23Aug

Groom Inspiration | Photo of the Week

By, August 23, 2017

For our Photo of the Week, we’re bringing a little groom inspiration (groom-spiration?) With his white shawl lapel tux, and black bowtie, our groom Charles hit it out of the park. His ensemble was perfect for his chic wedding to Nikia at the US Grant. A look this classic deserved a solo stylized portrait! 

When photographing Charles, we couldn’t help bringing out his wistful expression and infectious smile. Enjoy :)Portrait of a handsome groom

Check out more of Nikia and Charles’ classic US Grant wedding photos

23Jun

Get Ready to Get Ready | Pre-Ceremony Tips

By, June 23, 2017

To ensure a nice flow throughout the wedding day, it is vital to start the day off right. The more we can accomplish before the ceremony, the more time we will have later to get creative with pictures of the two of you. By being prepared for us, and knowing what to expect, it helps us capture amazing photos for you!

When we first arrive, it is very important that the bride and everyone in the room be hair and makeup ready. We always suggest asking your bridal party and stylists to be finished 15-20 minutes earlier than necessary. The last thing you want to have to do is wait for a person in your bridal party! Only the bride should be putting on finishing make-up touches at this time. The groom and groomsmen should be nearly fully dressed. It will also be a good idea to put your bridal party to work to ensure the room is nice and tidy, as many photos will take place in the getting-ready area.

As you will see below, the “getting ready” portion of the wedding day is a time for many unforgettable photos. The ideal amount of photo time for this part of the day is 1.5-2 hours. If you are doing a first look, typically 2.5 hours is suggested. To maximize photo time, we designate one photographer for each spouse, which enables more coverage during this time period.

Here is a list of what to expect during the getting ready portion of your day, in chronological order:

1. Detail Photos – For the bride, this includes photos of the dress before it is put on, shoes, jewelry, florals, gifts and even invitation suites. Its a good idea to have these items ready when we arrive. For the groom this may include shoes, gifts, boutonnieres etc.

Shoe and floral detail wedding photo
Details photo of Wedding Invitiation Suite
Groom shoes and tie
Hanging wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses
Bride earrings macro shot
Hanging dress and Louboutin Shoes
Wedding dress and shoes at Rancho Valencia
Wedding invitation Suite
Detail photo of Valentino wedding shoes
Details shot of Bridal Style
Groom style at a destination wedding
Colorful red pink wedding shoes
Salvatore Ferragamo Wedding Groom Shoes

2. Candid Getting Ready Photos – For a bride, these include photos of finishing make-up touches, photos in special outfits before the dresses are on and of course putting on the dress. Putting on the dress photos occur about 20 minutes after we arrive, and typically take about 10 minutes, with the understanding that some dresses take longer than others to put on. While these shots are occurring, all of the bridesmaids and immediate family (ex. mother of the bride) should be fully dressed and ready to go.Rather than photographing a bride actually putting the dress, on we typically photograph the final lace up / zip up, along with bridesmaids/family helping with the finishing touches like shoes and jewelry. For a groom, we may photograph moments like friends/family helping with the suit, putting on shoes, and overall fun with the group.

Bride having her makeup touched up
Getting ready photo of bride and groom in their hotel rooms
Candid photo of bridesmaids wearing pjs
Groomsmen having a pillow fight
Bride getting ready pre ceremony
Fun Bridesmaids Getting Ready Photo
Fun groom adjusting hair
Bride getting ready and having fun
Candid Bride Make up Photo
Bridesmaids jumping on the bed
Bride getting ready with mother
Groom getting ready photo
Bride Getting Ready Photo
Silhouette of groom getting ready
Bride and groom finshing touches wedding photos
Bride and proud mother at wedding
Glamor photo of Bride
Getting ready photo at the Machester Grand Hyatt

3. Individual and Group Portraits Next, we will photograph some formal and stylized shots of the wedding couple in the room, and around the property. This is also the time for fun and formal  portraits with each individual bridesmaid /groomsman, along with full group shots. Including family members is optional at this point, as there is usually time (after the ceremony) specifically set aside for family photos.

Stunning bride in glamorous dress
Groomsmen style portrait
Bride with accessories lying down
Portraits of bridesmaids at a wedding
Dapper Groom
Bohemian bridesmaids having fun
Stylized portraits of bride and groom
Groomsmen with American Flag
Portraits of handsome groom and beautiful bride
Groomsmen having fun
Photos of brides pre ceremony
Groomsmen Style on A Playground
Stylized portraits of bride groom
Bride with Maid of Honor and dapper groom
Beautiful bride at a destination wedding
Creative Wedding Photography
Groomsmen being silly before the wedding ceremony
Beautiful Bride in San Marcos, California
Creative Groomsmen Photo
Bride smelling flower
Photos of Bride and Bridesmaids
Glamor photos of stunning brides

4. More Photos! Additional photo opportunities may take place throughout the getting ready portion, such as a gift exchange, a no-look meeting with each other, or even a first look with the Bride’s father. These can make for some unforgettable images. Then, before the ceremony, it’s a good idea to schedule in a 15 minute break. This allows you to decompress, and to get ready for the big moment.

Candid Photo of Bride writing vows
First look with father and bride reading note from groom
Bride and groom prayer
Bride reading card from Groom
Emotional Father and Bride
Boudoir album for Groom
Bride and groom exchange gifts before ceremony
Bride opening gift from Groom
Bride right before the ceremony

With all of this said, it’s important to remember that a wedding is a live event! Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, it is important to be adaptable. Embrace the excitement of the day, and we’ll be right there to capture amazing photos :)

Check out more unforgettable getting ready wedding images.

19Dec

Kate & Eric | Bali Hai Wedding

By, December 19, 2016

Kate and Eric reside in Washington D.C., and absolutely love the city of San Diego. They have visited multiple times, and have discussed moving here in the future. So it was only fitting that their destination wedding was held in ‘America’s Finest City’.

For the wedding venue, Kate and Eric chose the picturesque Bali Hai Restaurant, an enchanting Polynesian eatery. With its tropical elements, and sweeping views of San Diego’s harbor, this location made for a very vibrant day! Grab a Mai Tai and enjoy our selection of images :)

Wedding kiss on a dock

Beautiful bride make-up

Kate and Eric got ready at Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn, a beachy resort within walking distance of the Bali Hai.

Bride and Groom stylized portraits

During the “getting ready” portion, we captured stylized solo portraits of Eric and Kate.

Wedding shoe detail photo

We also made sure to capture fun details, such as Kate’s colorful kicks.

Getting ready at Humphry's Resort

We love finding intriguing angles to capture getting ready shots.

Getting ready at a destination wedding

To get this clean shot of Eric, we used a special lens to bring extra attention to him.

Wedding kiss on a dock

Groom shoes, bowtie and bouttonierre

Mother and Sister with Bride at Humphry's

tropical wedding ceremony site

Fun Bridal Party

Colorful and Tropical bridesmaid bouquet

We love these super cool florals by Moments in Bloom.

Colorful wedding at San Diego harbor

To achieve this high-angle shot, we mounted our camera on a tripod, and used a wide-angle lens.

Bride and Groom Kiss under and arbor with flower petals

For this romantic photo, we asked guests to shower the newlyweds with flower petals. Everyone was happy to take part!

Romantic wedding photo on a pier

To achieve candid photos, like this one, we initially posed Kate and Eric in a specific way. Then we let their personalities take over :)

Bride and groom tropical destination wedding

In order to highlight the beautiful location, we made use of a wide-angle shot. The pier, and its leading lines, helped draw focus to this dynamic duo!

Wedding love in San Diego harbor

After the ceremony, there was scheduled time for us to photograph around the Bali Hai. The time was put to good use, as there are so many great spots!

Bali Hai San Diego Wedding

In the spirit of their venue and theme, Kate and Eric gave out Polynesian mugs as party favors (above left).

Wedding kiss at the ceremony

Happy Bride at destination wedding

Wedding Party and groom style at the Bali Hai

Wide angle San Diego Wedding hot

Bride and groom seaside portrait

Wedding Venue

Bride and Groom at the Bali Hai

Lovely wedding photo at San Diego Harbor

It’s awesome when time can be blocked out for sunset photos. The quality of light is very pretty (above).

Table decor at a wedding

High angle wedding table photo

Close up shot of diamond ring and wedding bands

For the macro ring shot above, we placed the rings (by Mark Broumand) on Kate’s mother’s clutch. This brought out their true brilliance.

First Dance at Bali Hai Restaurant

Photo of guests dancing at Bali Hai

Candid wedding dancing photo

For this action dance shot, we used a shutter drag technique.

Night photography of bride and groom on a pier

In the photo above, we used creative lighting to illuminate the Kate and Eric. We love sneaking out during the reception for night shots like these!

Night wedding photo in front of San Diego skyline

Congrats to Kate and Eric… We hope to see you both in SD soon!!

Wedding Day Vendors

Venue: Bali Hai
Gifts and Favors: Bali Hai
Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Stacey
Disc Jockey: Bill Calhoun Mobile Music
Lighting and Decor: Brilliant Event Lighting
Bakery: Extraordinary Desserts
Jeweler: Mark Broumand
Arch and Arbor: Moments in Bloom
Florist: Moments in Bloom
Wedding Dress: Pronovias
Coordinator: Serendipity Events
Officiant: Two Rings Wedding Officiant