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Real Weddings ·

Courtyard wedding at La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla – Laura & Eli

Now I don’t usually blog this many photos from weddings.  I shoot so many things I can’t even blog all of them and I certainly could never keep up if I did this every time. Of course every so often a wedding comes along that I just love and I go a little nuts with it.  This is one of those.

First, I loved Laura and Eli.  They are so quirky and don’t care that I show all their expressions (not just the pretty ones)  and as a photographer that is the best.  I love being able to show real personalities and that includes all the funny faces.  Second, I am swooning over the location…. the courtyard at La Valencia is just stunning at sunset when the string-lights are glowing and the sky is a lovely blue.

This was a destination wedding for the entire group.  Some of you may recall Laura & Eli’s engagement shoot we did in New York a while back.  And La Valencia was the perfect location for all the family and friends to converge and take over the intimate property.

Big thanks to the fabulous coordinator, Diane Kern of Exclusive Events.  She is a darling to work with and everything is always perfect!

 

Two men stand side by side dressed in suits with open jackets, revealing tank tops that say “Bridesman”. Each has a boutonnière on their jacket lapel. One man has short hair and a beard, the other has curly hair and glasses. The setting appears formal.
A man in a suit, standing front and center, gazes at the camera with a serious expression. Behind him, eight men in suits jump and pose energetically, creating a lively, fun atmosphere. The background is a plain, light-colored wall with a blue handrail to the right.
A smiling bride, wearing a tank top with "Bride" written on it, stands with her hands on her hips while a hairstylist works on her hair. They are inside a brightly lit room with large windows.
A bride, seen from behind, adjusts her white lace wedding dress in front of a mirror. Her blonde hair is styled in loose curls with a small flower accessory. The image, in black and white, captures the elegance and delicate details of her gown.
A woman in casual attire, holding a bag, stands next to a woman in a strapless dress, holding a bouquet. Both are indoors near upholstered chairs and lamps on the wall behind them. The scene appears candid and they seem to be preparing for a formal event.
Black and white close-up of a bride in a wedding dress walking down a corridor. The dress has a lace bodice, short sleeves, and a layered skirt with lace trim. The bride is holding up part of her skirt as she walks, revealing delicate layers of fabric.
A woman in a wedding dress descends a staircase. Behind her, another person, dressed in a suit and holding a bouquet, follows. The setting seems to be indoors, with ornate woodwork along the stairwell. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom walk together while the bride, in a wedding gown and veil, shares a light moment looking at her groom. Bridesmaids in pink dresses surround them under the bright sun, walking on a tiled path with lush greenery and palm trees in the background.
A bouquet of pink and white roses adorned with greenery rests on an ornate, cream-colored stone pedestal with intricate carvings. The pedestal sits on a terracotta tiled floor.
Close-up of two people holding bouquets of flowers. The focus is on the bouquets, which consist of white and pale pink roses with green foliage. One person is wearing a bright pink dress, while the other is wearing a lighter pink dress.
Five women dressed in various shades of pink and red bridesmaid dresses stand in a line outdoors. They each hold bouquets of white and pink flowers. One woman on the left looks at the others, smiling, while the rest look straight ahead.
A group of women in pastel-colored dresses walk along a sunlit sidewalk next to a white building with large windows. Each woman is holding a bouquet of flowers. The scene appears festive, suggesting they might be bridesmaids heading to a wedding.
A tall palm tree stands next to a white Spanish-style building with a red-tiled roof and arched windows. The sky is clear and blue. People are gathered near the entrance of the building.
A spacious and well-lit church interior with vaulted wooden ceilings, stained glass windows, and a large archway leading to the altar. The congregation is seated in wooden pews, and some people are gathered near the entrance. The altar is adorned with religious symbols.
A groom, in a black suit and pink tie, stands at the altar beside three groomsmen. A woman in clerical attire stands next to them. A large floral arrangement is in the background. Guests are seated in pews, and white ribbons decorate the aisle.
A bride holding a bouquet walks down the aisle with a man in a suit inside a dimly lit church. The bright sunlight streams through the open doors behind them, casting their silhouettes prominently. White ribbon decorations adorn the pews flanking the aisle.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the altar while the officiant smiles behind them. The couple is wearing traditional wedding attire and the altar is adorned with flowers and candles.
A black and white image of a wedding ceremony inside a church. The bride and groom share a kiss at the altar, surrounded by wedding attendants and guests seated in rows. The church features high ceilings, candlelit accents, and a statue behind the altar.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle of a church as guests applaud and smile. The bride wears a white gown and carries a bouquet, while the groom is in a black suit. The church has wooden pews, stained glass windows, and decorative lights.
A bride and groom, dressed in a wedding gown and suit, walk hand-in-hand down the aisle of a church towards the bright light streaming through an ornate stained glass window above the entrance. The church pews are empty, adorned with small white floral arrangements.
A bride and groom are holding hands, facing outside the entrance of a building with a tiled floor and arched doorway. The groom is captured mid-jump with one arm raised, while the bride stands beside him in a flowing gown.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment on their wedding day. The bride, in a white lace dress and holding a bouquet of flowers, looks lovingly at the groom, who is wearing a dark suit with a pink tie. They are standing outdoors, with a house and car in the background.
A bride in a white dress and veil shares a warm embrace with a woman in a pink dress, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings in the background. Another woman in pink is partially visible in the foreground, holding a bouquet of white flowers.
Three women are smiling and walking outdoors. The first wears a red strapless dress with a matching wrap, the second wears a white lace top and gold skirt while holding a bouquet, and the third wears a navy blue dress with white polka dots. Palm trees are in the background.
A tall palm tree and an American flag stand in front of St. James Episcopal Church, a white building with a tower, on a bright sunny day. The wooden sign in the foreground lists Sunday service times and contact information, surrounded by a stone-bordered lawn and pathway.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet of white flowers interacts with several groomsmen and a bridesmaid. The groomsmen are dressed in black suits with pink ties, and the bridesmaid wears a pink dress. They are standing outdoors.
A groom and bride in wedding attire embrace under a tree. The groom holds a bouquet of white flowers. Several men in suits and boutonnieres stand nearby, one of them with crossed arms. In the background, a woman in a blue dress walks by.
A bride in a white wedding dress and a bridesmaid in a pink dress walk joyfully outdoors. The bride holds her bouquet and part of her dress while the bridesmaid holds her own bouquet. Other bridesmaids in matching pink dresses are walking in the background. Lush greenery and a bench are visible.
A group of men in tuxedos are standing and walking on the steps of a white building with terracotta roof tiles. One man holds a bridal bouquet and is being playfully cheered by another, while a third man stands to the side laughing. The entrance is adorned with pottery plants.
A group of people dressed in formal attire pose on the steps of a building, with a bride in a white dress holding flowers beside a groom in a black suit. An onlooker, a young girl in a white dress with a flower crown, stands to the left, separate from the group.
A couple stands together under an archway. The bride, in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet, gazes up at the groom, who wears a black suit with a pink tie. They are on a set of red brick steps in front of a white building with columns.
A bride and groom stand on a sandy cliff overlooking a calm ocean. The bride, in a white gown, holds a bouquet and gazes lovingly at the groom, who is dressed in a black suit. They share an intimate moment with the serene coastline in the background.
A bride and groom stand on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background. The bride, in a white wedding dress, holds a bouquet of flowers while the groom, in a black suit, gently touches her face. Both are smiling and sharing an intimate moment.
A bride in a white wedding dress stands with three attendants against a stone wall. Two bridesmaids are wearing pink dresses and holding bouquets, while the best man, dressed in a black suit with a pink vest, holds a bouquet as well. Faces are not shown.
A wedding party poses for a photo. In the foreground, nine groomsmen wearing black suits, white shirts, and light pink ties stand on the ground. In the background, the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and a groomsman stand on a stone ledge.
A bride in a white dress and veil stands next to a groom in a black suit with a pink tie. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and both are smiling. They pose in front of a stone wall on a sandy path. The groom has one hand in his pocket.
A black and white photo shows a bride and groom embracing on a cliffside overlooking the ocean. The bride wears a flowing dress with a long veil, and the groom is in a dark suit. Waves crash gently against the shore below, and the sky is overcast.
A black-and-white image of a bride and groom dancing on a sandy surface in front of a stone wall. The bride, wearing a flowing gown and veil, smiles as the groom, dressed in a suit, twirls her with his hand raised. Both appear joyous and carefree.
A smiling woman with blue eyes and blonde hair wearing a white bridal gown with lace details. She is also wearing drop earrings and a white veil. The background appears to be outdoors with greenery.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil stands on a stone path overlooking a scenic, palm-tree-lined coastal view. Her gaze is directed towards the horizon, and the backdrop features a cloudy sky and lush vegetation. The setting exudes a serene, romantic atmosphere.
A beautifully arranged wedding reception table with white linens, elegant glassware, and cutlery. The centerpiece features a lush bouquet of white and pale pink roses with greenery. The room is warmly lit with chandeliers and wall sconces, creating an intimate ambiance.
A large, elegant pink building with balconies overlooking a lush garden and a pool area. People are seen dining on a terrace with white tablecloths under a canopy. Tall palm trees in the garden with a cloudy sky and the ocean visible in the background.
An elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with round tables covered in white tablecloths, green chairs, and floral centerpieces featuring white and pink roses. The venue is a pink building with balconies, tall windows, and string lights creating a romantic atmosphere.
A group of four people socializing outdoors at a gathering. Three women and one man are smiling, dressed in semi-formal attire, and holding drinks. The background features greenery and a building. The atmosphere appears friendly and relaxed.
A view through open double doors looking out onto an outdoor wedding reception. Guests are seated at tables, engaged in conversation. The scene is surrounded by tropical plants and flowers, adding to the festive atmosphere beneath a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom share their first dance at an outdoor wedding reception. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is in a black suit. Guests, dressed formally, watch and smile in the background. The venue is adorned with lush greenery and arched windows.
A bride in a white dress and veil clinks champagne glasses with the groom, who is wearing a suit with a pink tie. They are celebrating outdoors with guests who are also raising their glasses in a toast, surrounded by lush greenery.
People dressed in formal attire sit at an elegantly decorated outdoor table under string lights. The background features blurred arched buildings with warm lighting, and a waiter in a black vest can be seen tending to a table. Comfortable and festive ambiance.
A lively outdoor wedding reception features guests seated at tables adorned with white tablecloths and elegant dinnerware. String lights are draped above, creating a warm, festive ambiance. The setting includes lush greenery and floral arrangements in the background.
A quaint, pink two-story building with potted plants and vibrant red flowers. It has balconies and an awning reading "Whaling Bar." Palm trees are visible around the building, evoking a tropical, serene atmosphere under a cloudy sky.
A group of four women, dressed in colorful attire, dance joyously at an indoor event. The woman in a light dress with flowers in her hair raises an arm while holding the hand of a woman in a green dress, as others around them laugh and engage in the celebration.
A lively outdoor evening event with people seated at tables, under a canopy of string lights. The venue is surrounded by palm trees and a building with balconies, creating a warm, festive ambiance.
A wedding reception held outdoors in the evening; two couples dance on a tiled floor surrounded by guests. String lights drape overhead, creating a warm atmosphere. One couple includes a bride in a white dress and groom in a dark suit. The guests watch and smile.
A bride and groom share a kiss in front of a three-tiered wedding cake in a warmly lit reception hall. Guests in formal attire surround them, some smiling and clapping. The room is decorated with flowers and elegant chandeliers.
A bride and groom, both smiling, are celebrating at their wedding reception. The groom is holding a plate with a slice of cake, while the bride leans forward. Guests of various ages gather around them, appearing joyful and engaged in the moment.
A newlywed couple embraces and kisses outside a wrought iron gate decorated with a hanging lantern. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the romantic atmosphere. The gate is flanked by stucco walls adorned with potted plants and the address "1116" is visible.
A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom embracing under an ornate wrought iron gate. The couple is backlit, creating a dramatic shadow effect. The bride wears a long gown, and the groom is in a suit. The setting appears elegant with architectural elements and plants.

 

 

 

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When your flowers perfectly suit you 💕 a gorgeous bouquet from @native_poppy @nativepoppy_studio for @vanessa.makes.things

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When your flowers perfectly suit you 💕 a gorgeous bouquet from @native_poppy @nativepoppy_studio for @vanessa.makes.things

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You know a person is amazing by the community that comes together to lift them up @alanagodoy_ @godoyevents you are so deserving and worth it ❤️ . . . . . @thesinclairsandiego @godoyevents @cedarandpineevents @sdsocialights @sdlinens @moniker_cocktailco @jis_islandgrindz @fogo @sushiaffair @kapu.coffee @jenniferderyphoto @willmusweddings @djartform @prideofpolynesia @sandbeachesphotoexperiences @thebarnfloristandmercantile @atkinsonplumeria @mymarqueesd @papermade.studio Tikis Mendiola Island Productions #culturalweddingplanner #culturalwedding #sandiegoeventspace #documentaryphotographer

Getting out the nerves with your best crew

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Getting out the nerves with your best crew

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