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Melissa and John’s Garty Pavilion Wedding

MelissaJohnBlog-46It was a little over a year ago when John reached out to me asking if I could help him with a surprise proposal to his lovely girlfriend, Melissa. The couple had just moved to San Diego from the East coast, to fulfill their dream of living in sunny California. It was a big jump, but they knew that if it was something they both wanted together, they could make it work. And so they have! In their weddings vows, Melissa remembers their drive across the country and looking over at John and realizing that if he were to ask her to marry him, she would absolutely say yes. Their trip solidified their relationship, and that they were up for whatever adventure life brings their way. Fast forward a few months into living in San Diego- John asks Melissa to join her for a picnic in Balboa Park. Little does Melissa know that I am hiding around the corner with my camera. He gives me the signal, and he gets down on one knee to ask Melissa to be his wife. She said yes of course!! I was so happy to capture that special moment for them!

For their wedding, Melissa and John invited a lot of family and friends to San Diego to celebrate at the beautiful and fun venue of the San Diego Rowing Club at the Garty Pavilion. After watching them exchange vows overlooking the beautiful Sail Bay, they danced the night away and snacked on donuts from the delicious Donut Bar! We had a blast and I am so happy for them both! Congrats! Stay tuned for their post-wedding bridal session on the beach!

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Venue: The Garty Pavilion

Coordinator: Holly Kalkin Weddings

Make-up: Lipstick and Lustre

Hair: Melissa’s Aunt! Melanie James

Catering: The Abbey

Lighting: Brilliant Event Lighting

Rentals: Allie’s Party Rentals

Donuts: The Donut Bar

DJ/Entertainment: DJ Tempoe

Officiant: Again, Melissa’s Aunt! Melanie James

 

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Rachel and Abraham’s Safari Park Wedding

RachelAbeWeddingBlog-170Rachel and Abe had the perfect fairy-“tail” wedding. (Pun totally intended- since Abe loves puns!). One of their favorite date spots is the zoo and safari park, so it was only fitting to get married there! During their ceremony, they each wrote their owns vows. Surprisingly, their vows were incredibly similar! Abe started first thanking Rachel for accepting his puns and jokes, and introducing a new love for cats, and agrees to be the happy cat-family. He also thanked her for incorporating color into his life (figuratively and literally), while also being the sweetest girl in the world. Rachel also wrote about accepting Abe’s “punny” jokes, and her love for cats and animals. She also acknowledged that they have never run out of interesting things to talk about, and that he is the best person she has ever known. Also during the ceremony, the cheetahs were lounging in the corner watching over everyone, while we heard the lions roaring from afar! The herds of animals in the larger enclosure were on the run, and it was probably the coolest thing I have ever witnessed at a wedding! After the ceremony, all the guests hopped in a caravan to travel across the park to the reception site. On our ride over we were greeted by a big giraffe who wanted to say hello! Right before the reception started, guests were able to enjoy an exotic animal encounter at the cocktail hour. We were introduced to a beautiful macaw, and long boa constrictor, an adorable owl, and the grand finale was a CHEETAH. At the Safari Park, they have an excellent breeding program for cheetahs, and they also train a few of them to participate in the “Cheetah Run” during park hours. They actually let the cheetah run about the length of a football field as fast as they can go. It is incredibly amazing to watch, and I suggest everyone should see it at some point!

Rachel and Abe really are the sweetest people. They are so caring, and so HAPPY. They look at each other with a gaze I can only describe as “I love you, you are my best friend” kind of look. Their wedding was so unique and I had a blast. Congrats to you both!

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Coordinator: Sydney Brink (San Diego Zoo Safari Park)

Venue: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Hair and makeup: Glam Dolls

Dress: Maggie Sottero – Crystal gown

Bridesmaid Dresses: Mod Cloth

Shoes: Nine West

Florals: Lovely Stems Floral

DJ/Entertainment: SGM Events

Officiant: Pastor Ka Tong Gaw

Catering: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Cake: Baby Cakes

 

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Brianna and Brian’s Beach Couple’s Session

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Brianna and Brian live in Boston, MA. They decided to come check out San Diego to visit Brian’s brother. Since Brianna is a photographer herself, she thought she would be daring and and step in FRONT of the camera for a change. She knew she would want some portraits of her and Brian on the lovely beaches of San Diego while she was in California. Luckily (for me!), she reached out to me! I told her of my favorite beach spots and we planned out our session together. Right away we clicked and started chit-chatting about our photography businesses and what it is like to shoot on the east coast vs. the west. We both talked about how we are so afraid to be in front of the camera instead of behind it, but while posing her and Brian she became SO naturally in front of the lens! Since it was slightly cloudy (in San Diego!? Heaven forbid!) we had one of my favorite spots pretty much to ourselves. Take a look at all the fun we had together! BriannaBrianBlog-3BriannaBrianBlog-5BriannaBrianBlog-6BriannaBrianBlog-7BriannaBrianBlog-8BriannaBrianBlog-9BriannaBrianBlog-10BriannaBrianBlog-11BriannaBrianBlog-12BriannaBrianBlog-14BriannaBrianBlog-15BriannaBrianBlog-17BriannaBrianBlog-18BriannaBrianBlog-19BriannaBrianBlog-20BriannaBrianBlog-21BriannaBrianBlog-25BriannaBrianBlog-26BriannaBrianBlog-27BriannaBrianBlog-29BriannaBrianBlog-31BriannaBrianBlog-32BriannaBrianBlog-34BriannaBrianBlog-35BriannaBrianBlog-36BriannaBrianBlog-38BriannaBrianBlog-39BriannaBrianBlog-40BriannaBrianBlog-42BriannaBrianBlog-43BriannaBrianBlog-44BriannaBrianBlog-49BriannaBrianBlog-50BriannaBrianBlog-52BriannaBrianBlog-53BriannaBrianBlog-54BriannaBrianBlog-55BriannaBrianBlog-58BriannaBrianBlog-60BriannaBrianBlog-61BriannaBrianBlog-62BriannaBrianBlog-63BriannaBrianBlog-64BriannaBrianBlog-65BriannaBrianBlog-66BriannaBrianBlog-67BriannaBrianBlog-68BriannaBrianBlog-70BriannaBrianBlog-71BriannaBrianBlog-72BriannaBrianBlog-74BriannaBrianBlog-75BriannaBrianBlog-78BriannaBrianBlog-79

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