Bliss Events
Hard Rock San Diego
Haydee’s Flowers
Tim Altbaum
Concepts Events
Jennifer Dery Photography

Purple and chartreuse ruled the reception.  The best idea (to this sweet tooth) were the individual berry pies and ice cream bar that matched perfectly with the decor and were the replacement for cake.  I wish I could have tasted one, but I’m sure I can order one from Michele Coulon sometime.  Now that berries are in season today would probably be a good time, oh yes!

Thanks everyone for such a fun and detail filled event.  Great light and lots to photograph is a photographer’s dream!  Mary, you rock!

Mary Noble
Michele Coulon
Chez Bride Modern
The Santa Luz Club
Jennifer Dery Photography

Catamaran Resort
Adrianne Smith Floral Design
Beauty to Be
Vera Wang
Tim Altbaum
French Gourmet
Jennifer Dery Photography

When there is great talent at a wedding like White Wedding & Ever After and the rest, really, what was there to be worried about?

Ever After Events
White Wedding Day
Paradise Point
French Gourmet
Diane Serns

You all might remember meeting Laura and Chris at their engagement session a few months ago.

During our wedding planning I asked Laura & Chris what they were most looking forward to on their wedding day.  I loved their response so I wanted to share it here:

Laura:
Well… I am looking forward to wearing my dress… and I am looking forward to when the day is over and Chris and I are finally alone and can take a walk down to the beach together… alone. I know it will be a really nice, and fast, day and I am looking forward to everything… except walking down the aisle and having everyone stare at me…ugh.  We should ask Chris this question- he is the sappy one.

Chris:
Well there is so much there, but I am most looking forward to watching Laura appear at the end of the aisle as a silhouette emerging through the doors so I can see how beautiful she will look.  I have a feeling I am going to be an emotional wreck.  I am definitely a cry baby and pretty emotional.  But I would also say that I can’t wait until it is all over and I can just spend time with the person I love more than anything…. Laura.    
I also asked Laura and Chris where they were going for their honeymoon and what they were looking forward to and here were their responses (so cute!):

Laura:
We will be going to Paris for our honeymoon. We will be leaving the morning after Christmas and will stay in Paris for 8 nights and for New Year’s Eve. We are staying in a small boutique hotel in the Saint Germaine area and plan to just relax- maybe take a day trip to Champagne or Versailles- otherwise walk the streets in the cold and eat chocolate croissants.

Chris:
As Laura stated above we will be going to Paris, France the day after Christmas and through New Years.  I am so excited.  I am looking forward pretty much everything…. eating, sleeping in, but really I can’t wait to just spend time with Laura. I would say that I a most looking forward to watching the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower hugging Laura in the cold.

Adrianne Smith Floral Design
Darlington House
Giuseppe Catering
For the Love of Cake

I’m very proud to have a 12-page interview in the just-out book “Professional Wedding Photography: Techniques & Images from Master Photographers” by Lou Jacobs, Jr. (Amherst Media). In addition to the interview, I have 16 images in the book. Nine other photographers are also profiled, including my good friends Andrena Douglass (one of my favorite friends), Chenin & Doug Boutwell (who throw the best ice cream parties ever), John and Dalisa Cooper (always with great smiles), Jen and Stephen Bebb (the best Vegas party pals), Cliff Mautner (Cliffie!), and George Weir (fantabulous). The Amazon editorial review is below:

Containing interviews with the top 10 wedding studio owners in the country, this indispensable reference offers a variety of opinions on everything from art and business philosophies to scheduling, handling retainers, writing contracts, and executing effective marketing plans. More than 15 images from each pro demonstrate classic and cutting-edge techniques — as well as each photographer’s signature wedding portrait style — and are accompanied by details on recreating the scene. Additional tips on inspiring expressions and moods, modulating lighting, and adjusting composition while keeping clients relaxed during this emotionally-charged event are also included.”

First, I loved Laura and Eli.  They are so quirky and don’t care that I show all their expressions (not just the pretty ones)  and as a photographer that is the best.  I love being able to show real personalities and that includes all the funny faces.  Second, I am swooning over the location…. the courtyard at La Valencia is just stunning at sunset when the string-lights are glowing and the sky is cobalt blue.

This was a destination wedding for the entire group.  Some of you may recall Laura & Eli’s engagement shoot we did in New York a while back.  And La Valencia was the perfect location for all the family and friends to converge and take over the intimate property.

Big thanks to the fabulous coordinator, Diane Kern.  She is a darling to work with and everything is always perfect!

The Bride’s-men…

Generally I’m not a big fan of jumping shots, but I gotta say I like this one.

The Bride had some Texas Longhorn fans in the family, ha!

Lina & Aaron are very private people so I’m not showing a ton of images today, but a handful still works fine.

Below, a Bulgarian tradition… to kick a pot of flowers as you exit the aisle….