways to embrace the rain, and to show the weather who is boss.

1. Jump Into It

We add drama and emotion to your photos by taking control of the weather, and by using light in creative ways. As the clouds draw in, and the sprinkles come down, we’re ready use the rain to your advantage.
Couple kissing in rain holding umbrellaCouple Kiss in Rain

Couples Holding Umbrellas in Rain

2. Reflections

Another innovative way to add edge to your wedding memories is to transform an ordinary puddle into a sea of reflection. This technique adds a cool, modern twist to your images.
Couple hold hands by rain puddle

Couple kiss by puddle on rainy day

3. Rainy Day Props

When facing stormy weather, don’t forget to include some fun! Rainy day props such as umbrellas or rainbows introduce a splash of color and youthful energy into your images.
Bridesmaids with UmbrellasGroomsmen holding blue umbrellaCouple kiss in rain under umbrella

4. Capture the Clouds

When skies turn gray, and clouds begin to roll in, don’t forget to look up! The muted blues of the sky add drama and intensity to the scene, which turns the landscape from dull to epic.
Bride and Groom kissing in front of Unique TreeBride and Groom standing together with red umbrella and lightning
A true classic (above). During a lightning storm, we photographed a couple hanging on to a metal umbrella, while holding a metal camera at 5,500 feet elevation. Was this the smartest idea? Probably not… But if it was going to be the last photo we ever took, we made sure to make it amazing! No, this isn’t a Photoshopped lighting bolt, as many often think ;)

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