Branko and Alison were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Balboa Park. They opted to do a “first look” before the ceremony to make sure that we had plenty of time to take their portraits… and I just love the look on Alison’s face when she saw her groom for the first time all dressed up

The last few minutes before a ceremony when a bride is alone with her dad are always some of my favorites. I love to watch their interaction as they prepare to head down the aisle. Maybe becoming a parent has made me a bit sentimental… but I always imagine how emotional it must be for the parents giving their children away (sniff sniff). I am pretty sure I’ll be a basket case when my kids get married. Lucky for me I have a few dozen years to prepare

The first dance. So sweet!

This wedding had some of the most sincere and heartfelt toasts that I have heard in a long time. I love when the bridal party really takes time to think about what the bride and groom mean to them.

The maid of honor’s toast was sweet… but the best man’s speech may have been the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. He was so choked up he was having a hard time getting his words out and had to have his brother the groom come up to stand by his side. Now that is moving!

The father/daughter dance always kills me too. I’m such a softie

Branko and Alison congratulations! Your wedding was beautiful! I was so honored to be a part of it.

Who doesn’t love happy couples getting hitched in gorgeous attire in a gorgeous location?! I certainly do! Just one sneak peek of this Saturday’s wedding. More soon!

Finally! Part II of Nick and Emma’s amazing wedding! I have been trying to figure out what pictures to post for their reception.. and finally gave up. There are too many. I can’t choose. I love them all! So instead I’m going to show you a couple more of their portraits and the slideshow. Lucky you

Nick & Emma congratulations again! You had such an amazingly beautiful wedding and I was honored to be a part of it!

Remember that contest I had a few months back… the “Spread the Love Giveaway“… well you didn’t think I went and forgot about the couple who won now, did you?! Things have been so crazy busy in the last few months that scheduling a shoot has been nearly impossible. Luckily this weekend was the perfect combination of a free day for me (hooray!) and a free weekend for Amanda and Steve. I was so ridiculously excited for their retro shoot and I was not disappointed! You will not be able to get enough of this couple once you see them. Just one sneaky little peek for now…

What a treat to get the mail yesterday and find a copy of the new October issue of San Diego Style Weddings magazine!  I love a good wedding magazine as much as the next gal but this one was extra special because it featured the wedding of Erin & Darrin!  You probably remember their wedding, I blogged about  the getting ready here, the ceremony here and the reception here.  Yeah, I loved this wedding!  Not to mention it also featured a few of my favorite vendors, Meredith from The Crossings at Carlsbad did an amazing job with coordination and the super fabulous Annette Gomez provided the florals.  I was in heaven

As far as I can tell the online version of the new issue is not out yet, so you’ll just have to head out to the store to pick up your copy if you want to see the whole spread in detail Congratulations Erin & Darrin on an amazing wedding… and an amazing spread!  I was thrilled to see it!

Edit: The online edition is up!  Check out the spread on page 466 here