Uncategorized Archive

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

If you spend more than 10 seconds with Janie you will discover her gregarious personality. The girl loves to smile and laugh. Ozzie is her perfect puzzle piece. While a bit more reserved than Janie (ok everyone is more reserved than Janie) he is still the life of the party, immediately welcoming into his circle and the first to laugh at Janie’s jokes. They just fit.

This one was special since I’ve known them for a couple years now. The easiest way to put it is that Janie + I share a best friend (Danielle). Who also helped coordinate this wedding. When I heard Janie + Ozzie were thinking Hawaii I was so excited. The whole day went so great. It was REALLY hot and humid but that didn’t stop anyone from dancing the night away. One of my favorite memories is when Danielle surprised Janie with a blow up dolphin during the reception. Janie’s love for dolphins is ALMOST as big as her love for Ozzie. 

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Hearts Mission Church
Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Maui
Wedding Planner: Danielle with Ballroom Glitz
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Brides Dress: St Pucchi
Hair: HJP Salon
MakeUp: Camiko Makeup by Camille
DJ: Barefoot Minded Entertainment
Florals: Dellables
Signage: Miss B Calligraphy
Transportation: Hawaii Executive Transportation
Cake: Cake Fanatics Maui

I’m not sure why I waited so long to blog these photos. Maybe because it was such a private celebration, I wanted to keep it that way for awhile. Purely selfish reasons. When your best friend gets married to a man so perfectly meant for her, the emotions can be overwhelming. But their story deserves to be shared. Weddings are about celebration of your love. These two chose exactly that. Intimate, joyous and personal love.

I was joined by the amazing duo, Quixotic Weddings. They captured the elopement perfectly on their video cameras. Go here to experience it that way!

Enjoy viewing my best friends wedding through my lens!

Ceremony + Reception Location: Rancho Valencia
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Florist: Organic Elements
Videographer: Quixotic Weddings
Hair: Judith D Hair & Makeup

 I love shooting elopements, there’s something different and exciting about them.  The people closest to you in life are there (sometimes) and it’s about you, your significant other and your vows. And just like that…you are married!  I met Justin + Ngoc at the County Recorders office and after we headed over to Lakeview Park for some more photos!  It was fun getting to know them and their story of long distance love (Ngoc moved here to be with Justin 2 months ago after 5 years of being together!)  Congrats you two!  I wish you nothing but happiness in your life together!

Ngoc’s stunning bouquet is by the talented Floral Palette!