24Nov

Just like a Dream | Photo of the Week

By, November 24, 2017

Assuming the wedding day timeline allows, it’s nice to set aside time for sunset photos! Whether your wedding is in the mountains, the city, or the coast (as below), the quality of light can be very nice as the sun goes down. Here’s an epic sunset shot from Amanda and Kyle’s big day, and our Photo of the Week.Candid photo of a wedding couple at sunset

Check out more of Amanda and Kyle’s Marina Village Conference Center wedding

16May

Top 5 Wedding Prep Responsibilities (a Guy Can Totally Handle)

By, May 16, 2017

There are many ways for guys to be active participants in the wedding planning :) Even if DIY swan-folded napkins aren’t their thing, guys are fully capable of jumping in with the preparations, and helping to ensure the wedding day is amazing. Just like a marriage, the wedding planning can be the result of cooperation too!

To get their insight on this, we talked with our friends at Groovy Groomsmen Gifts, who shared their thoughts on ways a guy can kick it up a notch. Grooms-to-be, here are the Top 5 wedding prep responsibilities that are totally within your wheelhouse:

groomsmen getting ready bowtie and susperders wedding attire

1. Control Your Crew
Your groomsmen are ready to step up and be there for you. Hopefully they even listen to you :) If so, you can take it upon yourself to keep your boys in line. Often, this means coordinating schedules, and confirming that everyone knows where to be, and what their roles are. Make sure they understand what time they are expected and what to bring with them. A reminder phone call or text the day-of can help too! Then, once they are onsite, make sure they stay on track, and get suited up when needed. The more organized you are, the more time you’ll have to relax with your crew.

Groomsmen relaxing on lounge chairs before wedding

2. See An Opportunity? Jump In!
Even if you aren’t assigned to certain tasks, there are lots of ways to lend a hand. For example, scope out prospective vendors, help narrow down the venue, or volunteer to pick up the wedding rings. Be there for important meetings and help talk through the logistics. Your input, opinions, and involvement will make a difference! Give yourself assignments, help balance the to-do list, and enjoy the planning process together as a couple.

Groomsmen shining grooms shoes before wedding

3. Arrange the Marriage License
This may seem daunting, but it’s actually a piece of cake. With a quick brush up on your state’s marriage laws, you can easily prepare the necessary documents, and get everything in order. If you’re planning on a destination wedding, get in touch with an officiant in your chosen location, and ensure all your bases are covered. That way, your only job on your wedding day is to look good and have a blast.

Groom posing before ceremony and laughing with wedding officiant

4. Write Your Vows
If you plan on exchanging personal vows, this is something you can do early in the planning process. By writing your vows early on, you will have time to reflect and put your thoughts to paper. Writing your vows early will also put you in the right state of mind, and help you reflect on your love throughout the wedding process. You’ll also give yourself ample opportunity to rehearse, so you feel totally natural standing up and declaring your feelings in public :)

San Diego wedding vows groom

5. Thank Everyone Involved!
At some point during the process, your buddies (especially your best man), are likely to go above and beyond for you. Whether it’s throwing you an unforgettable bachelor party, running last minute errands, or wearing something besides cargo shorts for once, your friends and family deserve recognition. Their efforts on your behalf may even happen behind the scenes, in ways you’re not aware of. Give them some love, extend your appreciation, and hug it out!

Groomsmen having fun at wedding San Diego

If you are looking for unique and personalized groomsmen gifts, check out Groovy Groomsmen Gifts for a fun selection of stuff dudes like. Our personal faves are “Cool Time”, a slick wood-and-leather watch, and The Vegas Box, a swanky, self-contained party kit.

For more dapper dudes, check out our full collection of groomsmen photos.

30May

Memorial Day | Love and Valor

By, May 30, 2016

The military presence runs deep here in San Diego, and many of us come from families with military backgrounds. We greatly appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice made by the brave men and women who serve our country, and love photographing weddings for active and retired service members. To pay tribute to our local servicemen from the Army, Airforce, Navy and Marines, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite moments from military weddings throughout the year.

Military Groom and Bride pose with classic Ford car after wedding in Julian, California Military Groomsmen in uniform pose with classic cars and american flag

During Boo and Michael’s wedding at The Westin San Diego (above left), our photographers arrived early, and discovered this American flag mural on a nearby building. We were amazed by the striking visual of Michael’s clean white uniform set against the patriotic hues of the flag.

Groom with Navy military Groomsmen dressed in Blues Military Wedding Couples get ready for the Wedding Day and pose for portraits in Hotel Bride looks at camera while hugging military groomMilitary Groom poses with group of Bridesmaids before wedding ceremony

You have to love a guy in uniform (above). Before Ashley and Andrew tied the knot at Founder’s Chapel at USD, the bridesmaids pulled Andrew in for one last photo. By having two photographers documenting the day, we were able to capture this moment while Ashley remained hidden from guests.

Military Couples celebrate after tying the knotMilitary Groom in Uniform kisses Bride as they hold Thank you Sign Military Wedding Couples celebrate with Arch of Swords after ceremony

After Ayami and Bryan’s ceremony (above left), the new couple made their way through the Arch of Swords. As a comical “welcome to the military” gesture, officers gently swatted at Ayami’s behind. Her candid reaction to the moment speaks volumes! We love freezing moments like these filled with genuine emotion.

Bride and Navy military Groom exit ceremony laughingMilitary Groom and Bride hold hands and lean in for kiss by red paintingMilitary Wedding Couples enjoy intimate moments during wedding day ceremony in San DiegoBride and Military Groom dip for kiss in front of white fence and beach after wedding in Coronado, CaliforniaClose-up of military bride's yellow bouquetBride poses with wedding guests as they laugh while wearing navy military hats

To show our respect and give back in a small way, our studio offers an ongoing 10% discount for all active and retired military couples. To inquire about your own wedding, please visit our Package Customizer for details, and be sure to contact us with any questions.

Military Groom picks up Bride for fun wedding couple portrait under white gazebo

Check out more inspiration from recent San Diego military weddings :)