Crystal + Chris, Revisited

Sarah K. Chen made my week when she passed along a few discs of our recent weddings together- Crystal and Chris' wedding in May being one of them. I figured a little Friday eye candy from their most amazing day would start the weekend off right:)

Christy + Ted, to-be-wed

This shoot goes down as one of the more creative locations and looks that I have seen to date. Christy and Ted chose to have Sarah K. Chen take their engagement pictures at the Santa Anita Racetrack, and in keeping with their unique location, they went with a vintage look for their attire. I have to say it turned out amazing- don't you think? I can't wait for their wedding coming up in August at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach!

Sara + Shane, The Movie

The ever so talented Dirk from Studio West Video pulled through again and sent over Sara and Shane's teaser edit in record time! Now I know what he was doing with the adorable picture he took at the wedding. Seeing footage from the day so soon, with all the memories fresh in their minds, is sure to make the newlyweds' days. Maybe they'll even sneak a peek from Mexico, where they are currently enjoying their Honeymoon:)

The video may take a minute to load; please be patient, it is worth it!

The Best Birthday Present. Ever.

Yesterday was my celebration of 27 years on this planet and Greg managed to make it a day I will never forget! How could I, since it was the day this little guy entered our lives:

Meet Riley Underhill; and yes, he really is that cute. I'm in love!

Preview: Sara + Shane, Rancho Las Lomas

What an incredible wedding Sara and Shane had on Friday at Rancho Las Lomas! I am so excited to see what Jim Kennedy photographed from the day; but until then, Dirk from Studio West was sweet enough to send over a picture he snagged of our lovely Bride and Groom. Are they a match made in heaven, or what?

Casey + Kyle, to-be-wed

LOVE these two!

You know how there are people you meet in life that even if you have just met, you feel like you have been friends for eons? Casey and Kyle are definitely that type of people. They are two peas in a pod, and after chatting for a bit with them at our consultation I knew that they were an absolute perfect match for me. Their wedding is coming up in February at one of my favorite Temecula wineries- Wilson Creek (almond champagne, anyone?). They have some super fantastical things planned for the day. I am going to leave you in suspense, but just know that it is going to be quite a unique and fun-filled day! The pair has selected the highly sought after Tony Florez as their photographer, and the three of them headed out a few weeks ago for some fabulous engagement pictures at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Here are a few favorites from the day:

Rachael + Rob, Marbella Country Club, San Juan Capistrano

I was absolutely delighted when Rachael and Rob brought me on to assist in planning their wedding just about 8 months ago. From the moment I first met these two, I was in awe of how deeply in love they are. I remember telling my husband after I first sat down with them, 'I just love how they look at each other. It makes my heart warm!' Not only is their love for each other completely inspiring, but they are seriously cool people all around. Working with them wasn't work- it was an absolute joy!

Seeing the culmination of all the ideas and choices we discussed while planning was incredible, amazing, extraordinary, marvelous- every word in the book. And as the icing on the figurative cake, Crissy with Christine Farah Photography was there with her outstandingly creative photography skills to capture the day forever. From Crissy's blog, a taste of Rachael and Rob's fun, fresh, and fantastic summer wedding:

We started the day off at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, where Rachael relaxed while getting beautified

Some of the ceremony details; Rachael and Rob chose to include a wine ceremony using a wine that was selected by guests during a wine tasting at their couple's shower. SUCH a cool idea!

This picture gives me goosebumps- see what I mean about being ridiculously in love?

Of course they had to hop in a golf cart!

I had a blast flexing my creative muscles by whipping up some of their reception details. The placecards, chair signs, menus, table numbers and votives were definitely my labor of love!

I love love LOVED the LED lighting they went with- the lights were able to change color throughout the night. Such a dramatic effect and a 'green' (earth friendly) option on top of that.

Crissy prides herself on her one-of-a-kind ring shots. Ring shadows? Yep, I think that qualifies as one-of-a-kind:)

A special thanks to the following fabulous team:
Christine Farah Photography
The Spiraled Stem, (not only are their flowers EXQUISITE, but they are all environmentally sustainable!)
Taylor with Atmosphere Entertainment (who provided all the gorgeous lighting on top of being a rock-star DJ and MC)
Fusion Linens (who provided the gorgeous shantung linens and chiavari chairs)
Dr. Paul Ystebo
Heidelberg Pastry Shop
Niki with Beauty and the Beach
California Coastal Limousine
Floral Fanfare for the gorgeous 'Cinderella' arch used during the ceremony

And last but DEFINITELY not least, Lisa, Leslie, and the outstanding team at Marbella Country Club. Seriously- their service is top notch, and the venue is absolutely gorgeous!