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This was one of those rare weddings where I didn’t meet the couple prior, since they live in Northern California! I actually didn’t really have much communication at all, since their amazing planner Courtney from After the Engagement had everything under control! It was kind of fun, getting to know them that day and learning their fun personalities! Michaela was the epitome of calm. Playing with her pup, laughing with her girls. She was classy and collected. I loved her non traditional dress and bright red bouquets! And of course you know I was obsessed with her red lips!

During the ceremony, it started to sprinkle which with most couples, might freak them out. But these two were thrilled and it took it as a sign of Stuart’s late mother giving her blessing. Stuart also surprised Michaela with the wedding band she lusted after but was told she couldn’t have. I loved knowing the surprise was coming and seeing her shocked reaction.  The entire day was laughter, joking around and lots of beautiful light!  Ceremony + Reception Venue: Bali Hai Restaurant
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Wedding Planner: Courtney, After the Engagement
DJ: Matt Phipps, Choice Entertainment
Photobooth: Union Photobooth
Florist: Flowers of Point Loma
Makeup: Beauty by Gerine
Cake: European Cake Gallery
Linens/Lighting: Concepts Event Design

When I met my fiance he brought me along to my first beer release. A beer release is usually done at a brewery that is putting out a special beer with limited quantity. You go early and stand in a long line for the opportunity to buy this beer. This explains how I met Anthony. I started talking to the friendly guy behind me and it turned out he was a photographer too!  We became friends on Facebook and it was long before I started seeing him at other beer events. I finally got to meet his other half, Lindsey and we hit it off immediately! Over the years we got closer over the love of beer and it blossomed in to a lovely friendship. I was so excited they thought of me for their wedding. Of course we had to include craft beer – Anthony got us special access to the new Alesmith facility to do photos!

Also check out Lindsey’s custom made gown done by Anthony’s cousin Paul! So gorgeous!

Ceremony Venue: All Hallows Church, La Jolla
Reception Venue: Bali Hai Restaurant
Getting Ready Venue: Best Western Island Palms
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Photobooth: AS Photobooth
Brides Dress: Paulos Fashion
Papergoods: Your New Friend Sam

If you don’t know Rev Christopher Tuttle then you should take some to seek him out and introduce yourself.  He is a such a caring, heart warming man who is always a joy to be around.  He is a friend and fellow wedding vendor and performs happy couple’s wedding ceremonies year round.   Last year he started a charity called Military Mondays.  Lucky military couples can get a free wedding ceremony and other select services free of charge!  I had volunteered my free photography services for Kelly Jo and Cory’s wedding at the Bali Hai. They were able to celebrate with their closest family friends and their kids.   The florals were donated by Elegant Touch Floral Designs.

Are you a military bride who is interested in Military Mondays?  Click HERE.

Are you a photographer, videographer or florist interested in donating your services to Military Mondays?  Click HERE.

The man himself, Rev. Christopher Tuttle:

Photos by Mandi Contreras

Mandi and Bryan spent the day on Shelter Island with Cassie and Billy for their wedding day!  They were married on Shelter Island on a gorgeous September day.  The Bali Hai just remodeled their event room and outdoor reception area and it looks great!

Ceremony and Reception: Bali Hai Restaurant
Photographer: Mandi Contreras with Melissa McClure Photography
2nd Photographer: Bryan N Miller
Makeup: Van Do

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

Brooke and Kurt have such great attitudes!  I love being around them, they exude such a positive energy!  We had a blast at their Balboa Park engagement session!

I started off the day with Brooke and her girls at Humphrey’s by the Bay resort.

Love her custom ring!

Doesn’t she look so retro pin up?! Love it!

My assistant Jena grabbed this shot after meeting up with the guys!

This was my 2nd wedding this year where the groom walked his bride down the aisle!  *tear*

The gorgeous Bali Hai Restaurant

This was very James Bond to me…

During cocktail hour, they had Hawaiian dancers entertain their guests – what a fantastic show!

Okay this next photo needs some explanation!  Kurt grew up with his three groomsmen so they have all known each other for a long time.   One of their childhood past times was to make music videos.  His 3 groomsmen made a video for him…of Beyonce’s Single Ladies.  If you aren’t giggling by now, you have never seen this video or the JT SNL skit!

It was a total crowd pleaser!  Kurt and Brooke were dying of laughter.  I’ll save you from posting a screen shot of the video, but I did include it in the slideshow below!

La Jolla DJs were rocking the dance floor (Shout Ou to Payton!) and also provided the fun Photobooth!

Payton played Single Ladies once again and the guys re-enacted the video LIVE!  hahahaha

What a fun night with a fun couple!  Best wishes to you and I hope the Honeymoon was amazing!

xoxo, M

Enjoy the slideshow!