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!

12Apr

Founders Chapel | University of San Diego

By, April 12, 2016

Founders Chapel is a house of worship located on the University of San Diego campus. Dating back to 1953, the chapel was built for what was then the San Diego College for Women. Today, it is a popular ceremony location, and is exclusive to USD students, alumni and staff. We love photographing at this classical and traditional site, and incorporating the venue’s details into memorable ceremony photographs.

Couples takes advantage having two photographers at their wedding

Having two photographers means being able to document ceremony moments from multiple perspectives, as in the photos above.

0029Anaissa_Paulo_pf-1 Couples takes advantage having two photographers at their wedding

The broad and open space of the venue allows us to capture unique vantage points, like the one below.

This Catholic wedding incorporates tradition during their Founders Chapel USD ceremony. This Catholic wedding incorporates tradition during their Founders Chapel USD ceremony. This Catholic wedding incorporates tradition during their USD ceremony.The Father of the bride hugs the groom during a ceremony at Founders Chapel at USDBride and groom seal the deal with a kiss at Founders Chapel in San Diego

To capture unexpected point-of-view images, we look for opportunities such as the balcony, which has railings and gates that can be photographed through.

Combining creative techniques to capture a wedding at Founders Chapel USD Aerial Shot of the exiting bridal party at Founders Chapel USD Combining creative techniques to capture a wedding at Founders Chapel USD

The interior and exterior archways add drama and symmetry, which helps to create elegantly composed images, like the ones below.

A backlit portrait taken at the entrance of the Founders Chapel. Founders Chapel USD's most photogenic locations

For creative couple portraits, we love making use of the surrounding campus areas, in addition to the ceremony space.

A groom tilts his new bride back for a fashionable kiss near the gates of Founders chapel.Upholding Military traditions a Founders Chapel USD

Whenever weather permits, the lush green campus lends itself to a nice variety of outdoor photo backdrops.

A Bridal Party laughs it up as they take a group photo at the Founders Chapel. Portrait with the Wedding Party after thier ceremony at Founders Chapel

Check out more beautiful images of Founders Chapel.

24Mar

First Congregational Church of Los Angeles | Christine and Jin

By, March 24, 2016

Christine and Jin tied the knot at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. This church, which is one of the most spectacular in America, is located just minutes away from downtown LA, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Interestingly, the sanctuary of the church has been featured in productions such as Mr. Deeds, Spider-Man 2, National Treasure, Ugly Betty, and The West Wing. As a ceremony site, the First Congregational Church was especially appropriate for Christine and Jin, because Christine’s dad is the Pastor :)

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Christine and Jin’s photography timeline included a first look prior to the ceremony. This enabled us to capture Jin’s first reaction to his bride in her wedding dress. While shooting, we made use of a wide-angle lens, allowing us to incorporate details of the building into specific portraits.

cj100037Christine_Jin_pf0038Christine_Jin_pf0039Christine_Jin_pf

To ensure lots of coverage during the ceremony, given the immensity of the room, we actually had three photographers in action.

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The first photographer was located up front, near the pew, capturing the ceremony up close.

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The second photographer was in the balcony, taking overall photos and overhead views of the guests.

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The third photographer was situated in the back, shooting details like the bride’s dress as she walked down the aisle.

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The newlyweds held their reception at Stuart Hall Gallery, situated on the church grounds. One advantage to having the ceremony and reception on the same property is that attendees are able to mingle right away, enjoy dinner and congratulate the newlyweds.

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For more of Christine and Jin’s beautiful church wedding, please click here.

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