Marili, a gorgeous free-spirit, met John, a deep-thinking music producer at the dentist’s office in 2004 and the rest is history. They decided to get married in the backyard of John’s childhood home. I love small weddings and this one’s no exception. It was an intimate affair and the love from all who attended was very palpable.

Vendors:
Makeup and hair: Nicoletta Daskalakis

Amy and Gino met in prison. When I first read that, I was probably thinking the same thing you are right now. However, Gino is a Correctional Officer and Amy is a Psychologist. So no, neither of them were doing time. Although, that would have made for a juicy story. Amy simply stated to her friend that she thought Gino was cute when she saw him at work one day. They were set up on a date not too long after. They’ve been together ever since.

Gino has a handsome “little man” (son) also named Gino. This duo runs tight. The love that I witnessed between these two was a beautiful sight to see. I could see clearly how well Amy fits into this family union. Her love is huge, overflowing and genuine.

Amy and Gino exchanged vows at the beautiful and eclectic Condors Nest Ranch. Rain was in the forecast which almost always puts a damper on any outdoor wedding. But, not for this couple. All that mattered was getting to the alter to claim their love for one another. Amy bought the most killer Jimmy Choo shoes ever and was game to substitute them to prance around in her boots and get a little muddy (her friends close in toe)…even before the ceremony. These are my kind of girls!

Gino agreed to take photos with Amy before the ceremony under one condition…he did not want to see her until she walked down the aisle. We had to be creative with how we took some of their portraits beforehand. Gino brought a blindfold to make the process easier. It was all very sweet!

The celebration was lovely, emotional, heartfelt and fun! I am honored to have met this trio and to have been a part of their very special day. When I was a kid, I use to hear my Dad say, “good people” when he met others he really liked. Well, I have to say the same for Amy, Gino and Gino Jr….GOOD PEOPLE!

Special thanks to the amazing Jason Tran for second shooting with me and to Jennifer Bermudez for being the best assistant ever! You guys rock!

The Details:
Location: The Condor’s Nest Ranch, Pala CA
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero
Makeup Artist: Domenica Prestininzi
Hairdresser: Justine Pamanian
Caterer: 220 Catering
Cake & Bakery: Dulce & Co
Florist: Sweet Petals Florist

Kathleen + Brian had a traditional Catholic wedding at the beautiful Immaculata… a fantastic church on the campus of University of San Diego.

Kathleen got ready with her bridesmaids and family at a private home overlooking the ocean.  We then took a limo-style party bus over to Old Town where Brian and his groomsmen were.  Here is where they had their first look which is quite romantic as they had their very own guitarist serenading them during the process.

The celebration was stunning!  It was set on a hillside at Presidio Park outside the Junipero Serra Museum.  One of my favorite moments was during one of the toasts, a beautiful splash of fireworks in the distance from Sea World was a great addition to their wonderful celebration.

Special thanks to 2nd shooter Brandon Wong and assistant Jennifer Bermudez.

His, and hers respectively :)

… and now it’s time for some green goodness.

The Details:
Getting Ready Location: Private home and The Cosmopolitan Hotel
Ceremony Location: Immaculata Church
Reception Location: Junipero Serra Museum
Wedding Coordinator / Florist: Carmin Cermak of Carmin Design
Caterer: Ohana Catering and Events
Bride’s Dress: Oscar de la Renta
Bride’s Shoes: Cole Haan
Bride’s Veil: Lo Boheme
Makeup Artist: Mandy Freye
Groom’s Tuxedo: Calvin Klein

Jenn looked stunning in her all-Vera Wang ensemble and Scott is as cool as ever in his sharkskin gray suit. Jenn + Scott met at a lounge in La Jolla, CA not long after Jenn moved from NJ to San Diego, where each had gone out with 2 other friends and ended up pairing off and talking to each other the whole night. 4.5 years later, they tied the knot. When it was time to find a venue for their wedding, they wanted to find a place where they can be their laid-back selves and since they are very close to their familes they found the perfect setting at The Condor’s Nest Ranch. The ranch has a house that they stayed in for the weekend, surrounded by the great outdoors, nature’s beauty (even the view of the ocean), and gorgeous antiques: old tractors, greenhouse, vintage 50′s pool umbrellas, and the llamas, horses, and potbelly pigs. As she calls it, “truly a magical place!”.

Jenn gifted her bridesmaids with these amazing necklaces that she created herself.  I can’t think of a more special gift.  The girls were ecstatic.  It was a lovely gathering of girls getting ready… the emotions were high and I could certainly feel the love.

As if that weren’t enough, the ceremony being short and sweet was filled with heartfelt vows and the type of love that is deep to the core.   I had to clear my throat and dab my eyes a few times.

What a beautiful celebration it was.  I was honored to have been part of it.  Congrats to the lovely couple.  I am so thrilled for you!

Special thanks to 2nd shooter Ed Atrero and assistant Gavin Gottfried.


The Details:
Venue: The Condor’s Nest Ranch
Florist: Isari Flower Studio
Dress: Vera Wang, Fall 2010 Collection, “Erin”
Shoes: Vera Wang
Veil: Vera Wang butterfly veil, with crystal and pearl thin headband
Hair & Makeup Artist: Tasha Dubreuil of Beauty Bar Salon, Fallbrook

On of the most beautiful moments: Jenn hugging her dad as her mom and sister watched.  Everyone was tearing up.

First look.

Gorgeous bouquets from Isari Flower Studio

LOVE this first dance shot!

And another heartfelt father-daughter dance.

This wedding is going to be featured on Style Me Pretty soon!