Why are Engagement Sessions So Important?

Julia and Scott are getting married this weekend in Mission Bay. Some of my favorite wedding folks will be joining me that day, including Justin of Justin Lee Photography. Last year, when Julia and Scott were looking for a photographer, I suggested Justin and it was a perfect fit! Here are a handful of images from their engagement session, in downtown San Diego.

Why is an engagement session so important? I decided to go directly to an expert and get Justin's take. Here are his words.....

"Personally, I LOVE to photograph engagement shoots and I believe them to be a very important part of the entire wedding planning process--it really breaks the ice on the big day! It gives my couples a chance to show off many amazing perspectives of their love for one another. I approach my e-sessions as an editorial piece, and I love when my bride and grooms really get into it and are game for a lot of creative shot ideas with fun themes. I LOVE to tap into the "inner supermodel!" It is impossible to capture a bad image with two people deeply in love with each other." Justin Lee

All of the images you see here are courtesy and copyright of Justin Lee Photography. Many, many thanks to Julia and Scott, who are not only incredibly photogenic but have graciously allowed me to share some of these images! I can't wait for this weekend!

Please be sure to check back for other expert advice in upcoming weeks and months!

Rachel Loves Zach

Last weekend, Rachel and Zach married at the Dana in Mission Bay. This wedding celebration was a fantastic display of two families and joining as one. The Sunset Lawn at the Dana was a gorgeous backdrop for the ceremony, with the sun setting in the background and the wind lightly blowing through Rachel's veil. Soft pink accents added some glam in all aspects from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, to the reception. The icing on the cake was the Hora, where Rachel and Zach were lifted in their chairs by friends and family to celebrate their union. The Dana hotel provided fantastic service from set-up to food. Meurer Image Photography did an amazing job of capturing every detail of their special day. The music provided by Sunset Mobile Music was upbeat and fun, keeping guests on their feet dancing til late into the night. All in all Rachel and Zach's wedding was a sight to see! I wish them all the best in their future together!

Boudoir Sessions!

I wanted to tell everyone about a wonderful photography company here in town--Mirelle Carmichael Photography! Please support this wonderfully creative, former I Do...Weddings! bride. She is offering an amazing deal at a local San Diego hotel on June 12th and 13th. The session includes hair, make-up, hi-res images and online hosting, not to mention a handful of prints. Are you an I Do...Weddings! bride? Please mention this to Mirelle, for IDW extras! Thanks Mirelle, for this incredible offer.

Dianalee Loves Robert

Last weekend, Dianalee and Robert married at Scripps Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. I really enjoyed every aspect of this wedding celebration...from the color palette (a very modern orange and bright blue--perfect for the MCASD!), to the bunches of mokara orchids, to the gelato bar from Giuseppe and rockin' tunes from Daniel Peterson, it was a blast from end to end. A seamless event and a happy couple really takes the cake (pardon the pun!)!
The fabulous team of Norma and John from NR3 Video Productions put together two videos--a highlights reel and a teaser trailer of the event. If you know a lot about videography and editing, you'll know that having a teaser less than a week after a wedding (where over 8 hours of coverage was shot on three cameras) is nothing short of stupendous. Thanks to Norma and John for your work, not to mention all of the great vendors below.

Dianalee and Robert, I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you! I am excited for you and your brand new adventure--your first home! Congrats again!
Many thanks to Rachel, my assistant-with-the-mostest, who helped me at this event.

Highlights Video:

Dianalee & Robert Wedding Highlights 4.17.10 from nr3videoproductions on Vimeo.

Teaser Trailer:

Dianalee & Robert Teaser Trailer 4.17.10 from nr3videoproductions on Vimeo.

All of Dianalee and Robert's vendors were fabulous! They are listed below:
Decor: Concepts Event Design, Photographer: Kim Irons Photography, DJ: Daniel Peterson DJ, Caterer: Giuseppe Catering, Reception Location: Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla

Angie Loves Manuel

I spent yesterday visiting my grandmother and got to see some wedding photos from her and my grandfather's wedding. It truly amazes me how much things are the same, yet so very different from today's weddings...

My dad's parents were married on December 7, 1947 (the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor).

They were married a little over 60 years when my grandfather passed two years ago.

My grandma always jokes that her wedding dress only cost $12! Also, she gets a real kick out of my wedding stories as of course, wedding consultants weren't around back in the 40s.

The first photo you see here is that of my great grandparents--my grandmother's parents.

All of these photos are photos of photos, and were snapped yesterday on my iPhone. I loved seeing shots I hadn't seen before of their wedding, and it got my extra excited about wedding season--as it officially kicks off for I Do...Weddings! this week!

Cheers!

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