Melissa McClure Blog » swann soirees

Mt Woodson Wedding, Ramona, CA – {Travis + Leanne} – Wedding by Mandi

Melissa McClure — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:22:48 +0000

Photos by Mandi Contreras – Associate Photographer

It’s so fun when I get to 2nd shoot for Mandi! We always have fun working together. Leanne & Travis were married on a warm Ramona afternoon at one of my favorite venues! We got most of the photos done prior to the ceremony so they could join their guests earlier! I adored their travel theme – Bethel even included some travel stories in their ceremony! Brenda did an amazing job with the details, each table was a different place they have traveled! You can see more details from the day on her blog!

I loved their first look, they were so excited to see each other!

Ceremony & Reception: Amy Strong Castle at Mt Woodson
Photography: Mandi with Melissa McClure Photography
Assistant Photographer: Melissa
Wedding Coordinator: Brenda from Swann Soirees
Caterer/tables/chairs: Personal Touch Dining
Florist: Poway Country Florist, arranged by Brenda Swann
Pies: Julian Apple Pie Company
DJ: Joe with JMC Events
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Audra Rene
Favors: Chuao Chocolates
Bride’s Dress: Allure from Bridals by Susanti
Bridesmaids dresses were picked by them from various stores
Groom/Groomsmen suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Photobooth: Starlight Photobooth
Mini Donuts: Sensational Treats

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

Ocean View Villas Wedding, Pt Loma, CA – {Adam + Ashley}

Melissa McClure — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:03:39 +0000

I’m so excited to post this wedding of one of my favorite 2011 couples, Adam and Ashley! I first met them at their Boston engagement session. They live outside of Boston and every person from the wedding was from out East. One thing that made this wedding special is that I left feeling like a friend, not a vendor. Brenda and I even went to a Padres game with the group the next day! I wish these two lived on this coast!! I also adore mid-week weddings, this one was on a Tuesday!

Brenda Swann did all of the design for this wedding. Ashley really put her trust in Brenda and the details were so beautiful!

Ceremony & Reception: Ocean View Villas
Photography: Melissa McClure
Wedding Coordinator/Event Designer: Brenda from Swann Soirees
Florist: Rae Florae
DJ: Michael Tiernan
Hair & Makeup: Marisa Von Sheere
Videographer: Luke McCain
Lounge Rentals: Concepts Event Design
Officiant: Aline Rozok

Ryan and Vanessa – The Andaz Hotel, San Diego Wedding Photographer

Melissa McClure — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:42:52 +0000

I met Vanessa when she was the maid of honor for one of my favorite 2009 couples! She booked me right after their wedding and then I didn’t hear from her until her wedding was right around the corner. She was a super laid back, hands off kind of bride. She fully trusted me and I couldn’t ask for anything more! Her details were amazing and the group of vendors that worked with this wedding were top notch. I was stoked to find out that Style Me Pretty was going to feature this gorgeous green wedding which is why I held off until now to post on the blog.

Photographer: Melissa McClure
Assistant: Mandi Contreras
Wedding Coordinator: Megan with Swann Soirees
Ceremony and Reception Location: The Andaz Hotel
Hair and Makeup: Marisa Von Sheere
Florist: Exquisite Blooms
Officiant: Groom’s Uncle
DJ: Average Joe with JMC Events
Calligraphy: The bride! Cursive and Ink
Shoes: Steve Madden
Men’s Suits: Men’s Fashion Depot
Programs: Friend of the couple
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Sash: Originally with the dress but altered by the bride
Dress: Enzoani Diana

Mike and Audra – Admiral Baker Clubhouse Wedding Photographer

Melissa McClure — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:32:09 +0000

You’d better sit down and buckle your seatbelts – this is going to be a photo heavy post!

I met Audra at Starbucks on Mother’s Day (this was before I had my studio!) She was so determined to book me that day that she freaked out because she left her checkbook at home. She ran all over looking for an ATM to get me money. It’s something we still laugh about today.

Little did I know that this enthusiastic bride would become one of my closest friends. These images are extra close to my heart, its so great to watch a good friend marry the man of her dreams and even better when you get to capture it! Now Audra is not only my friend and late night phone conversation buddy, she is also my awesome hair dresser! Check out her gorgeous new website, designed by the one and only Cathy with Love-Inspired! Audra is available for your hair and makeup needs at weddings!

One perk of living with a hair dresser…

Audra and Mike opted for a first look so there was more time for photos. Such a sweet and intimate moment between them.

Shortly after, I set up this shot below. At the same time, Mandi was shooting the image below this one! One of the many benefits of having a second shooter!

Audra decided on a totally different idea for her bouquet! It turned out gorgeous!

A different view of the grand entrance thanks to Cathy!

Ceremony and Reception: Admiral Baker Golf Course
Photography: Melissa McClure Photography
Assistant Photographers: Mandi Contreras & Cathy Olson
Coordination: Brenda with Swann Soirees
Videography: NR3 Vid eo Productions
Bride’s Hair: Kristina Brandy
Bride’s Makeup: Herself!
Bride’s bouquet: Jilliann’s on Etsy
Other florals: Nannell’s Flowers
DJ and Lighting: Joe with JMC Events
Photobooth: The Foto Box
Bridesmaids hair and makeup: Tricia Gandolfo, Trisha Phillips, Kate Lewis and Tanaira Manzanet
Cake and Favors: Bride’s friend

And just for fun…me and the lovely Audra!

Ian and Courtney – San Diego Botanic Gardens, Encinitas Wedding Photographer

Melissa McClure — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:22:34 +0000

I was so excited to shoot Courtney and Ian’s wedding, not only because they are super awesome people but because this was my first time shooting a wedding at the San Diego Botanic Gardens (formerly Quail Botanic Gardens). It was just a bonus that its down the street from my condo!

I met up with the girls in the middle of getting their hair and makeup done!

Makeup by Jackie Ellis – Je’llis Faces and Hair by Leah Stills – STAINED

Meanwhile, Jamie was hanging out with the guys at the hotel. Love this capture of Ian.

I love that most of my couples opt for a First Look, it allows more time for photos and you get to spend the cocktail hour with your guests!

Courtney you are such a beautiful bride!

Such fun bridesmaids!

Best Grand Entrance ever!

A unique way to display the table numbers! The coordinator for the day, Megan with Swann Soirees was super helpful!

This was a dancing crowd! DJ Nik Bordokoff kept the dance floor packed!

C+I – It was so fun getting to know you over the last year, thank you for trusting in me to capture your special day! Give Taupo doggie kisses for me too!

xo, M

PS Shout out to Christina Fleming for being an awesome videographer and friend!

Enjoy the slideshow!

Ben and Leslie – Alcazar Garden and the US Grant Hotel Wedding Photographer

Melissa McClure — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:06:10 +0000

Mandi and I joined Ben and Leslie at their beautiful and intimate Father’s Day wedding in San Diego. While Mandi was hanging with the men, I got to spend the morning with Leslie and her Maid of Honor, Michelle, at the US Grant Hotel.

This stunning bouquet was done by Sally with Exquisite Blooms!

The handsome groom

The gorgeous bride! You know I’m partial to birdcage veils

(Photo on the right by Mandi)

The ceremony was held inside Alcazar Garden’s at Balboa Park

Love this shot of Leslie and her son D’Anthony

Meow!

They had the most awesome 1927′s vintage car by Haynes Chauffeuring

They have this adorable inside joke having to do with monkeys, so they were portrayed throughout the day Yummy cupcakes by Sweet Cheeks Bakery!

Leslie and Ben were very tidy with their cupcakes while feeding each other…D’Anthony decided to have a little more fun with his!

Shout out to Brenda with Swann Soirees for making the day run so smoothly as usual!

Leslie and Ben, thank you so much for including us in your day! You were so awesome to work with, I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

xo, M

Michelle and Shaun – Pt Loma Wedding by Mandi

Melissa McClure — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:28:28 +0000

Photos by Mandi Contreras

Michelle and Shaun were married on a beatutiful day at the Oceanview Room on the Pt Loma Sub Base. They had a great team of vendors including Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees, who took care of all the details before and during the wedding day!

Mandi met Michelle and her bridesmaids at the Pearl Hotel that afternoon.

The beautiful flowers were done by Rae Floral

Love this shot!

Cake smash! Mandi’s assistant Michele took this photo!

Bill Calhoun kept the dance floor packed!

Photo below by Michele

Hope your time in Hawaii was amazing! Congrats!

xo, Melissa

Enjoy your Slideshow!

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

Brad and Verdette – St. Michaels and Del Mar Racetrack Wedding

Melissa McClure — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:22:58 +0000

Brad, Verdette and I had so much fun at their Balboa Engagement Session, I was looking forward to hanging out with them again on their wedding day!

And big thanks to the wonderful Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees for being the fabulous coordinator she is! Couldn’t have done it without you! xoxo

And I got to meet their adorable daughter, Tescia!

While Verdette was getting beautyfied, Brad and his fellas were hanging at the hotel with Mandi!

I love this shot Mandi got – Brad looks so “Godfather” in the limo!

And the gorgeous bride in the limo of course!

I have to stop here for a little shout out to my buddy Jon at Elite Image Limousine! Its very rare that a bride (ahem Verdette) books her limo BEFORE her other vendors. But in this case, I am so glad she did – Jon referred her to me and Brenda! I love Jon, he is the TOP in the transportation industry for sure! Call him for your limo needs!

We made our way to St Michael’s Church in Poway for their traditional Catholic ceremony

Tescia couldn’t figure out why Mommy and Daddy got all the attention…

Post ceremony, Brad surprised his Groomsmen with some Air Jordans!

We headed over to the Del Mar Racetrack for some more photos – quickly! It was almost dark at this point!

Photo below by Cathy!

Love the football theme they had for the Reception at the Turf Club! Brad is from Wisconsin which explains the Green Bay thing

Photo below by Cathy

Their first dance was interrupted but I don’t think they minded

I saved my favorite for last <3

B+V – Thank you for being so warm and welcoming, you two are blast to be around!

xo, M

Enjoy your slideshow!!

Happy Anniversary…yesterday :)

Melissa McClure — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:57:45 +0000

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

Christina and Frank get hitched!

Melissa McClure — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:31:00 +0000

On Saturday June 20th I got the honor of attending a wedding as a guest…not the photographer!

My good friends Frank and Christina were married and I was so happy I could be there for them!

But first, let me rewind to the day prior, the rehearsal dinner! Christina asked me to cover the night and it was wonderful! It was a fiesta theme and the fabulous Brenda Swann was there to help pull it off!

The kiddos immediately went for the candy bar!

Heidi, the Matron of Honor explaining about the evenings festivities!

The blushing bride and her handsome groom!

Brenda and DJ Bill Calhoun explaining the rules of this Newlywed Game!

Checking out the rad groom’s cake made by Purple Flours! It was Frank’s favorite beer from San Marcos Brewing Company!

And a few photos from the wedding day! I was a guest and I knew that Anika Londo n had the photo/video covered! But no one was going to be with Frank the morning of and Christina was curious to what he was doing! So I headed to the Carlsbad Marriott to check in with Frank and his guys!

And one from the pew at the church!

A shot of me and some of my girls post-ceremony!

The gorgeous florals were from Bouquets by Bonnie

Brenda, her helpers and the Crossings at Carlsbad did a fabulous job on the room!

Christina was so creative and detail oriented! These are Moo cards with each guests photo on them!

And one of the signature drinks, a Franktini! I may or may not have had a few of these

Love <3

And one last family hug before the happy couple jetted off to Spain for their Mediterranean cruise!

For being a guest, I still took a lot of photos I did hand the camera off to Tim for awhile when I want to dance!

xoxo, M