Laguna Beach Tropical Styled Engagement

"A laid back, intimate day in the beautiful town of Laguna Beach. This tropical engagement inspiration focused on the couple’s fashion and the amazing light of the location. The couple’s free-spirited style goes perfectly with the swaying palm trees, misty ocean and golden light from this beautiful location. The images focus on showing the real emotion and chemistry between this adorable couple. Moose Studio hand crafted the floral bouquet from local tropical flowers to enhance this simple, yet elegant engagement session." Moose Studio

Vendor: Moose Studio

Catalina View Gardens Fairytale-Inspired Styled Shoot by Hylah White Special Events

"My inspiration came from my own obsession with romance and love. Every detail was carefully thought out to capture a whimsical, elegant love story. I wanted to design a photo shoot that was both timeless and inspiring. Catalina View Gardens was the perfect setting, with its majestic surroundings, and a breathtaking ocean view. Everything came together beautifully to create a dreamy vintage modern fairytale." -Hylah White Special Events

Romantic Styled Bridal Shoot at Oso Creek Trail

"I have been wanting to shoot some romantic styled photos for a while now. I was able to get an awesome team together to make it happen. Bonny Bridal provided three gorgeous dresses, two from their upcoming FA15 line and one from there soon to be released SP16 line. They were a dream to photograph. The Veiled Beauty was kind to allow us to borrow some veils from her huge collection and they fit with the dresses perfectly! Her veils evoke such a romantic feeling. Melina Ruiz nailed it with the hair and makeup I wanted which made the photos even better. We shot at Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo which I highly recommend for brides looking for a great location for their bride & groom portraits or even for an engagement session. There are so many beautiful spots to chose from. Over all I am thrilled with how the photos turned out and was able to capture the emotion I was going for. Oh, and our floral vendor fell through at the last minute so I made an attempt at a bridal bouquet. It didn't turn out half bad but I had the model hold it in a way so you couldn't notice it as much. Improvising!" -Stephanie Ponce Photography

Vendors: Photographer: Stephanie Ponce Photography // Makeup Artist: Beauty By Melina // Dress Designer: Bonny Bridal // Veils and headpieces: Veiled Beauty // Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Quartz Hill Desert Engagement Session

"Danielle Bacon who was our photographer came up with the idea of keeping our wedding theme the same with our engagement shoot, country and rustic. Our photographer came up with the location and helped come up with our outfits. I had looked on Pinterest and got ideas to make a "save the date" sign and "soon to be mr. And mrs." But Danielle Bacon Photography helped us tremendously with the location and outfit ideas." -the couple

How he proposed: He bought my ring in November 2014 and Proposed January 11, 2015. He would carry my ring in his pocket (not known to me) and waited until he found the perfect time and place. He saw on Chive a guy propose to his girlfriend in a photo booth and loved the idea, so it wasn't until we were walking in our local mall he asked to take a picture in a photo booth. It was an odd request because only teenage girls do that.. Right? But we like to have fun and I didn't think anything of it. After the first picture, he took out the ring and asked me if I would marry him... The photo booth captured the whole thing and we were even allowed to purchase the video recording.

Vendor: Photographer: Danielle Bacon Photography

1-year Blogiversary Promo

Can you believe that Southern California Bride is celebrating its ONE year blogiversary next week?! I sure can't! It's been a crazy yet incredible journey thus far and am so excited for what the future holds! Before I digress any further, I wanted to announce a special promo I have going on from now until July 1st. Read below for all the details:

Photo by Damaris Mia Photography

Anyone who applies to become a member between today and July 1st will get the rest of the year free! Yup! You heard that right!! You'll get a year and a half of membership for the price of one year. Your membership from start in July of this year and end in December 2016! All you have to do is apply! Because spots are limited, payment is due within 48 hours. If you'd love to learn more about what we offer check this out:

BLOG & SOCIAL MEDIA STATS 

(as of May 2015)

TRAFFIC
Pageviews: 23,000+

Unique Visits: 15,000+

Clicks to members' websites: 9,200+ since July 1, 2014

DEMOGRAPHICS
92% female

55% living in California

Average age between 25-34

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH

Facebook: 2,621

Instagram: 4,964
Pinterest: 17,372

WHAT PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING:

Hylah of H. WHITE SPECIAL EVENTS: “I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Damaris Mia on a few photo shoots but have also had some of my work published on her blog.  She is a breath of fresh air and unlike any other blogger I know.  She puts so much time and energy into connecting with her vendors and building a relationship with each vendor.   She is also a strong supporting in introducing other vendors to each other.  She is careful not to play favorites but has created a place for vendors to connect and collaborate.  When you advertise with SCB you are getting so much more than just an ad space on a blog - you are building relationships and connecting with others in your field.”

Amy of ALL IN THE DETAIL DESIGN: "I was referred by Petals & Stones and knew immediately that SCB was going to be a perfect fit for my business. Although, being brand new in the industry I wasn't sure that SCB would feel the same way about me. I am so thankful and grateful SCB and editor, Damaris, welcomed me into the SCB family. Since then I have had the pleasure of getting to know Damaris and other SCB vendors. I had the opportunity to collaborate on a photoshoot for SCB and it was an outstanding experience. There are so many wonderful preferred vendors with such talent and passion. The features that SCB select are  so inspirational and  educational for any bride. SCB editor, Damaris' inner beauty shines bright. She is genuine, kind and humble. I enjoy learning from her, getting to know her and am thankful for the opportunities she has given me."

Sarah of SARAH SOTRO PHOTOGRAPHY: “Over all, I just want to acknowledge that being a preferred vendor on SCB and working on the launch shoot has really opened doors for my business.  I've been doing this four years now, and up to this point have felt stuck and in limbo.  I still have so much to learn, but am also confident in my skill and eye as a photographer.  Despite that, I was still discouraged because the bookings I did get were based on my "cheapness" and not because clients loved my images. I understand weddings are expensive, but it is still frustrating when you get the gig because a bride and groom just want the lowest price.  Since working with SCB and being featured on the site I've received inquiries from couples who actually love and appreciate my work.  It's a pretty awesome feeling. I've had four inquiries from SCB, 3 have been booked (I'm still conversing/meeting with the 4th). It's really helped to get my name out there in a flooded market, and add credibility to my business.   SCB helps to direct traffic to my site from clients who actually want to invest in their wedding, and who are just as passionate about their photos as I am. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

"Pay for 2016, get the rest of 2015 free" promo applies only to brand new members. Cannot already be a member of Southern California Bride.

Backyard Engagement Session by Sarah Sotro Photography

"We did our engagement session at my parent's house in Encino and the fire road in Bel Air that goes off Mulholland Drive. I wanted Kyle to be in white and for me to be in dark clothes because on our wedding day it will be reversed." -Dani & Kyle

The proposal: Well, the journey to proposal was a little bumpy. I knew that it was going to happen at some point in August 2014. Originally, we had planned to take a trip to Israel, where half my family lives and where I have wanted to go with Kyle since our earliest days. However, our travel plans were cancelled because of work obligations and we couldn't go anymore, so instead we decided to go to Los Angeles for the last week of August and do a California road trip. 

I knew that he was going to propose at some point on this trip, but he would not clue me in as to when. We arrived in Napa and I thought, this has to be it! We are at a beautiful restaurant drinking wine and eating a delicious meal! But, no, not yet... The next morning, we set off to check out the wineries. We got to our second stop, at which point I was having a silent meltdown that maybe I was completely wrong and I was not getting engaged, and as we sit down at a picnic bench, he pulls out a video of our cat playing with something, and it's a ring! And next thing I know he's pulling out a ring and asking me to marry him! Well, suffice to say, all the waiting was certainly worthwhile, and we happened to be in the best place to celebrate.

Vendor: Sarah Sotro Photography

Sarah Sotro Photography is a Southern California Bride Preferred Member. To find more local vendors, visit us here.

Lake Arrowhead Engagement Session

"I knew I wanted something outdoorsy/woodsy with lots of trees and nature. With this in mind, I purchased a fitted For Love and Lemons dress with a slit down the side, as well as a Free People dress that was lacey and white (for a more bridal feel). I had also seen a few pics of smoke bombs in the past so I jumped on the internet and purchased some smoke sticks to include in the shoot. I suggested a park and Big Bear to Priscilla and she said Lake Arrowhead would be a perfect location! It was definitely a perfect location. Priscilla scouted the area and found the perfect spots to shoot at! Everything turned out absolutely perfect." -Arlyne & Weston

How he proposed: Weston pulled the most romantic proposal ever! He gathered all of our closest friends and family and told me we would be heading over to his parent's house for a fancy fundraiser. I thought nothing of it since his parents are often involved in fundraisers and such, and of course he had to throw in the fancy part, so I wouldn't show up in jeans and a t-shirt to my proposal. We walked into this parents house and he quickly pulled me over to a chair he had placed in the center of the backyard for everyone to watch. He sang one of our favorite songs, then got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! The whole proposal is actually up on my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjd3RBWwJeU

Vendor: Photographer: Le Cilla Photography | Location: Lake Arrowhead

Chic Los Angeles Engagement Session by Dennis Roy Photography

"We actually had two engagement shoots. Our first one was done in Griffith Observatory and LACMA. This was an engagement shoot where Gayle and I were a little dressed up and nervous. Griffith Observatory was our first location; we met up around 5 PM, right before sunset. We underestimated the amount of people that was going to be there but Dennis managed to pull off great shots. We shot for an hour or two and then headed out to LACMA. We were hoping it would be quiet with less people, but again we were wrong. This location had more people so shooting was difficult.

The next engagement shoot was more laid back and turned out even better. We met in Walt Disney Concert Hall where we stayed for about an hour. No props were used but Dennis and Brandon (videographer) made it work. Gayle and I felt more comfortable at this time so we were able to act like ourselves. Dennis made it feel that it was just like any other day. All pictures came out very natural and perfect!" -JR & Gayle

Their love story: It was in Cal State Fullerton where we first we met. I was sitting down, eating lunch with my friends when Gayle walked passed me. I immediately stopped eating my lunch and told my friends that I just saw the most beautiful girl on campus (no exaggeration :) ). I wanted to say "hi" but she was on her phone and already walked away. I definitely lost my chance and most likely won't see her again. 

A couple of days later, I was walking to an event on campus when I spotted a girl with a nice pair of blue Nike AirMaxes on her feet. To my surprise, it was the same girl that walked passed me while I was eating lunch. I knew that this was a sign and that I was given another chance to do something about it. So I gathered up whatever courage I had and went up to her. I had no plans on what to say, so I just said whatever my mind came up with at that very second. "Hey, I like your shoes aaaand I think you're really pretty." 

Luckily she fell for my trap with my sweet talk and the rest was history. :)

The proposal: We met up with his brother and his girlfriend, Jonathan and Micaela, in 3rd Street Santa Monica to go "shopping." It was around lunch time where we spent about an hour walking around. Jonathan then asked if we can go to the Pier since he's never been before. As we got to the pier, Micaela asked me to accompany her to the restroom since she didn't want to go alone. After we got out, JR told us that Jonathan met up with his friends by the beach next to the Pier and asked to meet him there as well. As we were walking, I can tell something was up in the air. Out of nowhere, JR stopped and had me face him with my back facing the Pier. I didn't know what was going on, until I hear music behind me. Jonathan, Jomar (brother), and Josh (friend) were behind me with guitars and cajon in hand playing the song "Let's Stay Together." JR sang me the song, got down on one knee, and proposed.

Vendors: Photographer: Dennis Roy Coronel | Locations: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Griffith Observatory, LACMA

Dennis Roy Coronel is a Southern California Bride Preferred Member.

Elegant Balboa Park Engagement Session from Jaime Davis Photography

"The idea of having Matt in a suit and myself in a fancy ballgown dress was something I wanted as soon as we started talking about engagement pictures. We never went to prom together or anything like that were we would have beautiful pictures of the both of us dressed up. This was the perfect chance to dress up and take pictures of us on fancy outfits." -the couple

Their love story: We were introduced by mutual friends when I was 15 and Matt was 17. I instantly thought he was the cutest thing I had ever seen! He became my "ooh baby! "( what my mom taught me was a boy that I will always have a crush on) Everyone that was there that night we met knew how we both felt. We couldn't keep our eyes off of eachother. I was even teased by my friends for trying so hard to flirt with him.Matt and I were in other relationships at the time and for the next 3 years always kept tabs on each other.

When I started my first semester of college he reached out to see if I was finally single. Timing was on our side and he started to work his charm to take me on a date. I was really busy with final papers and he offered to write the rest of my 10 page paper for me in exchange for a date. How could I say no to that?? 

Of course I agreed and he took me on a traditional date where he met my parents and we went to dinner and a movie. Dec 8th 2009 was our first date and we have been inseparable since!

Vendor: Photography: Jaime Davis Photography | Location: Balboa Park in San Diego

Jaime Davis Photography is a Southern California Bride Preferred Member.