04Apr

Through the Grapevine | Vineyard Weddings

By, April 04, 2016

Tucked away in the valleys of Temecula, Escondido, and surrounding regions are award-winning San Diego-area vineyards. These properties are not only good for day trips and tastings – they make amazing wedding locations also! With their magical rolling hills,and fields of vines, local wineries are perfect venues for those looking to escape the city.

We have selected a few of our favorite images from recent vineyard weddings. Grab a glass of your favorite red or white (or both), and enjoy the inspiration :)

Couple pose with flowers in air around them

At the wedding of Apple and Ben (above), we went to one of our favorite spots at Orfila Vineyards, overlooking the fields below. As the couple embraced, we surrounded them with flower petals, and added a backlight for contrast, drama and elegance.

Wedding Couple in Windmill at Cal-A-Vie

We love incorporating a vineyard’s unique rustic features, such as this majestic windmill at Cal-A-Vie (above). The textured stone walls and wood accents lent an old-world charm to these photos, which were captured at April and Aaron’s wedding.

Modern Couple pose in vineyard and with balloonsCouple stand in middle of vineyardGroomsmen toast with beersBride's details during vineyard wedding

At Stephanie and Sean’s Orfila Vineyards wedding, we rested our bride’s beautiful bouquet against a textured wine barrel (above). The rich red roses and hypericum berries, set against the rustic browns of the barrel, made for an ideal pairing.

Bridesmaid with parasol umbrellas in vineyardCollaged image of rustic flowers with brideCool bridal party dressed in green at winery weddingCouple holding hands and kissing with rustic background

As photographers, one of our favorite things is to scout out the best hidden locations. By arriving early, we are able to find areas with the best light of the day, as well as little “nooks and crannies” within the venue.

Couple kiss in oversized wine barrelUmbrellas and Signs for vineyard weddingGorgeous view of mountains and vineyard at Orfila WineryBride and Groom walk down aisle together at vineyard

Whenever possible, we use the natural surroundings and daylight to our advantage, such as during Katie and Patrick’s wedding at the Yates Family Vineyard in Napa. When Katie made her debut, the light illuminated the leaves and her dress, which made for a stunning grand entrance.

Bride's teary-eyed reaction to Groom during wedding ceremonyCouple's First Kiss during Vineyard WeddingBride and Groom kissing under natural archwayCouple Kissing between leaves in vineyardCouples celebrate and pose for photos after vineyard ceremonyAerial photo of stunning sunset during reception at vineyard

After the ceremony, we like to make use of the stunning sunset colors, which can be especially vivid at remote winery locations. The golden vibrance of the sun, captured at just the right moment, helped to create the dreamlike image above.

Rustic wine-related reception details during vineyard weddingProps during fun travel-themed reception

These rustic, travel-themed accents from Michelle and Richard’s wedding at Bernardo Winery (above) added a fun splash of color, while also engaging guests to interact. The couple invited attendees to write messages in a bottles, to be opened on future anniversaries, while paying tribute to those who had traveled long distances.

Rustic-themed details at vineyard wedding receptionCouple Kiss in front of wine barrelsFuscia Wedding Reception Details at VineyardRed wine-themed details during receptionCouple Cuts into Cake during Wedding Reception

You can’t have a winery wedding without grapes :) Before these were sent off to become wine, we borrowed this lush vine from Kim and Austin’s wedding for a unique ring shot. By using a simple background, and a strategically placed LED light, these rings began to sparkle!

Creative Ring Photo with GrapesGuest hula-hoops during wedding receptionNight Portrait of Couple at Vineyard

For the photo below, we snuck behind-the-scenes with Naomi and Partho during their reception at Callaway Vineyards and Winery. By shooting at a low angle and adding a backlight to create dimension, the containers added a larger-than-life feeling to this epic kiss.

Couple kiss between distillery tanks at vineyard

For additional breathtaking vineyard wedding photos, please click here. Salute!

27Aug

Our Napa Valley Honeymoon

By, August 27, 2013

Ok… So it isn’t our honeymoon. But it sure feels like it when visiting Napa Valley. If you are looking to enjoy amazing wine, breathtaking scenery, and a fantastic bed and breakfast, Napa Valley should be high up on your honeymoon list. After doing a little research, we were able to discover many great locations. Our favorites were The Andretti Winery for wine tasting, Auberge du Soleil for the views, and The Beazley House for the cozy, quaint feel.

Our first stop was the Andretti Winery, which had that Italian Rustic feel. It was quiet and peaceful. We tasted all different types of terrific wines served by Laurie Buchanan, who is knowledgeable and clearly loves her job. You will have to try their Port and the dark chocolate covered espresso beans to go with it!

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Next, checking out Auberge du Soleil is a must! It has a view of the entire valley. The location can house 120 guests, and has thrown many celebrity weddings over the years. We grabbed a couple of unique specialty cocktails, and to our surprise, we were able to witness a wedding that was taking place.

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For our evening stay, we were lucky to come across the first bed and breakfast in Napa, The Beazley House. I give them 10 out of 10 stars. We were greeted with wine, home baked chocolate chip cookies and a tour around the historic property. We instantly had the feeling that we were at home. Actually, it felt like I was at Grandma’s house – and I mean that in the nicest way! Our bedroom was amazing. We slept on sheets that have a 51,000 thread count. I am not sure what that means, but the best way I can describe it is that I slept on a cloud that was hugging me. In the morning we had a breakfast consisting of an egg quiche, fresh fruit, coffee, yogurt, cereal, fresh squeezed OJ, and corn bread muffins.

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Although Napa Valley is famous for its vineyards, it also has spectacular wedding venues! To our surprise, one of our top picks was at Silverado Resort and Spa. Located in a private golf course, this is the perfect outdoor getaway!

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At the very start of our beautiful tour of the Silverado Resort and Spa, we took our golf cart down a long bridge, with a running creek below. What a great spot for a first look photo session!  We also drove by the bocce ball area which houses three lanes of playing, which is perfect for an evening of fun for the bride and groom’s guests.

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Further in the tour, we came across a beautiful grove of mature trees, tucked right into the golf course. This is an ideal outdoor ceremony location!

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For an evening under the stars, the reception area is right across the way. The reception area features Chinese paper lanterns, which creates a romantic ambiance. Lets play a little “Where’s True.” Can you find him?

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We will miss you Napa Valley, and hope to see you soon… for many weddings to come!

24Jun

Don’t leave the dog at home, bring her to your engagement shoot!

By, June 24, 2011

When we first spoke with this sweet couple, they wanted to make sure to take photos at the beach during sunset. Before heading to the beach, we had a fun time photographing Katie and Matt relaxing in a field of daisies, and posing in front of an old shed. We also got a few great photos of them behind windows with neat lighting!

We made it to the beach just before sunset, and captured Katie and Matt’s playful and romantic sides. As you can see in the photos below, Katie and Matt weren’t the only ones exchanging kisses. Their 3-year old Beagle named Elle made sure to get in on the action!

Katie and Matt are looking forward to their August wedding in Napa Valley, and we can’t wait to photograph it!

San Diego Wedding Photographers engagement shoot couple in a field with a dogSan Diego Wedding Photographer photographs couple in a field with toolsSan Diego Wedding Photography of couple in a field with sunflowers and a beagle

San Diego Wedding Photography of couple kissing behind a window at nightSan Diego Wedding Photography engagement shoot at night with bright colors

 

San Diego Wedding Photographers- engagement shoot at the beach with a dogWedding Photography- Funny photo of dog during an engagement shoot at the beach in San Diego San Diego Wedding Photography engagement session kiss during sunset on the beachSan Diego Wedding Photographer- engagement photoshoot on the cliffs at the beach kissing at sunset

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