Melissa + Raymond: Wedding, Private Estate, Jamul, California

Mel & Raymond are one of those lucky couples that met in high school; although they didn't start dating until a few years after graduation. They decided to say their wedding vows at a private estate in Jamul, California (Vineyard Hacienda).  Mel loves Spanish style homes with painted tiles and dark woods. They wanted their wedding to feel elegant but it was also important their guests felt comfortable and this venue did exactly that. 

Mel looked stunning in her wedding dress from Grace Loves Lace. Raymond was looking rather dapper himself as he stood at the altar. Tears and laughter were filled throughout their ceremony (and carried on into the night). Some guests cozied up with blankets under the market lights and stars; while others got their groove on thanks to DJ Noel. 

Congrats to you both! May you (and your dog) live happily ever after!

Alejandra + Ryan: Wedding, Green Gables Wedding Estate

Ale and Ryan are one of the busiest couples! And they managed to pull off a beautiful wedding that was seriously flawless. Their wedding day neared record high temperatures for southern California, but thankfully Green Gables Wedding Estate provided just the right amount of shade under their pine and pepper trees. 

Thanks to all the hard working vendors that made this wedding perfect. Congrats to Ale and Ryan!

Brianne + Mike: Wedding, Bali Hai, San Diego

Brianne and Mike's beautiful bayside wedding was full of tropical touches; which made capturing their day a breeze. They left no small detail untouched - from their wooden puzzle guest book (available here) or the stemless pineapple wine glasses (available here) for the bridesmaids. Wishing the best for the both of them as they start their new journey!

Julie + Blaine: Wedding, Cuvier Club Ballroom, La Jolla, California

One of the things I love most about working in the wedding industry, is the opportunity to meet so many amazing couples! Julie and Blaine were nothing short of simply amazing to work with. In fact, I'd like to think Julie and I have built a pretty good friendship in the short months that we've known each other. (or maybe we both just really love having a reason to drink wine.)

I love that they selected a Thursday to get married along the La Jolla shores at the Wedding Bowl. Julie was looking her finest after Ankerman Artistry was perfected her hair and makeup. Her daughter made a beautiful Maid of Honor. 

While Blaine and his Best Man were waiting for the bid day to get started, there was one important guest that was rushing to get to San Diego. Julie's mother. She was diagnosed with cancer just a few months prior to the wedding. The doctors said the earliest she could travel was the day of the wedding after her radiation treatment. 

She was delayed, rerouted to Orange County, where an Uber driver was able to get her to the ceremony  just in time for the sun to peek out. And there Julie was...walking down the aisle. 

The ceremony was perfect, as was the reception. I absolutely love these two and I'm praying they have many more beautiful years to come.

Congrats Julie & Blaine!

Special Thanks to the vendors!

• Coordinating/Catering: The Abby Catering
• Hair/Makeup: Ankerman Artistry
• Ceremony: The Wedding Bowl
• Reception: Cuvier Club 
• Officiant: Vows from the Heart Ministries
• Music: Nick Weiss
• Florist: Mike's Flower Show (Fallbrook)
• Bakery: Elegance on Display

Taylor & Joe: Wedding, Darlington House, La Jolla California

Taylor and Joe's wedding adventure started in beautiful La Jolla. Taylor spent the morning with her girls at La Vallencia Hotel - getting pampered and relaxing. They continued their morning over at the Darlington House where Taylor slipped into her beautiful dress. 

About the same time Joe and his guys cracking a few beers next door. Guests trickled in and took their seats at the ceremony site under the blue skies and scattered clouds (perfect since in weeks prior San Diego had quite a bit of rainfall). They said their "I do's" under a perfectly decorated alter thanks to Bluebell Florals. 

Taylor and Joe left plenty of time for photographs and mingling with friends and family in the courtyard. We even had time to skip down to the beach to capture a few beautiful portraits of just the two of them. 

They danced under the stars until the end of the evening - while the air was cool, the tequila kept everyone toasty warm. Congrats Taylor & Joe!

Natalie + Alex: Wedding, Twin Oaks Garden Estate

These two loved birds helped us kick off the 2017 wedding season with a bang! The Twin Oaks Garden Estate is one of the most beautiful backdrops we've seen for a Southern California wedding. The romantic venue has the perfect touch in every corner allowing brides and grooms to relax and enjoy their big day. 

Natalie and Alex are from the Burbank area and we couldn't have been happier that Shae, the brides's sister and a former bride we photographed, connected us when they were engaged.  

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. 

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

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. 

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

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

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!

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!

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!  

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/‎)