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!

Jay + Andy: Engagement, Paradise Point, San Diego, CA

I've been bragging so much about these two lately - it's ridiculous! I'm so excited to photograph their wedding this upcoming October. Besides just being a great looking couple, these two are just crazy cute together. Their smiles could light up a room, in fact I caught myself grinning ear-to-ear while editing.

Virginia + Mark: Bay View Park, Coronado Island Wedding

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I'm overjoyed to finally have this wedding up on the blog! I've known the bride, Virginia, since the first week I moved to San Diego 9 years ago - and I was thrilled when she asked me to photograph her wedding. After years of knowing Virginia I could see how head over heels she was for Mark. Their wedding day was cute and quant along the San Diego Bay at Bay View Park on Coronado Island. It included only their closest family members, a breathtaking view of the San Diego skyline, and a warm breeze. After the short ceremony, everyone enjoyed an intimate dinner at II Fornaio a few blocks away. I was an absolute pleasure to photograph this gorgeous couple and to meet their lovely family members. I wish them all the best in years to come!

Sean + Lily: Engagement, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

Sean & Lily are such an adorable couple. They are absolutely googley over each other and I love it. Their engagement session was actually on the fly. They're both relocating here from the east coast, but plan to marry in NY later this fall. Sean's be settling into San Diego for the past few months and while Lily was recently visiting - they thought engagement photos in Balboa Park with be a fit for their personalities. As a photographer, it was great that they wanted to meet for an early morning session before the park became over crowded. Below are a few highlights!

Wishing them all the best for their east coast 2014 Wedding!

Eric + Liz: Wedding, Dana Point + Marina Village, San Diego, CA

La la Love! Anyone who knows Eric & Liz, understands they are a one of a kind couple. They are a perfect balance of crazy and caring. Any guest who attended their wedding knows it went off without a hitch.

The day started with the wedding party prepping at the Dana Hotel. During the ceremony at the Marina Village lawn, the sun shined down on the two of them during their sweet, yet quirky, vows. Friends and family had a short walk over to the gorgeous reception area at the Marina Village Sunset Room, where they were lucky to catch an awesome sunset across the harbor. The evening included great dishes, quite the mixture of dance moves on the floor and delicious cupcakes to top of the night.

I truly believe these two are a match made in heaven. They found one another at the perfect time and have so much love and support from their family and friends.

Carlos + Alicia: Engagement, Torrey Pines State Park, San Diego, CA

This couple is fabulous. I loved shooting with them every minute! The hike around Torrey Pines wasn't too shabby either. What a fun filled day with a beautiful couple. Thanks Alicia and Carlos :) I love my clients! Can't wait for your wedding in September.

Kev +Shannon: Wedding, Private Home, Warren, PA

I've know Kevin and Shannon since high school and I was so excited when they asked me to travel back to our hometown to photograph their wedding day. We all moved to southern California about the same time; however they're landed in the Los Angeles area while I stayed further south. The rain (and ever so unpredictable weather in that part of the country) had some people nervous but the wedding party was ready with their backup rain boots. This wedding was going to happen rain or shine. It turned out to be a gorgeous late afternoon ceremony (surrounded by tall green tress & fields filled with catails) and an evening of fun inside a large tent. Both family and friends partied like rock stars till the late hour.

Angelica + Andrew: Catholic Wedding, Orange County, CA

[white_box centered_text="true"] My first wedding in Orange County was the best! It was lovely watching Angelica and Andrew tie the knot at their traditional catholic service. Angelica looked like an absolute angel on her wedding day. See the highlights below.

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Angela + Matt: Wedding, Private Home, Laguna Beach, CA

My first wedding to photograph in California! And it was BEAUTIFUL. The morning started off a little raining, but the sun came through and shined down on this lovely couple as they exchanged vows in front of their close friends and family. These two really are the sweetest couple ever. Wonderful way to kick off my new venture in wedding photography.