Local vendors who do it best...

Finding people you trust in talented market can be tough. That’s why I’ve taken the time to put together a list of vendors that I’ve worked with and trust. Feel free to reach out to any of them for your wedding needs and rest assure they will take care of you to the fullest.

PLANNING

• Adore Wedding Design

• At Your Side Planning

• San Diego Events Company

• Type A Soirée Events

FLORALS

• Bluebell Florals

• Maria Owston Floral Designs

• Tess Fresh Flowers

• Blanc Floral Design

• San Diego Floral Design

VIDEOGRAPHY

• Audrey Alba Films

• Light & Memory Films

CAKE

• Cute Cakes

• Babycakes San Diego

• JennyWenny Cakes

• Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

MC/DJ:

• DJ Noel

• Artistic Productions

• SoCal Wedding Music

Finding the perfect engagement location

1. A meaningful place. Where did he propose? Where was your first kiss? These can sometimes make for great locations to take your engagement photographs. Having a thoughtful place that means something to the two of you is a great place to start. 
2. Your first Date. Was your first date in the park? Was it a baseball game? Maybe it's the perfect location for part of your engagement session. 
3. Your favorites places. Do you spend every weekend boating on the San Diego Bay? Do you both enjoy spending time on your beach cruisers. There's nothing more comfortable than bringing your photographer along to your favorite hang out or during your favorite activities. 
4. Wedding theme. Some couples prefer to style their engagement sessions to be cohesive with their wedding theme. This doesn't mean we have to be literal, but if you're having an elegant rustic outdoor wedding - consider having your engagement photos in a more rural area (full of fields, etc.)

There's no shortage of beautiful places to photograph in southern California, so the possibilities are endless. If the two of you met on a hiking trail and have a common passion for the outdoors, it seems only natural to plan a session at one of your favorite outdoor locations. From mixing NFL jerseys to remote locations - I've had a wide range of requests, so let's get creative! 

The Perfect Engagement Outfit

I believe you can never overdress for your engagement photographs. It is after all a time in your life worth celebrating. However, I always tell clients it's so important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing, so if you haven't worn heels since your high school prom, don't go run out to buy a new pair for this occasion. 

If you're looking for classy, timeless engagement photographs

• I believe ladies can never go wrong with their favorite dress (cocktail style or long flowing). Add on your favorite accessory and a pair of heels (or maybe wedges are more your style) and it's instant beauty. 
• I believe gentleman can never go wrong with a tailored short paired up with a nice dark jean or slacks. Similar to the ladies, add in an accessory such as a tie or hat to add some interest. 

Use your particular taste and personality for the shoot. If you love bright colors, go for it. If you're worried about dressing up in an outdoor location - don't. Dressy looks great at any location we photograph! 

Casual isn’t all bad if you’re not looking to go super dressy with your engagement outfit, but incorporate the same overall rules to make sure you look great. If you can’t decide what color to pick or what’s going to work with the shooting location, you can always land on black and know that you’ll be great. It's timeless. 

Still need some inspiration? Hop on over to the Pinterest board I've created where I'm always add a few things each season. 

Tips for the bride

Plan for a Day Of Coordinator: Many venues include a "coordinator" for your wedding, however - one of the biggest misconceptions are the duties of that coordinator on the big day. Every venue is different so I can't generalize, but be sure to discuss what the venue coordinator will and will not be doing. 

• Venue coordinators typically do not set up any personal decor, they will not confirm vendors prior to your wedding, they do not manage your timeline (or if things go array) and they typically leave after dinner is served. Hiring a day of coordinator outside of your venue ensures you have someone there to assist you all day. 

Hire a professional make-up artist: A professional makeup artist will be able to examine and give recommendations for improving your skin, so you can have the most flawless makeup application on your wedding day. They're trained in the art of highlighting your best features and contouring any imperfections. Best yet - They'll know how to cover up any last minute pimples, etc.

• Make sure you have your make-up trial at least three weeks. If you're planning on a spray tan, have a test run before your make-up trial so that your artist can see what color your skin becomes with the tan. 
• Hint: Be sure to wear a button up shirt or robe, so you won't mess up that pretty face or hair. 

The dress: Does your dress look amazing… as long as you’re standing still? Find a comfortable dress so you’re not fussing with a tight or loose fitting bodice. Stand, sit, and dance in the fitting room to make sure your dress stays put. Sew in a bra if needed. I can't tell you how often I see brides pulling up their unfitted strapless dress on their wedding day. The goal is to be beautiful, yet comfortable. 

Time, time, time: Give yourself plenty of time. So often I see time eaten up from all the hussle that happens during the “getting ready stage”. Give yourself ample amount of time to help accommodate the unexpected delays. 

Relax & Enjoy: Remember to take a few moments to soak it all it. Weddings are once in a lifetime so don’t allow yourself to get upset over seating charts, family drama or little misplaced items. Keep calm and enjoy. 

Tips for the groom

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.

#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. 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 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. Here are just a few ideas on how to look a little extra stylin’ with your guy-friends on your big 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 groomsmen's shoes. Fun shoes look great 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.
• +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!