Destination Wedding Photographer » 2010

Aug 28

Mike and Molly – Town and Country Resort – Mission Valley Wedding Photographer

I could sit here and gush over Mike and Molly, but I would be typing forever. I simply adore these two. Molly has the sweetest, purest heart of anyone I know and she isn’t afraid to share her emotions. The entire day she was hugging me and making me feel important when the day was supposed to be all about her and Mike! But that is just Molly. So much love to share and Mike is one lucky guy! Of course Molly is pretty lucky too, Mike is quiet and sincere, but put some dance music on and that man is an animal on the dance floor!

Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a fantastic wedding…but it gets better. Not only did M&M decide to see each other before the ceremony, they gave me 3 hours to shoot! You heard that right…plus there was no bridal party at all…how spoiled am I by my amazing clients???

These bright and cheery colors were so beautiful together!

Beki hung out with Mike in his room.

This garter was worn by Molly’s mother AND grandmother – how cool!

My view during the First Look!

My fav <3

The entire event was held at the Town and Country resort in Mission Valley – which was so much bigger than imagined! This place had some great shooting areas!

Now this was a killer candy bar!

DJ Dale Gottschalk did an awesome job of packing the dance floor!

Photo below by Beki

M&M, what more can I say? Thank you for being 100% trusting of me and the girls. You are the epitome of perfect clients and I hope we can get together in the future!

xo, M

Enjoy your slideshow!

posted in Weddings

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Aug 25

Casey and Alex – Bali Hai Wedding Photography – Photos by Mandi

Photos by Mandi Contreras

I am so jealous that Mandi and Michele got to shoot at the newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island! The updates they did there look amazing!

Casey and Alex were married over the July 4th weekend. I just adore birdcage veils…there are so many ways to wear them. Alex had such a vintage feel to her entire look – love it!

Reverend Powers was there to get these two hitched!

The stunning florals were provided by Nancy Stevens

They had some awesome light after the ceremony!

I adore this shot Michele captured below of the gorgeous bride

Detail photo below by Michele

Loving the elephant theme!

Mandi was in Heaven when she found out there would be Shirley the Cake Lady cake!

DJ Vynce Pham kept the party rockin’!

Congrats you two! I’m sorry we never got the chance to meet in person, but your wedding looked beautiful in photos!

xo, M

Mandi Contreras is an associate photographer for Melissa McClure Photography. To contact her directly, email mandi@melissamcclure.com

posted in Mandi, Weddings

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Aug 23

40 Years Ago…

My parents stood barefoot in my Grandparents backyard and committed to spend the rest of their life exploring the world together. They had no idea where they would be in even one years time but they knew they wanted to be there together. My mom and dad mean the world to me and I want them to know how much I appreciate them and am so fortunate to be their daughter.

And explore the world they did (and still are doing!) They split their time between Portland, OR and San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. They have lived in and traveled most of the world. My mom keeps a blog and right now is transcribing her journal from the 1970’s (including many drawings and slides) as they traveled across Africa, India and Asia (just to name a few places). If you are curious, you can see her blog here.

In a strange case of irony (you know, since their only child is a wedding photographer), my parents do not have more than a few candid photos from their wedding day 40 years ago. But here is one that I grew up looking at. I love the joy in my moms face and my dad’s nerdy glasses!

August 23, 1970 – Torrance, CA

January 2010 – Guanajuato, Mexico

Fun Fact: My dad still wears the same gold wedding band from their wedding day – purchased at KMart for under $20!

And just because I think these are fun to share, my grandparents on their wedding days! Check out that bouquet and that headpiece!

Left: Paternal Grandparents, Charlotte and Del McClure. Right: Maternal Grandparents, Barbara and Jim Harlan

I love you guys!

xoxo, M

posted in Anniversary, Personal, Weddings

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Aug 22

Robin and Zach – Balboa Park and Torrey Pines Engagement Photographer

I met Robin prior to her engagement to Zach. She is the best friend of a very good friend of mine, Katie. I was thrilled when she got engaged and contacted me to be the photographer! They are getting married this Winter and I cannot wait for the wedding!

I adored both of Robin’s dresses during this shoot! I <3 Anthropologie!

One on of their very first dates, Zach and Robin went hiking at Torrey Pines Reserve. While they were there, they saw a couple taking their engagement photos. Robin secretly thought to herself…if Zach and I ever get married (she had a feeling back then!) I want to take our engagement photos here. Such a cute story!

My Fav! <3

Yes, it was quite chilly!

After the shoot, Zach grabbed his Android phone and started taking photos of Robin – it was so cute and totally impromptu!

It was so fun hanging with you two! See you in November!

xo, M

posted in Engagements

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Aug 20

Juan and Rachael – Pt Loma Wedding Photography

Rachel and Juan were married on a perfect July weekend in Pt Loma and amazingly it wasn’t too hot!

Rachel was the picture of calm when Beki and I arrived on base to the hotel room. Jackie Ellis was doing the finishing touches on her hair and makeup and the bridesmaids were busy getting ready.

I feel like I should mention Rachael and her DIY talent right now! She had her heart set on hydrangeas for her bouquet (her theme was actually the flower!) but they don’t tend to hold up in Summer heat very well. So she got creative and found clay flowers! I will admit I was leary at first, but they looked great! She had her bouquet and her bridemaid’s made by someone else, but she hand made the clay flower in her hair as well as the boutonnieres and ceremony flowers! She put so much work in to making the details of this wedding that I’m encouraging her to start an Etsy web page!!