by carly on August 29, 2010
Katie and Mike are officially Mr. and Mrs. after a beautiful (and really really fun) wedding yesterday at Heritage Park in Dana Point. The incredibly sweet and talented Melody Walker was hired to coordinate the event. As always, she pulled it off flawlessly and kept Katie stress-free so she could enjoy her wedding. We were fortunate enough to be able to take pre ceremony photos at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, then after the ceremony we headed down to the beach for a mini photo sess of the bridal party. Guests enjoyed a beautiful view of Dana Point Harbor and perfect weather at Cannons Restaurant, where the reception took place. We were also entertained with several toasts by the couple’s loved ones. Until yesterday I had never seen a wedding toast involving two Cabbage Patch dolls…I think the bride’s brother referred to them as “nunchucks of death” or something hillarious like that. Congrats Katie and Mike! You make a beautiful couple and I am so honored that I was able to document your wedding day!
She looks just a wee bit happy, huh? 
The modern day bridal party photo- Blackberries in hand!
After the nunchuck Cabbage Patch doll demonstration…Luckily, no one was hurt.
Good lighting is always the first thing I look for when choosing a spot for photos. Look how beautiful their skin is in this sweet light inside a hallway at the Ritz Carlton!
Katie has always wanted Mike to sing for her (he used to sing back in the day). That wish became a reality when Mike serenaded his new wife in a surprise performance. Not a dry eye in the house (including mine)!
Tagged as:
Cannons Dana Point,
Cannons Restaurant wedding pictures,
Orange County wedding photographer,
Ritz Carlton Dana Point wedding,
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel wedding,
weddings Heritage Park Dana Point
by carly on July 20, 2010
Jenna and Mark’s wedding at Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club was SO MUCH FUN! I’ve been really lucky this summer with fun, laid back brides and beautiful wedding venues. Jenna is my kind of bride in every way…didn’t think twice when I asked her to lay down in the grass (on the petticoat, not the actual gown!) and had a ton of personality in front of the camera. Mark treats Jenna like a queen, and it was such a pleasure to document all the emotional moments of their wedding day. Thanks a million to my past bride turned friend Brooke Bakken for referring Jenna and Mark to me!! Now for the pics…
Jenna, you are my hero for letting me capture this image!
My 2nd shooter Brian took this beautiful shot in the wine tasting room.
Since Jenna and Mark took photos together before the ceremony, we had time for a golf cart ride and some romantic pics.
Perfect weather…
Love the attitude ladies! Work it!
This image was created using an off-camera light to combat the strong backlighting from the sun.
Bridal party, ready for the party.
C’mon Jenna, you know you love it…haha!
Jenna’s friends made the DELICIOUS cupcakes. The red velvet was to die for, and the frosting was perfection!
Tagged as:
Bella Collina San Clemente,
Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club,
golf course wedding Orange County,
Orange County country club wedding,
Orange County wedding photographer,
San Clemente wedding photographer,
wedding photography San Clemente
by carly on July 17, 2010
The Turnip Rose is a photographer’s paradise with its sweeping staircases, majestic fountain, dramatic front gate, and of course the atrium. I knew right away that I was a perfect match for Adam and Colleen’s playful and laid back attitude (shout out to Chad for referring me!) They’re those people who are so much fun, you KNOW their wedding is going to be the party of a lifetime, and you PRAY that you’re lucky enough to get invited. Do you know anyone who was escorted into their wedding reception by storm troopers and a fog machine? Didn’t think so.
Every bride needs a good pair of dancing shoes, right?
Working with a 2nd photographer is essential for capturing moments like this – Colleen and her daddy waiting to walk down the aisle at Holy Family Cathedral.
Another example of why a 2nd shooter is awesome – Steve Hoffmann captured this beautiful close up image…
While I captured a wider shot to show the beautiful atrium.
They are called the bridal PARTY for a reason, right?!
I love a bride who bedazzles (look at the heels)! Adam begged to show off his studly calves, so we let him…jk, he didn’t really beg
The refreshingly unique floral design was created by a friend from Camfeldt’s Flowers and Gifts
A surprise appearance by the storm troopers caught Adam and Colleen completely off guard.
Shout out to my Alien Bee flash for producing this awesome lighting for the bouquet toss!
The guys encouraging Adam as he removes Colleen’s garter.
The Turnip Rose looks just as good at night as it does during the day.
Don’t mess with these newlyweds, grrrrr!
Hotel Accomodations – Fairmont Newport Beach
Tagged as:
Costa Mesa wedding photographer,
Orange County wedding photographer,
Turnip Rose Costa Mesa,
Turnip Rose Grand Newport Plaza,
Turnip Rose wedding photographer,
weddings Turnip Rose
There’s a lot to be said for a small, intimate wedding celebration. The chaos level is usually a few notches lower than it would be at a large wedding. If the newlyweds are really lucky, they’ll talk to each of their guests more than the usual “Hi, thanks for coming!” then off to the next table. Monique and Garet definitely had a beautiful, meaningful, and intimate wedding ceremony, and it was a joy for me to be part of it. At the reception, DJ Allan Cason kept the dance floor bumpin’ and the guests fully entertained with his witty comments, blow-up guitar, and dreadlock wig. Plus, if you know me, you know I love a bride who takes a little risk with color! Monique was right on target with her sexy turquoise shoes and a playful feather hairpiece for the reception. If you’re wondering why Monique looks so darn good in photos, it’s because she used to model. Please God, bless me with a body and face half that good after having a child, please!
DJ (sooo amazing & hillarious, call him!) – Allan Cason, APC Entertainment
Wedding Day Accomodations – The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach
Ceremony Location – Heisler Park in Laguna Beach
Reception Location – Blue Lake South located in the community of Woodbridge in the city of Irvine
Tagged as:
Blue Lake South,
Heisler Park,
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort,
Huntington Beach wedding photographer,
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Laguna Beach wedding venues,
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