Maria Loves Xerxes! (Featured on True Photography's website)

Maria and Xerxes are a sweet, fun and loving couple--which is definitely reflects in their fun wedding photos. They married this past spring at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, with an intimate reception at Pacifica Del Mar. They wanted to rely on the natural beauty of Torrey Pines and Del Mar, and keep their celebration simple, but with lots of personality.

Like most couples, Maria and Xerxes wanted an incredible photographer. So, they brought on True Photography. But, because their group was small, Team True was on hand for six hours. So in order to capture the day on film, we decided to go out of the box. Because they got beautiful at their hotel suite, which was several miles away, we opted to make the best use of our photo time. I came up with the idea to have the getting ready photos done outside! The newlyweds brought furniture and a mirror from home, and I brought several props to help covey the feel of getting ready photos. The bride arrived in her robe, and we hung her gown from a tree. This also gave us some time to do a private first look before guests arrived. I also loved how we used Del Mar Plaza for some of the portraits. I love this space for the view and the ambiance!

Instead of dancing, a guitarist came to provide vocals throughout the day. The day ended with an after party in La Jolla. Maria and Xerxes, it was a pleasure!

To see more images from the day, please visit True Photography's blog.

Vendors that made up this celebration:

Photography: True Photography

Venue: Pacifica Del Mar and Torrey Pines State Reserve

Florals: Jolie Fleur

Baker: Flour Power

Music: Isle Entertainment

Marie Loves Eric!

Eric and Marie were married in June. They are an absolutely lovely couple, who did a destination wedding in reverse! Since they live in Maui, they married at sunrise with a simple ceremony. The following week, they returned to Eric's hometown for a celebration at Scripps Park and Tower 23. Marie requested a "simple wedding, with lots of pink peonies" and it was a breathtaking day! Marie serendaded her groom with a rockin' hula, too.

Marie and Eric, it was an honor. I so enjoyed your updates from Maui while I was here on the mainland. Thank you for your generosity and kind spirits!

Vendors that made up this day:

Venue: Tower 23

Photography: Aaron and Samantha Thompson

Florals: Melissa, I Do...Weddings!

Cake: Flour Power

Kendall Loves Chris!

My first surprise wedding! Yes, you read that right:) Kendall is originally from San Diego, so when Chris' parents came over from Austrailia, they thought it would tie the knot. So, I worked with Kendall's mother and sister and briefly chatted with the bride once on the phone. It was both exciting and nervewracking to not meet the bride until right before she walked down the aisle, but it was a beautiful day! An intimate group gathered at Alcazar Garden for a beautiful ceremony that definitely showed the couples' personality. As a surprise to the bride, the newlyweds' recessional was the guests playing kazoos! We headed over to Island Prime for an incredible dinner in their cabanas, and additional friends and family joined throughout the evening. I had the opportunity to sit down with the groom's mother and chat a bit during dinner. She remarked that this wasn't her first surprise wedding--and that she'd been a surprise Mother of the Groom once before! :) Kendall and Chris, thank you for putting your utmost trust and faith in me! It was a pleasure working with you and your lovely families!

Vendors that made up this celebration:

Photography: Aaron and Samantha Thompson

Florals: Melissa Barrad, I Do...Weddings!

Cake: Sweet Cheeks

Nicole Loves Dan

Nicole and Dan were married back in June at beautiful St. Malo in Oceanside. It was such a lovely and meaningful day, and one of the details that stood out was Nicole and Dan's wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, they discussed meeting at a tough time in their lives, and specifically thanked and acknowledged many of their family and friends. This was certainly one of the most interactive and touching ceremonies I've ever witnessed, as well as one of the most unique! It was so refreshing to see a bride and groom speak throughout their ceremony, and add meaning in a variety of different ways throughout the day.

The ceremony took place at a private residence on St. Malo, with a view of the ocean. Dinner and dancing continued at a second estate, with an amazing garden. To see more images of their beautiful garden-inspired day, please visit the photographer's blog:

Many thanks to the vendors that made this day complete!

Photography: Daisy Varley

Music: Tony Slater

Florist: Passion Flower Studios

Cake: Extraordinary Desserts

Catering: The Abbey

Vanessa Loves Justin!

Vanessa Married Justin On April 22nd, 2011 at The Glen Abbey Chapel. The couple had decided on a 1940's theme for their wedding and it carried through from the ceremony to the end of the reception. The creative details that Vanessa put into every aspect of her wedding day played perfectly into her 40's Movie star theme. The theme played through from the hair styles of her bridesmaids to the suits the groomsmen wore. You felt like you were in an old black and white film.

My favorite details of her wedding day were so numerous I can't even name them all, but here are a few. The vintage car the couple rode in absolutely gave a throw back feel to the end of the ceremony. The Cigarette girls at the reception who passed out old fashioned Coke bottles during the black and white film the couple created was an added surprise for her guests. The Big Band that played during the reception kept the guests on their feet for most of the night. Vanessa even created a movie star dressing room effect for the ladies in a parlor space, with boa's, lighted mirrors, and hand gloves. She really thought of every detail to make her 1940's theme come to life. The couple even had movie style posters made of themselves, and guests got to take home vintage picture frames with stylized shots of the couple in 40's garb. It was quite the sight to see.

If ever there was a period style wedding this one took the cake....No pun intended:) Even the deserts created for the reception had the color theme and style in mind. Guests were treated to a stroll down 1940's memory lane. And what a stroll it was. Thank you Vanessa and Justin for putting on such an elaborate event, and allowing me to be part of it!

Special Thanks to the Vendors who made this day possible:

Wedding Venue: Glen Abbey Chaple

Reception Venue: Womens Club of Chula Vista

Photographer: True Photography (Bob)

Band: The Buzzbombs

Catering: Top Hat

Deserts: Yum Desert Decor

Videographer: Snaps Films (David)

Rentals: Anar Party Rentals