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.

30Mar

Sweet Inspiration | Wedding Cakes Remixed

By, March 30, 2016

The wedding cake is a worldwide tradition that spans across many cultures. Starting with a delicious blank canvas, skilled bakeries and caterers use craftsmanship and a bit of magic to create tantalizing works of art. We are always impressed when the wedding cake is specific and personalized to the couple, or when it ties in expertly with the wedding theme. The artistry involved never ceases to amaze.

For a delicious serving of inspiration, we decided to remix some of our favorite photos from throughout the years with cake styles we love. Sweet!

Classic Wedding Couple and Gold Cake at US Grant

There are a variety of ways to match your cake to the overall theme of the day. For example, a sleek downtown wedding may call for a minimal, modern cake design with understated accents. At a more colorful wedding, the cake style may be more vibrant, such as the example below by Crimson Cake.

Fun and tropical wedding couple and cake

This romantic cake (below) by the Fairmont Grand Del Mar left us stunned. With its beautiful, ruffled ombre of chocolate-to-vanilla frosting, it is a visual treat! Throw a sexy vintage Corvette into the mix, and you’re in for one glamorous evening!

Modern couple in red sport car with ruffled wedding cake

We love how the geometric lines of Christy and Sterling’s venue, Vin De Syrah, juxtaposed with this cake (below) by 24 Carrots Catering and Events. The cake’s minimal sleekness, topped off with a burst of ruffles, is the perfect counterbalance to this venue’s marble interior.

Modern Ruffled Wedding CakeRustic inspired wedding with aloe vera cake

At a themed or exotic wedding, a touch of the environment helps to immerse guests in the experience. For example, when we laid eyes on these cakes by Temecula Creek Inn (above) and Sweet Cheeks Baking (below) we instantly fell in love with their incorporation of the natural surroundings.

Tropical Beach Wedding with Blue CakeCouple with horse and rustic wedding cakePatriotic Military Wedding CakeTraditional Couple in spiral staircase with gold crusted wedding cakeWedding Couple and vibrant sunflower cake

These cakes by Twiggs Bakery (above) and Twin Oaks Garden Estate (below) added a touch of vibrance to their surroundings.

Couple with firetruck and white with red flowers wedding cakeDramatic orange and blue wedding couple and cakePink accents on wedding cake and detailsModern wedding couple with dramatic purple background and purple wedding cake

For more creative ways to dress up your cake, click here :)

29Feb

Green Gables Wedding Estate | Venue Spotlight

By, February 29, 2016

Tucked away in the secluded forests of San Marcos lies the rustic, elegant Green Gables Wedding Estate. A historical landmark dating back to 1889, this chic venue is well-known for its array of antique accents and lush, tranquil gardens. For couples seeking a rustic destination-style wedding, both Green Gables and its sister property Twin Oaks Garden Estate are popular choices, and strikingly beautiful locations.

One of Green Gables’ most prominent features is the Old Richland Schoolhouse, which overlooks the venue’s English-inspired garden ceremony site.

Scenic photo of vintage schoolhouse at Green Gables Wedding Estate Brides prepare for wedding day at Green Gables Wedding Estate

The building’s interior is decorated with regal Victorian furniture, with massive windows drawing in natural light.

Bridesmaids look at Bride in dress during pre-ceremonyBridesmaids sit with Bride on vintage couch at Green Gables Groomsmen have fun and prepare for wedding at Green Gables Wedding Estate

Outside, the classic wooden swing (above right) brings out the joy and excitement of the day, and is one of our favorite spots to photograph.

Groomsmen show off fun purple socksRustic wedding details on display at Green GablesView of ceremony from Bride's view at Green Gables Wedding EstateBride and Father walk down aisle at Green Gables Wedding EstateCouples say I do under white gazebo at Green Gables Wedding EstateBride and Groom lean in for kiss through truck windowCouple make funny faces while holding vintage frames Collaged image of couples celebrating their wedding day at Green Gables Wedding EstateBride and Groom lean in for romantic kiss in front of schoolhouseRustic-inspired wedding reception details at the historic Green Gables Wedding EstateColorful bridal party poses with vintage truckBride and Groom are introduced for a fun grand entrance

At reception time, guests find their way to Green Gables’ impressive tented pavilion. With its draped-chiffon ceilings, and five crystal chandeliers, the pavilion’s intimate atmosphere is the perfect environment for a lively evening. We love pushing the envelope in such a beautiful space, and we use an array of lighting techniques to capture the scenery in creative ways.

Ornate purple reception details at Green GablesEmpty reception room at green gables wedding estate decorated in fusciaCouple share first dance together in tented pavilion during receptionCouple hold hands in front of background of light

As the party gets underway, and the dance floor heats up, we like to borrow the bride and groom for a series of fun night portraits. We use shooting methods (such as off-camera flash and long-exposure) to produce eye-catching images that are only possible at night :)

Creative night photos of couples using dramatic lightNight photo of tented pavilion at Green Gables

For more inspiration and wedding photos from Green Gables Wedding Estate, please click here.

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