30Oct

Rustic Mountain Wedding | Dalen and Dave

By, October 30, 2017

Dalen and Dave held their rustic outdoor wedding at the historic Bailey’s Palomar Resort. This 60-acre venue, established in 1888, sits high up in the Palomar mountains. The property is lined with century-old walnut trees and vintage details, and doubles as a lush campground. It was an amazing location for a weekend wedding getaway!

Throughout the weekend, friends and family were invited to partake in games, craft beer and nature. We loved Dalen and Dave’s fun, outgoing personalities, and enjoyed photographing at such a unique venue. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the occasion!

Night photo of bride and groom at Bailey's Palomar Resort
For the image above, we wanted to bring out the warm, romantic glow of the cabin in the background. To accomplish this, we first placed an LED light on Dalen and Dave. We then added a backlight, which created separation between them and the dark wood cabin.
Exterior photo of rustic cabin
Father of Bride helps Bride getting ready
As Dalen wrapped up her final touches, we had her dad hold up a mirror while we photographed over her shoulder. This allowed us to capture both Dalen and her dad's reactions at once.
Love note on Bride's shoes
We noticed Dave had left this sweet hand-written note on Dalen's shoes as a surprise. This detail spoke volumes as a heartwarming and subtle gesture. We wanted to preserve the moment with a timeless photo.
Bride putting on earrings before wedding ceremony
Funny photo of Bride with Flowergirl after rustic wedding ceremony
Night photo of bride and groom at rustic venue
Rustic bride with vintage truck on wedding day
Rustic details at wedding ceremony
Paying homage to the property's rustic qualities, Dalen and Dave incorporated a variety of wildflowers, along with this antique gate from the Architecture Salvage in Little Italy. For an extra pop of color, the couple added florals by Rosemary Duff for a creative DIY wedding arch.
Rustic outdoor wedding ceremony at bailey's palomar resort
Bride and Groom reactions during rustic outdoor wedding ceremony
Bride laughing candidly during vows during outdoor wedding ceremony
Rustic bride and Groom before outdoor wedding
We love playing off different sides of a couple's personalities!
Bride and Groom kiss under wedding veil after rustic wedding ceremony
Bride pretends to hit groom with bouquet
Rustic Bouquet designed by Rosemary Duff
This stunning bouquet, designed by Rosemary Duff paired beautifully with the day's rustic overtones. Decorated with an array of wildflowers, the King Protea served as the bouquetu2019s main focal piece.
Funny photo of bride kissing Groom on Cheek
Individual portraits of bride and groom before wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom kissing on flatbed truck after their rustic wedding ceremony
Rustic wedding reception in mountains
Rustic wedding reception in mountains The reception was held on the site's dance hall, which provided a classic wood cabin feel.
Rustic flowers and framed poster details at wedding reception
The reception's interior was lined with farmhouse tables and burlap linens, provided by Rustic Events. The hanging string lights added to the warm, romantic look.
Indoor wedding reception inside wood cabin at bailey's palomar resort
Bride and Groom share first dance during rustic wedding reception
Rustic Wedding Details
Bride and groom's funny reactions while holding beer glass during reception
Beer Glass wedding favor
Joined by their love for San Diego craft beer, Dalen and Dave gifted guests with customized snifter glasses.
Drinking themed details at rustic reception
Later, the couple shared a drink from the German Wedding Cup (left) as a way to honor tradition, and have fun celebrating their love.
Bride and Groom laughing during toasts at reception
Custom Bear wedding cake topper

Check out more memories from Dalen and Dave’s rustic mountain wedding!

Venue: Bailey’s Palomar Resort
Florist: Rosemary Duff
Make-up: Skin Care Studio
Musician: Mike Officer
Custom Furniture: Rustic Events
Linens and Rental: Rustic Events
Caterer: Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
Event Beverage Service: Stacy’s Event Bartending Service

24Aug

Should I Have A Wedding Shot List?

By, August 24, 2017

From our perspective, there are a few scenarios where a short list is helpful, such as a list of family pictures. As well, if there is a shot you have been dreaming about, we definitely want to know. But typically, we find we can be more fun and creative for you by getting to know you, as opposed to going straight down a list. By talking together, starting early in the booking process, we are able to learn much more about you. We find out what is important to you, and how you interact as a couple. By preparing in advance, and then letting the day happen naturally, we can capture the most genuine and spontaneous moments. 

bride and bridesmaids getting ready with champagne
Lists and Pinterest boards can be a great way to describe your sense of style in a few photos. But they can also be constricting. Giving artistic freedom allows your photographer to create images that are personal and original to your special day!
Groom laughing with groomsmen
Bride Details on Wedding Day
Groomsmen Gifts in Hotel Room
If there are special details, important family, and surprise events, these are examples of things to talk over in advance with your photographer! Not necessarily as a shot list, but as a heads up, so the details can be worked out. That way, we can reserve time to capture things creatively.
Funny Bride and Groom during First Look
On Synthia and Yupeng's wedding day at Estancia (above), the couple wanted to have a moment together before the ceremony with a First Look. For a bigger surprise, we asked Synthia to strike a funny pose before Yupeng turned around. Because we got to know each other, we knew Synthia would be on board :)
Bride and Groom reactions during wedding ceremony
By avoiding memorized lists of poses, your photographer will be able to focus more on the magic of the moment, as well as candid expressions, and the best artistic angles.
0059Kelli_Chad
Bride and Groom re-enact First Kiss after Wedding Ceremony
Group Photo during wedding ceremony
Bride and Groom with Parents on Wedding Day
Bride selfie with parents
During family portraits, we make it a point to capture individual photos of you with all your closest family members. We love it when the whole family gets into the spirit!
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Fun Bride and Groom showing off Shoes
On Owen Brenna and George's wedding day at the Andaz Hotel, we arrived early to find this amazing modern bath in Owen Brenna's room. After draining and waterproofing everything, we had her hop in for a fun photo. The moment was totally unscripted, and totally awesome!
Groom carries Bride for funny photo at La Jolla Cove
creative modern wedding couple
Wedding Couple embrace on cliff at Sunset
As the sun set during Nicole and Brandon's wedding at Scripps Seaside Forum, we took the couple out to some rocks we scouted earlier in the day. After waiting for the perfect moment, and illuminating the couple with off-camera flash, we were able to create an effect that stretched far beyond the couple's expectations.
Outdoor Wedding Reception at Sunset
In addition to photos of all your friends and family, we love photographing all the details that go into making the day so special.
Colorful wedding reception details
Air banner in sky for wedding couple
Guests throw flower petals during wedding couple's grand entrance at reception
By hiring a photographer whose vision and expertise you trust, you ensure a memorable experience, as well as unforgettable and timeless images that leave you surprised.
Bride and Groom share First Dance during wedding reception
Wedding Couple and Cake at Wedding Reception
Bride and Groom embrace while watching fireworks in Downtown San Diego
Rather than an abundance of visual examples, or an extensive list with shots to cross off, know that you have hired a great team to take care of you. We will bring out your personalities in a creative and flattering ways!

If you do have a list, like for must-have family shots, it is most important that the people included know they are taking part. They will need to know where to be, and be ready to go at the right time. To achieve this, it is helpful to dedicate a family member to gather people, especially when dealing with larger groups. Having everyone aware and present will set you up for success.

For more, check out some of our favorite recent wedding photos

08Jul

Hang Loose | Creative Ways to Hang Wedding Dresses

By, July 08, 2017

During Getting Ready shots, there is a fine art to hanging and photographing the wedding dress. The right presentation can make all the difference!  To plan ahead on the day, we like to arrive early, and seek out unique scenes and backgrounds. By factoring in more time, it allows us to get very creative with the wedding dress photography. With your permission, we may even take the dress beyond the bridal suite, to showcase different areas around your venue!

Here are some of our favorite hanging dress photos from recent weddings. Enjoy :)

Wedding dress hanging from wood wall at Scripps Seaside Forum
For Lisa and Simon's wedding, we used the modern wood architecture of Scripps Seaside Forum as a colorful background for the Lisa's beautiful dress, designed by Pronovias.
Creative Ways to Hang Wedding Dress
For a bold dress shot on Diana and Owen's wedding day, we decided to live life on the edge :) After noticing the leading lines of the hotel, we carefully hung Diana's dress (designed by Demetrios Brides) on the railing for this one-of-a-kind shot.
Bride sitting on floor of bathroom with flowergirls and wedding dress
We like to incorporate the surrounding environment, such as chandeliers, textured doors, and even flower girls!
Creative Ways to Hang Wedding Dress
Wedding Dress Hanging from Stone Wall
Different creative ways to photograph and hang wedding dress
It's nice to photograph a quiet, introspective moment, while the dress is still hanging.
Rustic style wedding dress hanging from wine barrels
Creative photo of hanging wedding dresses
Bride's wedding dress hanging on wall with bridesmaids dresses
At Alison and Andrew's wedding, we made it a team effort, and incorporated all of Alison's bridesmaids dresses in the photo.
Portrait of Wedding Dress using Creative Angles
For extra volume and shape to the dress, we recommend bringing a wooden or velvet hanger, and having it nearby for us to photograph.
Creative Portrait of Wedding Dress hanging from chandelier and wood wall
Bride sitting and looking up at hanging wedding dress before ceremony
Bride's Custom Wedding Dress Hanger on Wedding Day
A customized hanger is a great way to show off your details before walking down the aisle, like during Eileen and Robbie's wedding at The Prado.
Funny and creative portrait of wedding dress with pug and chandelier
Rustic style wedding dress hanging from wood wall

We don’t want to leave you hanging :) View more fun, creative ways to hang the wedding dress!

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