A few weeks ago I met Chris and Sandy and their puppy at Balboa Park! I’m really looking forward to their wedding at La Valencia this October!
So sweet 
I love how Sandy is standing in this one
My favorite of the day <3
It was so great hanging out with you two despite the crowds!
XOXO, M
I love that Sara admitted to me that she is a blog stalker In one of her emails to me pre-wedding, she wrote how she can’t believe her wedding is next up on the blog! Well, here it is Sara, I hope its everything you wanted and more.
For a refresher course, check out Brian and Sara’s fun engagement session here!
Once I took this photo, I knew it was going to become my favorite shoe shot to date. <3 It helps that Kate is just so pretty too…
And some details of her “something blue” and “something borrowed”
This is such a casual moment, but I love how Sara is glowing. She is so ready to go marry her college sweetheart!
All aboard the Party Bus!
When we pulled up to the Immaculata, we were welcomed by the bagpiping of Larry Samuels, what a treat!
And then down to La Jolla Cove for some more photos!
Fav #1 <3
Fav #2 <3 <3
After we galavanted around the Cove, it was up to the La Jolla Woman’s Club for the reception (and homemade cupcakes!)
Blingalicious!
The gorgeous florals were done by none other than fab coordinator Melissa Barrad!
And then on to Dance Party USA!
All the guests had some moves!
And of course, one of my favorite wedding treats…a photobooth by Red Cheese!
To finish off the night, the catering company Giuseppe’s Catering provided the guests with mini burgers and fries!
Okay, just one more favorite…
Shout out to the wonderful Melissa Barrad for making the day run as smooth as silk! You rock my dear!
And to my two lovely assistants, Gretchen and Mandi, coulnd’t have done it without you!
Brian and Sara – You better be having the time of your lives in Maui, I’m so jealous
xoxo, M
If you knew me Freshman year of College, you would know my name was not Melissa. I was only referred to as ChristyAndMelissa. Yes, we were that inseparable. From goofing off in Mr Tucker’s Speech class to devouring late night pizza to go with our Goldschläger, We were two peas in a pod. We even promised we would be each others bridesmaids when we got married, I moved back to California the following year and our lives went separate ways. Thanks to the wonders of Facebook, we reconnected again recently. While, the bridesmaid promise didn’t work out, I’m happy to have a small part of her wedding day – the engagement photos!
I am so happy she has found Jason, I can just tell how great he treats her. I couldn’t be happier for the two of them!
I hope these images give you a peek of someone that was very special and made a large impact on my life. Her personality and enthusiasm is contagious.
Fav <3
Thanks to Tina for coming to shoot with me!
XOXO, M
My blogging is a bit behind! I still have two sessions from Illinois to blog! Sara (and Kati) have been patiently waiting for this blog, its a long time coming!
Sara is an amazing wedding coordinator out of Peoria Illinois! She also happens to be my sorority sister and friend! She married her college sweetheart a few years ago but wanted to get back in the dress for some awesome post-wedding shots!
This is one of the first shots I took and also one of my top 3 favorites! The girl is a natural!
And she was willing to do anything! Sit on this dirty nasty stained couch we found? Okay!
Okay I admit it…I miss Peoria…a little
Fav <3
One thing Peoria is known for? Caterpillar Headquarters (there’s some fun trivia for you!)
Her Fab assistant Kati was there the whole shoot and even made this veil for her! Love it!
And of course, a standard headshot for her business!
Sara, it was so great to see you again! Thanks for letting me shoot you and being such a trooper! Love ya!
xoxo, M
Rachael and Juan are so fun to hang out with! We sat and watched the game for a while before wandering around the park. They are both big sports fans, especially Juan.
After the game we headed to La Jolla Cove with their furbabies, LT and Manny! Aren’t these two the cutest?
Can’t wait for your wedding next July!
xoxo, M
I planned on putting this post up yesterday, but needed to get Jen and Nick’s teasers up first
One year ago, on August 17th I met somebody very important in my life! We met at a wedding that day, although our email relationship started a few days prior. I knew we were two peas in a pod when we were both up writing emails to each other at 2am.
Meet one of my best friends and studio mate, Brenda Swann. I say meet, but if you have ever stumbled across my blog (or been on any local wedding forum) you know this lovely lady! I knew we had something special when I realized we share two strong passions, weddings and travel! As you can see, her personality is like none other and it shines through her 100%.
She is a wedding consultant extraordinaire!
Photo below by Michele Terry; Brenda giving an impromptu speech at my wedding in January!
And in the photobooth…we are no strangers to photobooths!
This past April, we traveled to Australia together
and did her trash the dress session in Sydney!
And now, one year later, we have a studio space together (us with Cathy from Love at First Invite) Photo by Aaron Thompson
And our beautiful space when we first opened…its got a little more on the walls and desks now!!
and one last shot of us from Australia
Some may think its silly to celebrate a one year anniversary with a friend, but it made me smile when I woke up to a Happy Anniversary text from Brenda yesterday.
It really does feel like longer than a year! Here’s to many more, Love ya B!
xoxo, M
I spent a wonderful weekend in Monterey for Jen and Nick’s amazing backyard wedding! They were married at the home of Jen’s parents, but this was one of the largest and prettiest back yards I have seen! The day started off in the hair and makeup salon where Jen and her mom got ready.
How gorgeous is this??
Jen and her lovely bridesmaids!
These two may win my award this year for sweetest, most affectionate couple! This was evident at their UCLA engagement session last Winter.
One of my favs of the day! <3
My other fav
I had about 10 favorite first dance images, but had to narrow it down to one!
And of course, the Hora is always a good time!!
Big thanks to my wonderful assistants Ally Michele and Marisa Scheetz! You two rock!
Nick and Jen, can’t wait to get together when I come visit DC! Hope Alaska was amazing!
xoxo, M
I am going a little out of order for blogging but I was so excited to post about what happened today! My little cousin popped the question to his wonderful girlfriend today and I got to be in on the surprise! And boy was she surprised!!! This all went down at Disneyland!
When Mark and Katie walked by, the rose and poem were already on the ground waiting for them…but Mark didn’t see it! Oops! He somehow convinced Katie to walk back by the Matterhorn and luckily saw it this time!
He opened the poem and started reading it to Katie. Notice his empty hand behind his back…
…and magically there is a ring box in his hand now! Okay, not magic. My good friend Lindsay was near by with the ring and did a little stealth hand off. The best part – Katie didn’t even notice it!
I’m a little surprised these came out as well as they did…I was bawling like a baby at this point! haha
Still in disbelief…she was not expecting this at all!
Then off to a mini engagement shoot at the castle!
And that wasn’t the end of it! Mark had Katie’s parents waiting at the Blue Bayou! When Katie saw them, she cried again and said that having them there made everything so perfect! Mark put so much hard work in to this! After dinner, they headed back to San Diego where a party of their friends and family were waiting to celebrate with them!
Awesome job Mark! I am so happy for you two and feel so blessed to be able to be a part of this!
And a special shout out to my besties, Yvette and Lindsay for helping with the logistics of the proposal! You girls rock!
XOXO, M
For two years in a row, I have photographed Adeline and her family. Check out Addy at just a few months old and then again when she turned one! Now, she is two years old and totally rambunctious! This little girl has lots of spunk and personality!
Nikki and Matt are wonderful parents!
She only looks calm…
But don’t let that face fool you!
A quick photo of Nikki and Matt…
but in true only child fashion, Addy wasn’t having that! (Hey it takes one to know one, right?)
My fab assistant Tina grabbed this shot, it cracks me up!
Another classic shot from Tina!
Not sure if you can tell, but about 2 minutes after the shoot started a crazy thunderstorm came through! We took shelter at this building but Addy really wanted to go play in the rain!
IDK my BFF Addy?
My favorite shot of the day <3
We had promised Addy a turn on the slide, even though it was soaking wet!
It was so great to catch up while I was in Illinois!
XOXO, M
This wedding is special to me, Allana is my sorority sister from College and I was so happy to see her marrying her soulmate, Sherwin. We had an amazing time at their engagement session in May. Their theme was peacock feathers/colors and Allana used that 100% throughout the day!
I’m in love with this headpiece that she MADE!
You wouldn’t know this, but she is looking up at the Hancock Building because that is where Sherwin is waiting for her!
Their first look was a bit non-traditional and I loved it!
Some quiet time before the big event!
We then went over to Crystal Gardens inside of Navy Pier and explored the area around there!
The ceremony was very sweet and emotional!
This fabulous jumbo cupcake (and the normal sized ones) were from Molly’s. I have to say, they may rival my cupcakes I had at my wedding! The cupcake I chose had real cookie dough inside!
Dance Dance!
And the belly dancer came to entertain! She was amazing, I could not keep my eyes off her hips! haha
Later that night, we all hopped on the carousel for a fun ride!
And of course had to grab some awesome night portraits!
There were THREE Melissa McClure couples in attendance! Andy and Rosy, Allana and Sherwin and Kirsten and Brett! So fun!
I am so happy for you two and excited for what the future has in store! Love you!
xoxo,
M
