This may win the award for most-overdue wedding to be blogged. Or not.  But since this lovely couple is just shy of their 2 year anniversary I thought it might as well be time to blog it! ha!   But these two are understanding…they have to be, they are my family!  My cousin Mark married his perfect match at in La Jolla and celebrated at Paradise Point.  I photographed the first half of the day and after portraits, Mandi took over the lead while I got to dine, drink and dance the night away!  Wouldn’t it be nice to have that at every wedding? 😉  

Ceremony: La Jolla Presbyterian Church
Reception: Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Photography: Melissa McClure/Mandi Contreras
Assistant Photographers: Jackie Guidi
Wedding Coordinator: Orange Blossom Events
Florist: Exquisite Blooms
Cake: Bride’s Aunt
Videographer: Matt Lundgren
DJ: Daniel Peterson
Makeup: Chandra Campos
Hair: Cheri Joyner
Dress: Here Comes the Bride
Shoes: Nordstrom
Brides’s Jewlery: Zales
Limo: Elite Image
Bridesmaid dresses: Aria Bridal

Part two of our amazing trip to Thailand brings us to Chiang Mai, in the north. We took an overnight train from Bangkok (which was a story for another day!) Chiang Mai was a big city surrounded by gorgeous countryside. We got to have some awesome animal adventures here, including cuddling with tigers and bathing elephants.  The photos that Jason and I are in were taken by the employees, mostly as part of the package we purchased to be there.  The rest were taken by me!

Tiger Kingdom was awesome! Cuddling with tigers is something I never thought I would experience! 

One of the most beautiful temples we visited, Doi Suthep, in the hills of Chiang Mai. We were there the same time as the King & Queen which was a ruckus as you can imagine.  Didn’t get to meet them though 😉

Chiang Mai from above

Patara Elephant Farm – adopted an elephant (or two for Jason) for a day!  Such a neat experience!

I adore Esme! From her initial email, I knew I wanted to meet her! My instinct was right, she is so sweet and genuine. Caleb is her perfect match and obviously adores her.  They had a small wedding on a Friday afternoon in overcast La Jolla in November.  Immediately following their ceremony, they had a mini-reception with cake, a first dance, toasts and sparking cider!

Ceremony Location: Cuvier Park, La Jolla
Photographer: Melissa McClure
Ceremony Arch: Arc de Belle
Florist: flora glamour
Arch: Arc de Belle
Officiant: Pastor Dave Hommel
Cake: Sarah & Hannah Christofer (groom’s sisters) 🙂
Guitarist: Chad Goss (friend of the couple)
Bride’s Makeup: Judy (Hair Drezzers on fire)
Bride’s Hair: Tori (Hair Drezzers on fire)
Bride’s Dress: Alexandra Feiles
Brides shoes: David’s Bridal
Groom/Groomsmen outfits: Macy’s (the Peri Ellis suit)
Transportation: Rolls Livery
Invitations: Posh Paperie

Some exciting stuff happening around here…the first thing is a new studio space in Carlsbad!  I’m sharing it with a few other rad photographers and its such a rad place!  We had a little get together a week or so back and I want to thank those that helped out with the launch party (below)!  (sorry if you didn’t get an invite, I wasn’t in charge of that…but I’d be happy to show you around anytime!)

yoursandiegoweddingplanner.com

www.bajasessions.com

www.epodphotobooth.com

www.sandiegocreativemusicdjs.com

Two Instagram shots from the night as things were winding down!

In December, I had an amazing opportunity to photograph a wedding in Thailand.  It was my first trip to Asia and it certainly will not be my last!  Jason was able to join me for most of the trip and we visit 3 main areas.  I’ll be doing 3 blog posts on the trip – not including the gorgeous wedding of Donna + Matt!  Those to come at a later time (and some fun news about the photos to share in the future as well).

I spent a week in south Thailand in Krabi.  We stayed in Ao Nang and Railay Bay.  I was really sad when we left Krabi, between the daily massages, the gorgeous views and friends I made, I was ready to move there!

On the left: handmade soap at the night market. On the right: Me enjoying some young coconut water

Photos below are from the day boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands – yes the water is really that color!

When a non-photographer gets ahold of your back-button focus camera!  Me & Michele…thought it was still a neat photo!

Taken at Monkey Beach, near our hotel in Ao Nang – they aren’t shy!

Over in Railey Bay (which is only accesible by long tail boat) – family photos of the bride + grooms immediate family!I’m photographing the wedding of these two (above right) in October – you’ll be seeing more of them soon enough!^^^^^

So that was a quick run down of my first week in Thailand (not including the wedding)!  We did so much more than I have room to share but hope you enjoyed the highlights!