Vineyard Hacienda Holiday Wedding Shoot

It's been an incrediable, crazy and creative past few months.

My path has recently led me to meet some extrodinary folks and rekindle some lost creative ideas I had put on the back burner. I believe these photographs from early November have sparked some much needed self-reflection and I've been bursting at the seams to share them with everyone.

Props to the creative team (featured below) for all the hardwork that went into this shoot. This shoot was inspired by the fall/holiday season that we are headed into and I hope everyone enjoys the love they have surrounding them at this time. Cheers!

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”- Maya Angelo

Creative Team:

• Event Planning: Type  A Soirée
• Florals: Native Poppy
• Invitations: My Paperweight
• Dessert Bar & Cake: Cute Cakes
• Beauty: Call Me Beautiful
• Dress: Dress Theory
• Rentals: Lauren Sharon Vintage Rental and Design
• Venue: Vineyard Hacienda
• Photography: Amy Millard

Stefanie + Quentin: Engagement, San Diego Bay, Coronado, CA

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and as I’ve struggled for the past few days on how to write this blog to tell Stefanie and Quentin’s story and to honor the sacrifices they’ve both given for our country - I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe this is a moment where less is more. Stefanie and Quentin have both walked a road of challenges (individually and together) that can’t be easily put into words, however one thing that is effortless in this relationship are the smiles, laughs and love that they share with one another. I couldn’t be happier that these two found one another and that I had the opportunity to photograph their love this past week.

Thank you Quentin for the time you’ve served in the Marine Corps and your multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.Thank you both for reminding me to not take the simple moments with one another for granted. I hope the two of you love these photographs as much as I do and cheers to your new journey ahead!

4 Tips on What to Wear For Your Engagement Session

"What should I wear for the engagement session?"...It's such a common question, yet there’s really no right or wrong answer. To help though, I’ve pulled together a few things tips I thought would be helpful.

#1 Wear something that is comfortable.

There's nothing worse than going through an hour photo session feeling uncomfortable. Most folks aren't in front of the camera the majority of the time, so you're pants being too tight or your shoes killing your feet - are the last thing you want to be worrying about.

#2 Make it special!

If you’ve needed a reason to purchase that dress you saw at Macy’s, go for it! There’s never a better time to get something special. If you think a sparkling dress in an open field or out on the beach won't work, think again!

#3 Wear something that is YOU.

If the two of you have a favorite sports team, consider wearing your team jerseys for an outfit option. On the contrary, don't dress into something that just isn't you.

#4 Consider your surroundings.

If we’re headed to the beach consider apparel that is not in the “blue” family. Likewise, if we’re planning something around a lot of trees, consider staying away from the “green and tan” family. Additionally, if we’re planning something in nature – plan to bring some comfortable shoes.

Still Struggling?  I've created a Pinterest board for a bit of inspiration. Click Here.

A few other things to consider for the session:

• Consider scheduling your hair and make-up consultation the morning/day of your engagement shoot. It will surely make you glow in your engagement photos. Check out the vendors page if you are looking for a hair and make-up artist.

• Save the date concept. With the help of Pinterest, you can find a plethora of Save-the-Date ideas online. If there’s some creative idea you have, please share it! My only additional tip is, let’s make sure it doesn’t eat into too much time of your engagement session.

• Accessories! And I'm not just speaking to necklaces and scarves (while layers are always good, easy to peel off and change a look slightly) - I'm talking about a prop such as a small bouquet of flowers, a blanket, a picnic, etc. We can stylize your session and tailor it to say something unique about the two of you.

Ashley + Kim: Engagement, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA

When Ashley and Kim mentioned the idea of their engagement session taking place at the San Diego Zoo, I could barely hold in my excitement. For obvious reasons, it's a fun-filled place on any regular weekend, but being able to capture a happy couple there on an early Saturday morning was icing on the cake for a photographer. We had such a leisurely walk throughout the morning as we caught up on their wedding plans. We were sure to hit up the exhibits that meant the most two the two of them and also managed fit in Skyride and a little hike through Fern Canyon (my personal favorite). I can't wait to photograph these two ladies in February!

Nicole + Justin: Wedding, San Diego Courthouse, San Diego

I have a confession to make. Small intimate weddings are some of my absolute favorite occasions to photograph! The couple and I had this conversation toward the end of their day and I had to confess this to them. Nicole and Justin opted to have a small ceremony at the courthouse in downtown San Diego with some of their closest family and afterwards, a small walk around Balboa Park for some photographs. It couldn’t been a better afternoon! Well, it could have been a few degrees cooler - that may have helped everyone out that day, but none the less it was the sweetest little affair to be part of and I couldn’t be happier that I was there to photograph it and tell their story. These two are an absolutely beautiful couple. Their wedding day was a simple story of love at it’s finest. Congratulations Nicole and Justin! Wishing you two all the best!

The Details:

• Florist: Jolie Fleur
• Dress: J.CREW
• Necklace: TIFFANY&CO.
• Ring Box: Sole

Tineka + Nathan: Wedding, Coronado Yacht Club, Coronado, CA

Tineka and Nathan had a one of a kind wedding at the Coronado Yacht Club a little over a week ago. A little rain wasn't going to ruin this big event. Tineka and Nathan had their friends and family from near and far gather and with the help of a few umbrellas the day turned out perfect. Every detail fell into place, from the vibrant flowers, the perfect fitting wedding dress, an unforgettable father daughter choreographed dance, to guests dancing in the rain. Their ceremony was short yet sweet under a beautiful tent on the lawn. Between the sprinkles we managed to slip down to the dock for a few final photos. Not exactly the sunset images we had hoped for but perfectly fitting under a black and white umbrella for this one of a kind couple.

Wishing the happy couple the best years to come! A special thanks to the creative team as well!

• Event Planning: Type A Soiree Events
• Venue/Catering: Coronado Yacht Club
• Lighting/Linens/Rentals: Raphael's Party Rentals
• Cake: European Cake Gallery
• Officiant: Cameron Bernard
• Flowers: Wholesale Floral Supply
• Dress: David's Bridal
• Hair & Makeup: Maleah Nelson
• DJ: Mike Hogan
• Photography: Amy Millard
• Invitation Design:

Katie + Jacob: Wedding, Loew’s Hotel Coronado, Coronado, CA

Katie & Jacob has the most AMAZING California dream wedding at the Loew’s Hotel Coronado a few weeks ago. These two are simply magical. I first met them via Skype since they live in Arizona. We photographed their engagement session a few weeks after that around the San Diego bay and I immediately fell in love with their kind personalities. Their love is so real; which explains why their wedding day unfolded beautifully and flawlessly. I couldn’t be happy to share these images with the two of them. Their magical day started with a first looking overlooking downtown San Diego. They had arranged a gondola ride after that; which was a perfect quiet moment for both of them. The ceremony took place on the Loew’s Hotel Terrace - I must say TessFresh did an amazing job with the florals.

We flowed right into cocktail hour, reception, first dances and a few toasts (a perfect timeline thanks to At Your Side Planning). The evening wrapped up with friends and family filling the dance floor and stunning views of down town.

Katie & Jacob - wishing you two the very best! I would be more than happy to visit Arizona to photograph your next adventures in the years ahead. (or in San Diego if you two ever decide to relocate) :) Cheers!

Creative team included:

• Event Planning/Coordinator: At Your Side Planning
• Venue and Catering: Loew’s Hotel Coronado
• Boat rental: The Gondala Company
• Officiant: David Cutler
• Flowers: TessFresh
• Cake: Babycakes
• Dress: Kitty Chen Couture
• Jewerly: Givenchy
• Shoes: Nina

The rooms at the Loew’s Hotel Coronado feel like the perfect place to get ready prior to your wedding. I'm not sure if it's just the calming blue tones everywhere or the fact that you can hear the San Diego bay from almost every room.

Hello beautiful bouquet from TessFresh!

After this experience, I'm convinced everyone should go for a gondola ride on their wedding day. They used this as a little quiet time before the ceremony. Thanks to The Gondala Company for making this happen.

At Your Side Planning created perfection with every detail to the ceremony and reception.

Nothing but the best for these two! Babycakes - Yum!

Doris + Felix: Wedding, Cuvier Club, La Jolla, CA

Doris and Felix tied the knot in early June at the Cuvier Club in La Jolla. It was definitely one for the books. Both of their career paths have them in the heart of corporate and wedding events in San Diego, so they pulled out all the bells and whistles for their big day. We’re talking about photo booth, marquee lights, handmade place cards to black and white photo runners for each table that aligned with images of the bride and groom to where each guest sat. It was blue skies and sunshine in the garden area of the Cuvier Club during the ceremony. Their large bridal party was a showstopper - who couldn’t take their eyes off all the bridesmaids in their various metallic dresses? Tears flowed from the vows to speeches and the end of the night topped off with lots of dance moves.

I truly couldn’t be happier for these two and was beyond honored that they invited me into their special day as their photographer. Cheers to many more years ahead Doris & Felix.

See their slideshow here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9SUIvb-buE

Special Thanks to the Creative Team!

• Event Planning: San Diego Events Company
• Venue: Cuvier Club and Empress Hotel La Jolla
• Catering: The Abbey Catering
• Lighting: Cuvier Club and San Diego Events Company custom lights.
• Marquee lights: My Marquee San Diego
• Linens and Rentals: Raphaels
• Photo Booth: Cuvier Club
• Cake: just taste it
• Officiant: Steve Stoloff (Vavi Sport and Social)
• Flowers: San Diego Events Company
• Dress: Justin Alexander from 2000 dreams bridal
• Beauty: Monica Garcia
• DJ: DJ Jason Clark
• MC: Trevor Penick
• Photography: Amy Millard
• Invitation Design: Amy Millard: Design + Photography

Freedom To Love: Stylized Wedding, Bradford Ranch, Jamul, CA

Freedom to Love turned into a magical little stylized shoot. I met Juliette over a year ago and when we recently bumped into one another she pitched this great same sex denim inspired wedding shoot to me and I was all over it. She had quite the vision of with her table design and custom gowns made specifically for the shoot. The only thing we weren’t quite prepared for was the rain. Since we’re in a drought in southern California, it’s really not something we run into much. We rolled with it and I must say that the images turned into something magical amongst the Brandford Ranch in Jamul, CA.

Big thanks to the creative team for keeping such great spirits:

• Juliette of Simply Elegant Wedding Planning
• Beauty by The Doll Service 
• Gowns: Denim striped and white lace fit & flare by Archive Bridal
• Gowns: Blue and white by D’Marie Couture
• Venue: The Bradford Ranch
• Floral: San Diego Floral Design
• Marquee Letters: Socialights
• Rentals/ design of ceremony: Lauren Sharon Vintage Rentals & Design
• Photography by Amy Millard

Yvonne + Ray: Wedding, The Westgate Hotel, San Diego, CA

"Love knows no reason, no boundaries, no distance. It has a sole intention of bringing people together to a time called forever." ~ Unknown I'm head over heels with this sweet little wedding! Yvonne and Ray decided to exchange vows in a very private and intimate space on a Sunday afternoon at the Westgate hotel in downtown San Diego. They invited roughly 20 of their closest family and friends; which kept the presidental suite nice and cozy.

After a short ceremony, the champagne starting flowing, but luckily I was able to pull the bride and groom away for a bit to capture some timeless images on the grand staircase. Words can't describe how wonderful it is to see them star-gazing at one another for hours on end. Yvonne and Ray are a prime example of love has no boundaries, love has no age. Wishing them lots of love for the future!

2015 Groom's Guide

2015 Groom's Guide

Weddings are a little bit girly. I get it. Choosing bouquet colors might not be a guy thing.  But that doesn’t mean the groom can’t have a little fun planning the Big Day. Below are a few tips on how you can get a creative in put for your wedding day.

I've also included a featured groom gallery from a recent wedding at Vineyard Hacienda in Jamal, CA and some great resources where you can find unique groomsmen gifts.

#1 Your Time with the Guys

Before the ceremony begins, I love to photograph the ‘getting ready’ images for both sides of the wedding party. For the groom, this is your time to relax and have a little bit of fun with the boys. Be a little manly. Enjoy some final moments of bachelorhood. And your photographs remembering this moment should reflect who you are as an individual.

#2 Show me who you are

What do you love to do? Do you have a favorite car, motorbike, or perhaps a favorite drink? Do you like playing a sport or enjoy spending time with your dog? However you love to express yourself, I  like to capture that on camera! I will work with you to create a pre-wedding “just for guys” experience that you can truly enjoy and look forward to.

#3 Groomsmen’s Style

You’ve got the whole suit thing down. But it’s just a suit. Contrary to what your mom might be hinting at, you can create your own, new traditions and add some style to the traditional mix with accessories! Here are just a few ideas on how to look a little extra stylin’ with your guy-friends on your wedding day.

+ SHOES  I’ve seen it all - from super formal and traditional all the way down to color-pop sneakers. Whatever you choose, make sure it coordinates with your groomsmens’ shoes. Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with shoes - fun shoes look super-fab in photographs and add a lot of character to your suit. I’ve even had a groom and bride wear matching converse sneakers.

+ SOCKS One of the first places groomsmen and the groom himself like to express themselves is in a choice of funky socks! Classy enough to please the parents but the perfect pinch of non-traditional, a pair of nutty socks can rock the house. I love taking shots of the groom and his gang lifting up the bottom of their suit pants to reveal something unexpected!

+BOUTONNIERE Flowers might seem a little girly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some awesome color-pop going on in your outfit! A single flower, succulents, or greenery can complete your outfit. Just make sure to check with the bride before making a choice on the boutonniere - you want to make sure your colors coordinate or complement the colors of your bride!

While the guys at this wedding didn’t sport sunglasses or hats, don’t forget they can add to your style as well. Although the bride might not appreciate you sporting a pari of awesome sunglasses during the ceremony, I certainly encourage groomsmen to wear fun sunglasses before the vows.

Featured Groom Gallery: March 2015 at Vineyard Hacienda, Jamul, CA

View the slideshow here: https://youtu.be/RVwL3fxNm54

Special thanks to Marisa Garcia for having me along during the McCabe wedding in March and Gallere for the inspiration blog.

Groomsmen Gift Ideas:

Struggling on what to get the guys as a toke of your appreciation? Below are a few great resources:

• Bullets 2 Bandages
• Poketo
• Bergino
• San Diego Shades
• Areaware
• Uncommon Goods

Summer + James: Wedding, San Diego Courthouse, San Diego, CA

Summer and James were the most fun and free-spirited couple I’ve photographed in a while. They had HUGE smiles, ear to ear, all afternoon as their small wedding took place at the San Diego Courthouse earlier this week. Summer and her family came all the way from Chicago, while James had his best man all the way from Oregon by his side. James is currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and has been serving our country for two and a half years.

These two are living proof that a small intimate wedding can be packed full of love (and lots of kisses). Wishing the two of them the very best!

50 Shades of Love: Stylized Wedding, Hotel Palomar, San Diego, CA

In early February, Doris (from San Diego Events Company) and I were chatting over a cup of coffee about the new movie "50 Shades of Grey" that was about to hit the theaters. She nearly gasped when I told her I had no idea what the book was really about and that I didn't really understand what all the hype was about. At the time we were reviewing a shoot we had previously wrapped up and it was like a light bulb went off. We quickly agreed to pull together a stylized wedding shoot based on "50 Shades of Grey". After completing some research (aka movie tickets and a girls date), we discussed how we didn't want the concept to be literal, so we added a slight twist by introducing the idea of a same-sex wedding and titling it "50 Shades of Love". We hope these images and concept are inspiring.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who made it happen! Our team consisted of some fabulous vendors that can surely assist in making your wedding (or any event) awesome.

50 Shades of Love Team:

• Style/Coordination: San Diego Events Company
• Venue/Food: Hotel Palomar - A Kimpton Hotel
• Florals: Maria Owston
• Photography/Print Design: Amy Millard
• Make-Up Artist: Katy Sullivan
• Dresses: Fab Rag Girls
• Mrs. & Mrs.: Mai-Vy and Taylor Zinn
• Sweets: Le Parfait Paris

Sarah + Brent: Wedding, Summers Past Farms, Flinn Springs, CA

It's all about love! These two are precious together and I'm so excited to see their love grow. I've know Sarah for over 7 years and her eyes just lit up when she first talked to me about her dates with Brent. Their wedding unfolded beautifully at the Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs. I have to applaud Sarah for her grace in those high heels, she looked absolutely stunning from head to toe. Cheers to many years of happiness!  

Doris + Felix: Engagement, La Jolla, CA

Doris and Felix are a fierce couple - San Diego better watch out. Doris is the fabulous owner of San Diego Events Company and Felix is a big wig over at Vavi Sport and Social, so it was only suitable that we rolled out the red carpet for the two of them. Their story actually began in the downtown nightlife scene and after 6 years, they are finally tying the knot. What I love most about them (besides their good sense of humor) is they haven't forgotten the importance of date night. Since their jobs pull them away from each other on any given weekend, they devote each Wednesday evening as date night.

Their wedding is set for the month of June and I couldn't be more excited to photograph their union and evening filled with friends and family. Cheers!

p.s. Be sure to watch their YouTube video here: http://youtu.be/LulcIAffAPg

Great Gatsby Love: Stylized Wedding, Cuvier Club, La Jolla, California

Collaborating with Doris from San Diego Events Company on this project was an absolute thrill. We had been brainstorming for months on this 1920s inspiration theme and it was amazing all the vendors we pulled together for it. The Cuvier Club is an absolutely lovely venue to consider getting married at. Our model Maria was a doll and looked absolutely stunning! To top it off, Jason at Audrey Alba Films put together this wonderful little number to showcase the day: CLICK HERE

Fabulous Vendors Involved:

• Photography: Creative Weddings by Amy
• Flowers, Centerpiece and Table Decor, and Coordination: San Diego Events Company
• Film: Audrey Alba Films
• Venue: Cuvier Club
• Make-Up Artist: Monica Garcia
• Wedding Dress and Accessories: Sparrow Bridal
• Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company
• Invitation Designs: Amy Millard
• Rentals: Raphaels.com
• Chair Rentals: EpicEventFurniture.com
• Model: Maria Castagnola

Jacob + Katie: Engagement, Coronado, CA

I couldn't be happier when Jacob and Katie contacted me about their 2015 wedding. This gorgeous couple came all the way from Arizona for their engagement session and we couldn't have had a better time skipping around the bayside of Coronado a few Saturdays ago. Well - we didn't really "skip" but it was a pretty playful time between the beach, docks and side streets. They'll be returning to San Diego for their destination wedding this summer and I can't wait to meet all their family and friends.

Jay + Andy: Wedding, Bahi Hai, San Diego, CA

Jay and Andy's wedding was such a beautiful event to photograph. I couldn't be more happy that they allowed me to be part of their wedding day. Their non-traditional wedding kicked off on Sunday just before lunch. Jay, Andy and a beautiful Polynesian woman greeted their guests as they arrived at the Bali Hai Restaurant; women were presented with a fresh leis which I must say was a lovely touch.

Before their ceremony, they mingled amongst family and friends - hugs and storytelling flowed at a steady pace; as did the famous Mai Tai's. When it was time to walk down the aisle, it was especially sweet to see Andy's children walk them down to the alter. Did I mention how beautiful the alter was decorated? In fact, all the flowers at the venue that day were top notch. I almost forgot I wasn't in Hawaii. The ceremony was one of kind - laughs, tears and a beautiful backdrop of San Diego and sailboats.

Throughout the day, the Polynesian dancers and entertainers kept a smile on everyone's face. The most touching moment for me (besides the heartfelt speeches) was seeing Andy's daughter give him a handwritten note on a napkin. Her words were beyond touching and I feel it speaks heavily on how a same-sex marriage with children can be so beautiful.

It was truly a joyous day and I couldn't be happier for these two. I wish them many years of happiness! Aloha!

To view a

slideshow

, go to: 

http://youtu.be/jymSSeTd9Rs

Making this all happen…Venue: Bahi Hai (

www.balihairestaurant.com

) Flowers: Everbloom Flower Shop  (http://www.everbloomflowershop.com

_

) Entertainment: Hookupu-O-Hawaii (

www.hookupu.net

) Desserts: Pop Culture Desserts (

http://www.popculturedesserts.com/

) Leis: Cindy's Lei and Flower shop (

www.cindysleishoppe.com

); Aloha Island Lei (www.

alohaislandlei

.com/‎)

Meghan + Jeff: Wedding, Mary Star of Sea, La Jolla, CA & San Diego Women's Club, San Diego, CA

Meghan and Jeff's wedding was the perfect way to kick off the month of October. First off, a salute to Meghan for her dedicated service as a Navy Sailor. Their wedding day was smooth sailing, mostly likely because the two of them were the most laid back bride and groom I have ever worked with (talk about making my job easy!). They seemed to be in the biggest bubble of love - smiling ear to ear the entire day. Meghan and Jeff - I wish you nothing but joy and happiness. I feel lucky to have documented your first day as a husband and wife. Being surrounded by your friends and family was a great reminder of how to love and cherish each moment before it's gone.

Many thanks to the amazing wedding team who made this day come to life…

Wedding Venue: Mary Star of Sea Wedding Reception: San Diego Women's Club Catering: Curiocity Catering Wedding Dress: by the Mother of the Bride! DJ: Greg Aujero Photographer: Amy Millard

Rosita + Miguel: Engagement, Bankers Hill, San Diego, CA

I'm so excited for today's post. I had a lovely time meeting Rosita and Miguel last weekend. They are the sweetest couple together. We had a playful engagement session in Bankers Hill which ended with a little picnic on the outskirts of Balboa Park. These two will be getting married in Mexico in 2015 and I wish them all the best!