Lauren and Trent…What a beautiful, and richly pure event their wedding day was!!!  We started off shooting some fun and crazy shots of Trent and all of his guys at the Pierpont Inn outside on the  grass, and then we had the pleasure of venturing into the cute little cottage where Lauren was getting ready with her girls.  Lauren looked priceless as a glowing bride in her full, ball-gown type of dress.  

For the ceremony,  the couple chose to marry each other at one of the most beautiful locations in Ventura, The Cross.  Holding a panoramic view of the Ventura Coastline, the view for a wedding ceremony was breathtaking… To top it off, the cross itself holds a deeper meaning for the two of them, which was evident in the words said during the ceremony that bound their marriage. 

Trent’s Dad, Rod Houck, who also coordinates events, put on quite a magnificent display of a modern and cozy reception at the top of the hill, inside a huge tented area.  There were heat lamps to keep the place warm, great music, funky centerpieces, and an amazing display of a cake and delicious desserts.  Most importantly, there was so much love in the midst for the couple and many wonderful aspects and character traits were shared about both of them during the toasts.

Thank you Lauren and Trent for a beautiful time! Happy Marriage!!!

Hawaii is their love! Brynn and Brian were married in the beautiful Harbor of Ventura at the Yacht club which was perfect due to their love of the ocean.

Brynn’s family tradition is the attendance of her Dad’s beloved Woody at each member’s wedding. With the Woody being out of state, Brynn decided to surprise her Dad by renting a museum-ready 1960’s classic. He was so Happy! Once the couple was married, drums sounded and a team of 40 authentic Hula Dancers appeared in celebratory dance.  It was beautiful, colorful and fun!

We then headed off to shoot the joyful couple’s photos which are priceless and stunning. The Woody was a perfect touch to such a wedding. The reception was filled with tears and happy moments, and the couple was surrounded by love.  Brynn and Brian were so gracious to us and it was truly a pleasure to be a part of their wedding.

Enjoy!

Beautifully pregnant Vanessa, as many know, is one of the founders of Souly Wedding Vendors, and is partial-owner of the Soul Mates Bridal Boutique in Camarillo, CA.   It was my honor and privilege to photograph these charmingly elegant and refreshing images of Vanessa and Tom as they show the excitement of welcoming the newest addition into their family.  What a gift…

Thanks Vanessa and Tom!

Enjoy- 

What a sensational wedding ceremony and reception! The family formal photos were held outside the beautiful Santa Clara church with much excitement.  Yvette and Arnie were so loving and sincere with all of their friends, family & guests- and their intimacy with and affection  for each other captivated the camera during photos of the two of them.  So fortunate for Jess and I, we were able to choose a couple different locations and looks to complete the fun and crazy Bridal party images, as well as the romantic images of Yvette and Arnie themselves.  The bold and the elegant details set the mood for the sophisticated Spanish Hills dining room.  Special family toasts and prayers were said that will remain in memory forever… as well as fun games & entertainment that brought enjoyment and laughter to guests.

Yvette and Arnie-Enjoy reliving the moments through these photos!!

Ok… My wife is amazing! Trying new things and making it all look and taste fantastic. Alaskan Salmon with risotto and asparagus sides. Pre-dinner salad with a balsamic dressing and… and… and… Ghirardelli Ultimate Fudge brownies to top it off~

Summer and Richard are returning clients from a few years ago when I shot their wedding. One Year prior to this family shoot (one day short) I shot Summer’s pregnancy photos which were equally stunning. Now back with their beautiful child, they wanted to capture fun shots of their family in celebration for Natalia’s one year. We hoped for the beach, which we did end up shooting at on the most freezing day of the summer season… who would have thought? The photos truly are charming, candid,  and capture the love between the three.  What a beautiful family…

Enjoy-

So when Jess and I got married, Chris (the dude in these photos) hand-made for us a pair of mugs. They are my favorite we own…. sturdy, strong, and masculine… with a touch of  Tuscan-style vintage. Anyway, I wanted to give art for art. Chris is our new Jr. High Pastor at our church Reality in Carpinteria, and a mountain man by default. It only seemed natural to shoot these lumberjack shots with his future wife Genevieve who is a doll. Chris… the man of a thousand faces performed, and I shot.

Jess and I love you guys and are so excited!

Enjoy!

Megan and Vanessa are the Masterminds behind the new networking group called Souly Wedding Vendors. These two women operate out of their bridal shop in Camarillo (SoulMates); sweetly beckoning brides in by their tasteful elegance & intuitive advice. Souly Vendors, the exciting new networking group, is made up of several different wedding vendors-anywhwere from florists and photographers, to cakeries & Coordinators. Each vendor has been hand-chosen and is wholesomely trusted by Megan and Vanessa both. They recently hosted a classy evening fashion & vendor show at the beautiful  McCormick Ranch House-which was more than capable in displaying the fine works of art created by each vendor.  Megan and Vanessa have given me 3 referrals this year alone and I feel blessed to call them friends!

-Thanks Megan and Vanessa!!!

Stephanie and Andrew found the studio through Summer and Richard, a former Bride and Groom who just recently shot a family shoot with me… coming soon! Andrew and Stephanie discerningly decided not to have a bridal party-as  I later found out Andrew had 10 Brothers and Sisters! –5 boys, 5 girls.  We did get some awesome shots of all of them together though-what a fun group!! The event took place at the Wedgewood here in town, and was scheduled for an early cermony with lunch to follow. These last few weeks Ventura has been overcast and a little bit dark with not much sun. About a half hour before the ceremony began, the sun appeared in the sky giving perfect morning light. Once the ceremony, formals, and couples’ pictures were completed, we were able to spend some time touring the grounds filled with greenery with Andrew and Stephanie to capture their first moments together as husband and wife.  The fun, joy, and love between the two of them was very evident!  There were many laughs and kisses shared as the newly married couple made jokes together and shared tender moments of affection.  Jess and I had a wonderful time sharing the experience with Andrew and Stephanie on their very special day! – Enjoy!! 

I’m going to refer to this wedding as a modern “Father of the Bride” wedding. Ahh! So beautiful… gorgeous details, stunning couple–all included with the comfort of being at home. I love it! We started off with the boys at the Marriott Hotel in Ventura and then made our way to shoot the bride in the foothills of Ventura.  Rod Houck, our “Frank” (but fun and normal) coordinated the event with graceful ease. No one was stressing out, no detail missed or out of place-everything handled… which is so wonderful in the world of event-producing. The tables were elegant and flourished by Jocelyn with A Beautiful Day Productions. She also did the flowers for my sister’s wedding so once I saw her face it all made sense why they were so amazing. Back to the couple… The ceremony was performed by a family member who did a great job in bringing the couple together with fond memories filled with emotional moments. After formals, I was in photog heaven. Jasmine moved like a model… she commanded the presence of the camera. Steve was so natural as well and made a great second to Jasmine showing her off in every way, and also professing his love for her through his body language. The reception was filled with love and happy moments which are the key ingredients to a successful wedding. I was honored that the couple chose the studio and look forward to working with them again!

Thanks Jasmine and Steve!