Lindsey + Ryan: Wedding, San Marcos Lakehouse and Golf Course, San Marcos California

Lindsey & Ryan's wedding was the perfect way to end our 2016 Wedding year. Their day started off cool and collected, and even though the temps were on a rise outside - everyone seemed to stay cool and calm as the day unfolded. The couple had a sweet little first look at the San Marcos Lakehouse which followed with bridal party portraits. 

They enjoyed a few toasts in the AC while guests started to arrive at their beautiful outdoor venue at the St Mark Golf Course. They said their vows under a few big trees that gave a whimsical feel for all. 

Big thanks to the following: The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, St Mark Golf Course, Cynthia Schmelzle Events, Raphael's Events, Eat Your Cake Too, LovePBeauty, and DJ Evan

Laura + Aaron: Big Sur Wedding, Nepenthe Wedding

Laura & Aaron's Big Sur Wedding was nothing short of being magical! They were graced with the love and support from their closes friends and family members for a long weekend in Big Sur - where the weather just happened to be on point. The sunset was breathtaking, as was their quaint and precious ceremony (choking up quite a few). The evening rocked on with their live band performing some of their favorite songs. 

Sarah + Dan: Wedding, Golf Club of California, Fallbrook, CA

The Wedgewood Venue located in Fallbrook was the perfect location for Sarah and Dan to tie the knot last month. Sarah, Dan and the kids are the sweetest little family. Wishing them all the best on this new chapter of their lives. 

Megan + Phil: Engagement, San Diego

These two are still in the early stages of planning their wedding, but I know it's going to rock. They know how to keep things simple and have a good time. Super excited to see them tie the knot next year! Cheers to 2017!

Noreen + Brian: Wedding, Scripps Seaside Forum, La Jolla, California

Noreen and Brian are a simple couple - and I LOVE that! They also have good taste; which means their elegant yet simple wedding at Scripps SeaSide Forum was a perfect balance. Their wedding party was simple yet meaningful, the venue was a gorgeous view yet comfortable, the food was easy yet delicous, the speeches were personal yet laughable... it was perfect, perfectly Noreen and Brian.

Congrats you two!

The Creative Vendor Team Includes: 

SociaLights – http://www.sdsocialights.com/

Cedar & Pine – http://cedarandpineevents.com/

Raphaels Party Rentals – https://www.raphaels.com/

Urban Kitchen – https://www.urbankitchengroup.com/

Bella Florina – http://www.bellaflorinaevents.com

Giuseppe Bar Service – grnfc.com

Zach Barnhorst (Musician) – zbsavoy.com

Nomad Donuts – nomaddonuts.com

Scripps Seaside Forum – scripps.ucsd.edu/about/venues/seaside-forum

Stephanie Rose Events - stephanieroseevents.com

Heather + Isabelito: Engagement, Torrey Pines, CA

It's been a few years since I've photographed an engagement session at Torrey Pines park, but it never disappoints! We took a short hike to a few overlooks and caught the most beautiful sunset! Congrats to Heather and Isabelito! 

Patty & Carlos: 10 Year Anniversary, Laguna Beach CA

If this is what 10 years of marriage looks like, I couldn't be more excited! Patty & Carlos are one of my favorite couples in San Diego. I met them shortly after they were married and not only are they the perfect example of a well balanced couple, but they're pretty fun and adventurous as well. We've taken many weekend road trips with these two and this was one for the books. Congrats to the two of them!

Carly + Brandon: Wedding, Mission Beach, San Diego

Carly & Brandon quaint beach wedding in Mission Beach had the perfect balance of Southern California meets Islander Style. Their ceremony area was detailed with palms, and alter with tropical florals. Head over to the reception area, an outdoor space of this sweet Spanish vacation rental, and you'll find the tables have a flare of pineapples and palms as well. 

These two put on a beautiful celebration for their guests; using the simplest touches. Well done and congrats to the two of you! 

Thanks to Star Hansen Events for all the help making this day run smoothly!

Tasha + Mike: Wedding, Catamaran Hotel & Spa

Tasha and Mike's story began under citrus tree several years back. Their friendship and love for one another seemed to blossom after that taking them from Arizona all the way to Chicago. The two of them celebrated with friends and family at the beautiful Catamaran Hotel in Mission Bay a few weeks ago - can these family travel well in packs! They shared so many wonderful memories this weekend and I'm sure there are many more to come in the future. Best of luck Tasha & Mike!

Big Thanks to the Creative Team: 

• Event Planning: Adore Wedding Design
• Venue: Catamaran Resort
• Cake: Twiggs Bakery
• Officiant: Exquisite Designs
• Videography: Lux Media SD
• Flowers: Exquisite Designs By DLS
• Live Music: Alex Guillen Music
• Beauty: The Hair and Makeup Box
• DJ: Party People San Diego
• Photography:  Amy Millard

Noreen + Brian: Engagement, La Jolla Cove

If you've been to La Jolla Cove recently, you couldn't miss the large number of seals! I met Noreen & Brian there, this past Friday, and we couldn't believe how many seals where photo bombing their engagement session. ha! It all worked out beautifully though. The cliffs were the perfect playground for the two of them and we captured some gorgeous photos at sunset. I'm feeling giddy about their upcoming wedding at Scripps Forum!

Taylor & Joe: Engagement, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, CA

A pretty magical engagement session took place at sunset cliffs last week!

Chelsea + Matt: Wedding, Mission Bay, ZLAC Rowing Club

If life is a song, love is the music between these two. Living in Utah, but southern california lovers at heart - these two said "I do" on a beautiful day at the end of July. Mission Bay was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony, while the ZLAC Rowing Club provided an old school feel for the guests during cocktail hour and the reception. 

Carly & Brandon, San Diego Engagement, Green Valley Falls

Rarely does an engagement session starts with your car overheating on the side of the road and the couple you're about to photograph, coming to your rescue - that's what makes Carly & Brandon a one-of-a-kind couple. 

We carried on with the shoot at Green Valley Falls, where Carly and Brandon played along the rocks and small waterfalls. Brandon happens to be a brewmaster at Alpine Brewery, so it was suitable that they sipped on a few brews while reminiscing of all their camping trips and childhood memories from this location.

San Diego Proposal, La Jolla Shores

I'm swooning over this recent proposal I photographed in La Jolla. Greg went above and beyond to create a romantic yet quiet proposal on the hillside of La Jolla. We arranged almost 100 candles at an overlook. At sunset he arrived with his Vanessa, walked her down the row of candles and got down on one knee. It was beautiful. 

If you or someone you know is looking for a creative proposal idea - please feel free to contact me! I'd love to collaborate and capture that special moment for the two of you. 

Chelsea + Matt: Engagement, Mission Trails, San Diego, CA

These two couldn't have picked a better outdoor location for their engagement session! They currently are bundled up in Utah while Chelsea finishes her Masters degree, but their home is San Diego. Mission Trails is a place they used to hike often so an early morning engagement session was a perfect fit. The light fell on them beautifully this day. 

Raunette + Dave: Engagement, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego, CA

Beautiful cherry blossom trees and a stunning couple in love - what more could a photographer ask for during an engagement session, right? It's easy to get caught up in the fast-paced city life in San Diego, but that all seemed to melt away as we got lost in the Japanese Friendship garden soaking in the serenity during Raunette and Dave's engagement session. Raunette's two boys and fur baby met up with us afterwards for some fun as well!

Sarah + Dan: Engagement, Miramar Lake, San Diego, CA

Sarah and Dan met online, but surprisingly their paths have been crossing for years. In fact, on their first date they discovered that Sarah had been attended several little league games where Dan had been coaching all season. Their first date was spent at Miramar Lake, so it only seemed suitable for engagement photographs to take place there. With Dan's younger son as my side-kick, it was peaceful little session Saturday morning session. Congrats!

Ashley + Kim: Wedding, Sycuan Golf Resort, El Cajon, CA

Despite all the talk of rain, Ashley & Kim tied the knot on a beautiful sunny day at the Sycuan Golf Resort and it was one wedding not to be forgotten. Their first look was absolutely took place under a tree and had a lot of tears involved - oh so sweet!

Their wedding party was one crazy group. They kept the spirits high from early in the day till the late hours of the night. The ceremony location at the golf course was quaint with the white gazebo and the perfect backdrop for all the friends and family to witness them exchange their vows. I'm absolutely in love with Ashley and Kim's quirky sides - from their Padre socks and Vans to their music selection - they surely kept us all entertained.  

Thanks to the creative team: 

• Event Planning: Type A Soiree
• Venue: Sycuan Golf Course
• DJ: Play It More
• Photographer: Amy Millard
• Flowers: Beautiful Blooms by Larry
• Cake: European Cake Gallery

Julie + Todd: Wedding at U.S. Grant Hotel, San Diego, California

They laughed, they cried, they said "I do"! The U.S. Grant Hotel was the perfect setting for Julie and Todd's wedding last month. It was simple and elegant, and full of emotion. Julie and Todd were both a sweethearts to work with the entire day - calm and collected and truly soaking in the moments. I absolutely love the sentimental touches they incorporated into the day. With their maid of honor and best man by their side, loving family filling the room and a location full of classic romance - it was the perfect day to become Mr. & Mrs. Gibbs. 

Venue: U.S. Grant Hotel, Florals: Mother of the Groom, Wedding Dress: TBD, Hair and Make-Up: TBD,  Photography: Amy Millard

San Diego, Mission Bay, Surprise Proposal

Last Sunday, I sat quietly at Mission Bay waiting in anticipation, for the sweetest little planned proposal to take place. Ryan had contacted me the week prior. When we sat down to discuss the plan I felt giddy knowing his lady would blush over the attention to detail he was putting into his proposal.

The late afternoon unfolded beautifully. As the sun set, the couple arrived on the beach to a perfect fire pit setup supplied by Beach Fire Guy. It wasn't too long after that, Ryan had arranged for a mariachi band to scroll up on the sand and perform for the two of them. They laughed and began to dance. After the second song, Ryan went down on one knee and offered a beautiful diamond ring to her. 

I'm beyond grateful to have shared and captured such a beautiful moment for the two of them. They continued the rest of the evening dancing beside the fire and tiki torches in the twilight - it was simply magical.