It feels like it’s been a while since I shot an engagement session, so I was psyched to be meeting Ellyn and Rey in downtown San Diego for one. (This is about the time of year the engagement extravaganza begins and it usually runs until about March. ) The funny thing about this engagement session is Ellyn and Rey are actually already married. No they aren’t just confused about the order of things, Rey is in the Navy and heading off to Iraq so it only made sense for these two to legalize things now and then they will have the “real” wedding sometime later this year when Rey returns. We met at the W Hotel where Ellyn had already gotten permission for us to shoot and had a blast!!! I get the coolest clients :) So before you go Rey, here’s a sneak peek of the pics. Enjoy and take care! Ellyn I will talk to you soon :)

Look how sassy Ellyn is.

These two could take great pics anywhere.

Chillin at the W.

Hmmm…the debate began. Does Rey make goofy faces?

Our country is in good hands. Look how strong Rey is :)

And how sassy these two are.

Gave Ellyn some love earlier, now its Rey’s turn. Guess that answers the goofy faces question!

Hitting the streets.

In the garage. We got lucky here. Without any warning the garage door started closing. But Ellyn and Rey did manage to get out. Would have been too bad if they had to wait in there for a car to come along and let them out!

I swear going to Extraordinary Desserts wasn’t my idea! But i have been begging my husband to take me back ever since. Check them out - www.extraordinarydesserts.com

One last pic in the restaurant. A big thanks to the W and ED for letting us shoot there.

When I met with Kim and Richard about a month ago I have to tell you I was totally impressed! They had been planning their wedding for about a month and Kim brought a binder with all her wedding stuff in it. She had done a lot in that month!!! She was so organized and so detail oriented that I knew the day would be beautiful. And I was right :) Kim and Richard had their wedding in Pasadena at Kim’s step-grandmother’s house. It was beautiful. Very regal, old school Pasadena. The house was located in a shady cove with an amazing view of the mountains and the Rose Bowl. Everything just came together so well! Here’s a sneak preview of Kim and Richard’s beautiful Pasadena wedding. Congrats guys, I’m so happy for both of you!!!

Nothing gets a bride ready for a wedding like an appletini :)

Three generations of Richard’s family waiting for the ceremony to start.

The house had so many cool details. Here’s the bouquet with an antique clock.

A few ceremony shots.

A kiss.

A quiet moment with Kim and Richard after the ceremony. Richard was all smiles all day!

The back of Kim’s dress was just beautiful.

The table settings of green and brown.

Kim and her twin sister after the ceremony.

I’m convinced this is the true master of the house :) Or at least he thinks he is.

Best gal and sis gives the toast.

Kim had beautiful lights and candles everywhere.

The cake cutting got a little messy.

These ladies had a 50/50 chance. However I don’t think one was very interested in catching the bouquet.

One last detail.

I’ve been looking forward to Kit and Matt’s wedding ever since we met months ago. They are both just so laid back and easy going I knew their wedding would be a joy to photograph. The also had great settings for their day Cuvier Park AKA The Wedding Bowl in La Jolla and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Both just great places as far as a photographer is concerned :) My day began by meeting up with Kit for a few getting ready pics and then wondering around down by the cliffs with Matt and Kit for some fun pics before the ceremony. I love this part of the day - when I have the couple all to myself! Here’s a small preview of Kit and Matt’s wedding day. I hope you two are having a blast in Napa. Thanks again for letting me be your wedding photographer! I so enjoyed the day - your guests and your families - even the camera shy ones. Talk to you soon ~

I’m loving all the fall colors in the bouquets lately.

The rings.

The lovely Kit.

The skies on Sunday made for some really cool pics! At times it was overcast and other times sunny.

Can you see the two people hanging over the wall yelling congrats? (pics will open larger if you click on them)

I love the look on Kit’s face.

Matt had some sweet shoes so I’m going to give some love to the groom’s shoes this week too.

Matt waiting for Kit.

Kit’s dad really liked to give me a hard time ;) He didn’t want his picture taken AT ALL. I have a feeling he will be glad I got this one.

The ceremony.

What an amazing view.

And here they are!!!

I thought they might just keep going :)

The sun just peaked out as everyone was talking after the ceremony.

The cliffs in La Jolla make for a great backdrop.

These guys really like cake.

Wondering around the museum. Matt was trying to pick a street.

A final hug from dad at the end of the night.

have a beautiful, intimate wedding during the middle of the week. Yep, thats right, they got married on a Wednesday! A few times a year I shoot weekday weddings and I always enjoy them. They tend to be smaller affairs but still so fun :) When I first met Debbie we hit it off immediately, we’re both southern gals here in southern Cali. We met for lunch and talked forever (like southern girls can do!). Anyway Debbie and Jason have an amazing story. They met when Debbie was visiting California and she ran into Jason at a bookstore in Coronado. They struck up a long distance relationship and before you know it Debbie was flying out here to visit Jason. Things took off and the rest, as they say, is history! Congratulations to you both! I hope you enjoyed your time in Vegas. You don’t have to tell me what went on there cause as you know, what happens in Vegas…. Talk to you soon :)

Debbie had the most beautiful bouquet with fall colors and pepperberries.

I think Debbie’s niece was awestruck!

Debbie’s dad REALLY liked the flowers too.

The programs.

The ceremony was in the gardens in Balboa park and it was a perfect day.

These two look pretty happy.

I know I post the recessional pics a lot, but they are always one of my favorites. The first few moments as a married couple.

Debbie looking lovely :)

Lots of great architecture around the park!

Taking off for the Rolls.

Their amazing cake. It was so yummy!!!

Someone is happy to have a new uncle Jason.

I really like this photo. It’s such a sweet moment between these two.

get hitched at The Madison in downtown Long Beach. What a cool place and it so fits these two. I first met Julie last year and I knew immediately that I had found a bride who totally understands my style of photography. She actually wrote in the contract “no cheesy photos” and went on to describe a few old school poses she did not want to see! Maybe I should keep her comments as an addition to the contract :)

Anyway back to the big day. This wedding has been a while in the making. There’s a bit of controversy about when Julie and Mendel actually became a “couple” but one thing they both agree on is they are a couple now - for life :) And such a great fit. They met due to their love of swing dancing and got to show off their amazing dance moves at the reception. I was so excited cause it made for some great pics. Here are a few from their wedding day! Congrats guys! Have a great time on the Queen Mary II. I’m so jealous!

Julie looked so glam. She had her make-up done by the amazing Kelley Cua. That’s actually how Julie found me. Kelley and I met at Salina and Joseph’s wedding in April.

Last few touches before heading over to The Madison.

And here they are…

Mr. and Mrs.

And they’re off!

One great thing about The Madison is the location. After the ceremony we ran around downtown Long Beach and had a great time. And got some great pics :) Looks like Julie and Mendel aren’t the only love birds in town.

Mendel makes some great faces. Here’s just one of them!

This is one of my favorite shots from the day. Veils are fun!

A quiet moment. This is right before Julie leaned over and kissed Mendel. The kiss pic is nice too but I like this one because you can tell she’s getting ready to lay one on him.

I couldn’t resist the amazing palm trees and the mirrored building.

These two are so romantic.

Julie picked the prettiest flowers and I loved the combination of red and green. It really complimented the dark woods and interior of The Madison.

I love sequences of pics. Here Mendel is telling Julie - “I’m going to do this.”

And here Julie is telling Mendel - “If you do I’m going to do this.” Don’t mess with Julie ;)

Mendel and the ladies!

Julie and the guys!!!

I think Mendel was showing his ninja dance moves.

Julie has them too.

Fred and Ginger.

I love catching a moment between the couple in the midst of their guests.