Point Dume, Malibu Engagement Session

"We decided to shoot at Point Dume in Malibu because this is a very special place to us. We went on one of our first dates here and we loved it so much that we would always take friends and family there to enjoy the awesome view of the ocean. We were nervous before the shoot but our photographers, Gina & Ryan made us feel so comfortable and we got to savor the moments. Our favorite part was when we climbed the rocks and got to capture the sunset on the dume." -Tony & Julie


Vendor: Photographer: Gina & Ryan Photography | Location: Point Dume, Malibu

Elegant Los Angeles Backyard Wedding from Anna Delores Photography


"Stacy and Michael were wed in their hometown of Santa Clarita, CA at their neighborhood church, Saint Kateri Parish, followed by a reception at Stacy's parents' home in Valenica, CA.  The classically elegant event styling was coordinated by Myra Harbour of Celebrate, and the stunning affair culminated in a synchronized swimming show by the Aqualillies." -Anna Delores Photography

Elegant Temecula Creek Inn Stone House Wedding

"Joe and I always knew that we wanted an outdoor venue for our wedding.We eventually decided to have it in California close to my hometown. A hometown wedding seemed like the right idea. Out of a suggestion from a friend we decided to scout Temecula Creek Inn’s Stone House. We instantly fell in love with the rustic yet romantic stone house and the towering century old oak trees. Joe thought that the lawn bowling court and the fire pits were perks as well. We also knew that picturesque site would lend itself to beautiful wedding photography.Initially, I wanted a more rustic style for the wedding. But after finding our dream venue with many existing rustic elements it was important that I change to a softer more romantic vintage garden party kind of vibe. I also knew that I wanted to incorporate more textures into the space. We ended up incorporating lots of glass, mercury glass, tarnished silver plate and a number of textiles to complement the landscape. Over the next year and a half my mother and I would go on to collect all the décor for the wedding including some very special family heirlooms. One of the smartest choices we made was to take the décor down to the venue a month prior and stage each wedding vignette so on the day there would be no question of where each item would be placed. It was amazing to see it all come together and I’m eternally grateful to my bridesmaids and Mom for setting it up so wonderfully on our wedding day." -Joseph & Jennifer


About their wedding: The most special details of the wedding I would have to say were on our cake table. My grandmother had passed away a year prior to our engagement. After the engagement news my mother was feeling nostalgic and decided to look at their dresses. While looking at the dresses my mother discovered a Ziploc bag with my grandmother’s wedding headpiece with a sealed envelope addressed to me.

Once I opened the card I immediately started crying. It was dated March of 1999. It read, “Dear Jennifer, if on your “wedding” day you should decide to wear this. I wore it on July 28th, 1956 when I married your grandfather Dale. We were married 32 years when he died. I wish you and your love as much as we had and may God Bless you and yours forever. Love Grandma.” It was incredible to get that message after she had passed and although I didn’t wear the headpiece I decided to showcase it along with the note and a photograph of my grandparents cutting their cake on their wedding day on the cake table.

I also decided to use an heirloom serve set for the cake cutting. The knife was used by my grandparents on my father’s side at their wedding. My parents also used the knife at their wedding. My grandparents have been married now for 52 years and my parents have been married for 31 years. We now have all have our names and wedding dates engraved on the knife.

But my favorite moment of the day was seeing Joe waiting for me down the aisle.


About their honeymoon: Stayed at Glen Oaks Big Sur in Big Sur, California. We had an amazing honeymoon and Big Sur was a perfect destination to relax and unwind after a busy wedding week. We loved that we were in the woods and so close to the ocean. We stayed at Glen Oaks Big Sur in one of their Little Sur Cabins. It was the perfect amount of space. Our cabin was situated amongst centuries old redwoods and within a stone's throw of the pristine Big Sur River. We had a private patio and fire pit that they stocked daily with complimentary firewood and fire starter. We would sit out at night by the fire and have smores listening to nature. Pfeiffer Beach was also a lot of fun. The sand is purple and one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. 


Vendors: Photographer: France Photographers | Venue: Temecula Creek Inn Stone House, Temecula | Bridal Salon: Bonny Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo | Florals: Enchanting Blooms | Invitations: Minted | Hair Stylist: Hair by Jessy | Wedding Cake: Creme de la Creme Bakery | Handmade Cigars: Mursuli Cigars

Joshua Tree National Park Engagement Session

"Joshua Tree is a really special place for Holly and Matt. From the time Holly was a young child, her family spent a lot of time camping and hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. Now, its become a favorite place for Holly and Matt to escape to for rock climbing and camping.  

When we were brainstorming where to do their engagement photos Joshua Tree was one of the first places they mentioned and we of course jumped at the opportunity to head out there with an  adventurous couple like Matt and Holly. We waited until the weather cooled off a bit and then headed out there a couple of weeks ago!" - Shane and Lauren Photography


Vendor: Photographer: Shane and Lauren Photography

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve Engagement Session from Kristine Marie Photography

"Our engagement photography session was held at the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego, California. The sun was setting and the light was perfect. The leaves in the trees were beginning to change colors for the fall season and it was the perfect fall photoshoot in San Diego.

We wanted to show our geeky side so we brought along some board games, comics with a wedding theme, and a picnic blanket. It was our first time being in a photoshoot and Kristine was able to make us feel comfortable and natural throughout the process. We absolutely love her warm personality and how amazing she is at using natural lighting to make the pictures shine. It was a very memorable experience." -the couple


How he proposedWe were on our 2 week China excursion and ended up in countryside city of Guilen. We took a double-decker boat trip along the famous Li River, which is renowned for it's beautiful landscape and a significant triple peak landmark that is used on the RMB 20 Yuan banknote. The 40 tourists were all anxiously awaiting that exact moment to take a picture of the banknote with the landmark easily seen in the background. 

I knew I wouldn't be able to pop the question with the top-deck being overly crowded and was determined to wait till they cleared out. The moment had to be perfect. The PA system on the boat turned on and informed the masses that the complimentary lunch was ready and to not worry. They would let everyone know when the triple peak landmark was upon us. 

This was my chance. The top-deck cleared out with everyone wanting to stuff their bellies with some delicous food. There were only a handful of people left. The weather was cool and soothing, where a slight drizzle could be felt in the air and the mountain peaks in the distance were covered with auspicious mists. I couldn't have asked for a better setting.

I had to sieze this moment because I didn't know if another would have presented itself. I paced around for about 15 minutes trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach all the while Amy kept looking up at me quizzically. I took one last deep breath and exhaled till there was nearly no more air left in my lungs. I slowly reached for Amy's hand, got down on one knee, and asked the love of my life to marry me. The funny thing is I was so nervous that I didn't even wait for a response. First, I accidentally took the right hand instead of the left and second, I placed the engagement ring on her finger before she could even mumble a single word. Thankfully she didn't try to stop me and ended up saying "Yes".

After the initial surprise and excitement, our tour guide told us to take out a 20 dollar yuan and hold it up towards the left side of the boat. As fate would have it, that exact point in time when I proposed was the exact instant when the landmark appeared. The boat workers forgot to announce it to the rest of the tourists and that allowed us a more intimate setting for our most memorable moment. If that isn't kismet then I don't know what is. 

We still have that crisp RMB 20 Yuan from that day.


Vendor: Photographer: Kristine Marie Photography

Kristine Marie Photography
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