17Jan

California Dreamin’ in Ocean Beach | Rubie and Jason

By, January 17, 2017

Rubie and Jason are San Diego locals, and one of their favorite date spots is nearby Ocean Beach. So for their engagement shoot, we headed straight to the coast! The couple’s special connection to the beach – and particularly Sunset Cliffs – was evident from the moment they hit the sand. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the day!

Engaged couple embrace and kiss next to vintage Volkswagen Bus at beach

Embracing the nostalgia of the day with a 1960’s beach vibe, the couple rode in this vintage green Volkswagen from ZElectric Motors

Engaged couple embrace and lean against vintage Volkswagen bus during engagement session

Jason rocked a classic Hawaiian shirt throughout the day’s shoot:) 

Two images of Engaged couple holding hands and kissing in Volkswagen bus during beach engagement session

Taking note of the Volkswagen’s sunroof, we let in some rays and played around with different perspectives. By utilizing the pier nearby, we were able to gain a bird’s eye angle and use the roof as a frame while Rubie and Jason leaned in for a kiss.  Then, inside the vehicle, we split the composition to include both the open sky and the couple’s reactions. 

Groom-to-be drives Volkswagen bus as Bride-to-be sits behind him

For a brief moment, Jason grabbed the wheel as Rubie looked on with affection. To capture the spontaneity, and remain unobtrusive, we positioned ourselves looking in through the front window.

Engaged couple sit against vintage Volkswagen bus on sandy beach during engagement session

Two images of engaged couple leaning against and sitting in vintage Volkswagen bus on beach

With a variety of angles, we loved bringing new life to this classic vehicle, and adding to the overall story of the day.

Reflection of engaged couple kissing in metal hubcap of volkswagen bus

Noticing the metallic reflection of the tire’s hubcap (above), we placed Rubie and Jason out in the sand for a creative portrait. 

Bride-to-be stands outside vintage Volkswagen bus while Groom-to-be looks at her and drives on beach Engaged couple kiss in front seat of volkswagen busUnique photo of engaged couple embracing during sunset through window of vintage Volkswagen bus during beach engagement session

Later, we cruised over to Sunset Cliffs as the sun began to set in the sky. We love that Rubie and Jason chose somewhere close to their hearts with a personal connection.

Engaged couple embrace and look at one another on rocks overlooking ocean during beach engagement session

To show off the landscape, we placed the couple at a lower angle and positioned ourselves on higher ground. By taking an elevated perspective, and adding a hint of off-camera flash, we captured the colorful sky and surrounding ocean.

Engaged couple sit in front seat of vintage volkswagen busEngaged couple embrace and kiss one another during sunset at Sunset Cliffs

We had so much fun photographing this fun, laid-back couple and look forward to photographing their beach wedding at Scripps Seaside Forum next year!

Silhouette of engaged couple kissing during sunset
Check out more moments from Rubie and Jason’s vintage beach engagement session.

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

07Apr

Coronado Beach Wedding | Christy and Stephen

By, April 07, 2016

Christy and Stephen both love the ocean, and decided to hold their ceremony right on the beach. The vow exchange took place in Coronado, on the sand, with a reception at the nearby Coronado Community Center. Since the locations were close together, the couple had not only a fun indoor celebration, but also a gorgeous oceanfront sunset. It really was the best of both worlds.

Sunset newlyweds portrait on the beach at Coronado Island

Christy’s bold and colorful bouquet was by InStyle Event Planning, and she rocked an intricate lace wedding dress from D’Angelo Couture.

Coronado's Grand Historical Mansion Bride with bridal flower and dressThe “Getting Ready” photos took place at The Grand Historical Mansion, one of Coronado’s premiere estates. In the photos of Christy, below, we took advantage of the soft natural light coming through the window, and used it to highlight this lovely bride.

Coronado Island wedding bride getting ready at Grand Historical Mansion

In portraits like the one of Stephen, below, we made sure to include details of the manor, such as these old-world carved wooden doors.

Grand Historical Mansion portrait of groom inside archwayCoronado beach groom portrait with flask in limo and on beach

Pictured below is the backyard of The Grand Historical Mansion, with its lush plants and mature trees. Goofy photos are always fun to create, and these bridal parties definitely “jumped” at the opportunity:)

Grand Historical Mansion bridal wedding partyCoronado Island Groom and groomsmen at Grand Historical MansionCoronado beach bride and groom portrait in black and whiteCoronado beach bride and groom closeup portrait

Who can resist a ceremony featuring a beloved yellow lab?

Coronado wedding ceremony with dog walking down the aisleCoronado Wedding Ceremony with flower girl walking down the aisleCoronado wedding ceremony with bride and father walking the processionalCoronado beach wedding ceremony

By anticipating important photo opportunities, we were able to switch quickly from wide-angle to zoom, and capture the ring exchange moment in close-up detail.

Coronado beach closeup of ring shotWedding couple kissing on beach at CoronadoCoronado, California wedding couple kissing at beach wedding ceremonyBridal party cheers while wedding couple dip and kiss on Coronado beachYellow lab with wedding outfit and newlywedsCoronado beach sunset portrait of bride and groom

A carefully crafted ring shot helps to tell the story of the day, and can also hold personal meaning. For example, in the photo below, we used Christy and Stephen’s bible to create a heart, which was then framed around their rings.

Wedding ring shot inside bible

Congratulations to this happy couple! For more, check out our gallery of Christy and Steven’s Coronado Beach wedding.

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