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