Whimsical and Romantic Styled Engagement Session by Theresa Bridget Photography

"I got together with a few other wedding vendors in order to collaborate and create a romantic and inspired engagement session. Engagement sessions are the best and many brides take advantage of them now; however, we felt that while it was a great opportunity to work with your photographer it is also a great opportunity to get all of your vendors involved and see how they all work together while getting images that set you apart from other couples. We set up a whimsical engagement session in Tustin that included MUA, Coordinator, Florist, Rentals, Desserts, bridal salon and even a calligrapher! Using a makeup artist allows you to see your wedding day hair and make up styles on you before the big day, allowing you to see it photographed gives you the great opportunity to make changes before the actual wedding. Your coordinator is an amazing resource, why not include her in your engagement planning process in order to help finalize an overall look. Florals add whimsy to any session and using flowers for your engagement session helps you carry a floral theme and can add significance to your wedding flowers--also, they are just pretty! Your engagement outfit is extremely important and will help set the tone of your session, so why not treat your self and your fiancé to some new clothes. Rentals, even just one piece can transform your engagement session and add a unique touch. 

For Janice and Victors engagement session all vendors collaborated and developed a romantic and whimsical high end engagement session. We wanted to illustrate the value of bringing in multiple vendors and how that can enhance your images." -Theresa Bridget Photography

Organic Desert Engagement Session in Palm Springs

"Tawny and Peter are such a unique couple. Tawny is a designer and Peter works at Rudramandir, a healing center in Berkeley. They met in Oakland, CA where they both met and live. They both have an infinite love for the desert and wanted to take their engagement photos at one of their favorite places to visit, palm springs. We went to the Palm Spring Botanical gardens as well as Joshua Tree National park and photographed the two of them being themselves."

Vendor: Photographer:  Scot Woodman Photography

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach Wedding

"Shar grew up in Canada and swore she wouldn't marry a hockey player like her sisters did. But she couldn't help but fall in love with Rhett, a Southern California boy-playing hockey in Europe. Their love is genuine and something to be admired. And their wedding was a delight to photograph, especially with the beautifully restored VW buses the bride and groom used as their get away car! Rhett really wanted to branch out of the norm and I love his style with the blue suit and tie. I also thought Shar's double necklace was unique and fun. Two separate strands from Banana Republic put together made and incredible look! The ring bearer road down the aisle on a hamboard. This is a long board style skateboard created and made in Huntington Beach, CA. They were featured on Shark Tank." -April Smith Photography


Vendors: Photographer: April Smith & Co Photography // Makeup Artist: Jess Berrios // Venue: Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach // Floral Designer: Petal's On Wheel's // DJ: Visions Entertainment

Twin Oaks Garden Estate Wedding

"Mike and Nicolle met while they were abroad in Spain, during college. Mike decided to go out on a limb, and accompany Nicolle on a really long train ride, even though he wasn't sure if she would like him. They obviously never looked back, and the rest is history.Nicolle studied social work, and Michael economics. In fact, Michael was named one of the 30 Top Thinkers Under 30, by Pacific Standard. With Nicolle's heart for social work to foster children, she also helped influence Michael and his path in Economics. He ended up studying scenarios related to low-income decision-makers...and, to make a long story short, he came to the conclusion that many social programs need to be redesigned. He is also very passionate about teaching.This is seriously the sweetest Bride and Groom ever! They have such kindness in their character, and it was so obvious while watching them with their many friends and family. I've never seen so many people on the dance floor, dancing with such joy. This was one packed dance floor, with hardly anybody still left in their seats!?"


Vendors: Photographer: Kelsey Crews Photo // Dress Store: Alfred Angelo // Bridesmaid Dresses: Lili's Bridals // Officiant: Unitarian Universalists of San Diego // Transportation: Wess Transportation // Hair Stylist: Brides Amore // Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Friar Tux Shop // DJ: MY DJs // Event Venue: Twin Oaks Garden Estate // Floral Designer: Wholesale Flowers and Supplies

Big Bear Forest Wedding at the Inn At Fawnskin from Ashley Durham Studios

"Matt and Amanda’s wedding has been one that Randy and I have looked forward to for so long. From the very first Skype date oh-so-many months ago, I knew that Matt and Amanda were just the perfect match for us. Both so committed to each other and to God, they spent the last few months preparing for their wedding all the way from Ohio. They decided to get married in Big Bear, Amanda’s hometown, and they pretty much did everything from afar with the help of their family. Amanda’s mom, Donna, and their family friend Dena just did the most marvelous job planning every little detail; Dena homemade the cake and cupcakes (which were lemon flavored – my absolute FAVORITE flavor for wedding cake!) and it all just looked so yummy (I was SO bummed that I forgot to try some out!). And the catering buffet? Absolutely delicious!!There were so many little things that we just loved about Matt and Amanda’s special day. I think my personal favorite little detail actually happened right before the ceremony; while Matt was still getting ready, Amanda’s best friend/maid of honor Hayley delivered handwritten letters written to her “future husband,” which Amanda had started writing when she was only 11 years old. She’d told Matt about them when they first started dating, but waited until their wedding day to show them to him. I think that’s so cool!Their day started out pretty early, with an early afternoon ceremony. When Amanda’s dad, Steve, came out the bridal suite with Amanda on his arm – I could actually just feel the love in the air. Matt had tears in his eyes, and as Amanda walked toward her husband-to-be, she couldn’t stop smiling at her dad. As Steve said later on during his speech at the reception, he didn’t lose a daughter – he gained a son … and you could just see the joy and happiness in his eyes as he gave his daughter to Matt.Pastor Fred Snider of Grace Harbor Ministries was the perfect choice to officiate Matt and Amanda’s wedding day – he has been part of many of the Fisch family’s most important moments and was actually Amanda’s childhood pastor. He spoke of God’s love and the value of marriage, and concluded the ceremony with communion. It was one of those ceremonies where I actually stood and truly let the words the Pastor was speaking wash over me; you know it’s a great wedding when you feel like the Pastor is not only speaking to the bride and groom – but to all of the married folks in attendance. I only wish we lived closer, I would LOVE to attend a sermon from Pastor Fred!My other favorite DIY detail was their homemade photo booth. They simply set up a table with all kinds of fun props, in front of a pretty lush backdrop of evergreens, and their guests just loved it! Everyone was taking selfies and posting pictures on social media, and it was so easy to do! All of their guests just had the best time with it, and had showed their skills on the dance floor until sunset!" 


Vendors: Photographer: Ashley Durham Studios // Dress Store: David's Bridal // Event Venue: Inn at Fawnskin // Hair Stylist: Kelly Ohlson at Village Hairsmith // DJ: Leo Mongelli // Groomsman Attire: Men's Wearhouse // Officiant:Pastor Fred Snider