Downtown San Diego Engagement Session: Berenice and David, Part I

When Berenice, aka Bere, met David, she instantly liked him, and as their relationship progressed, she came to find out that David possessed every quality in a guy she had ever wanted. David on the other hand, more than liked Bere: he knew from the get go that she was THE ONE, often telling her, "You know we're gonna get married one day, right?" Bere would shrug it off but knew he was right when she accepted his proposal a little less than a year into dating.

Both Los Angeles natives who currently reside there, Bere and David came to San Diego for a weekend getaway and to have their engagement photos shot. When I asked them what they liked to do as a couple, Bere immediately said, "We like to grab coffee or drinks" so we met downtown for ice cold lemonades for Part 1 of 2 of their engagement session.

I mean, come on now: Bere and David, you two are gorgeous!

I loved hanging out with these two because they are always making the other laugh!

Per above, David has no shame in his game: he will do anything to make Berenice happy.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of their engagement session! 

Central Park Engagement Session: Marissa and Nick

Marissa and Nick each moved to New York City, from Minnesota by way of Miami, and Baltimore, respectively, to launch their careers in finance. Little did they know that they would also launch their love: from the get go, Marissa’s big heart, wit, and stunning smile attracted Nick, the cigar loving, sports fanatic with a contagious laugh.

A few years into their relationship, a move into a dog-friendly Harlem apartment allowed them to adopt a pup, Kane, and a trip to Napa provided Nick the perfect opportunity to pop the question to Marissa. In the middle of a vineyard, Nick got on one knee and asked Marissa to marry him. She of course said yes and popping of bottles of champagne ensued!

Marissa and Nick decided that Central Park would be a great iconic New York City backdrop to capture the city where they fell in love and that Harlem would commemorate the neighborhood where they have settled and now call home. Look out for Kane as he makes a special appearance in the photos!

Marissa and Nick, I’m beyond honored you asked me to take your engagement photos. Marissa, you are beautiful inside and out. I’m lucky to call you a friend and grateful to the powers of Craigslist for bringing us together as roommates many NYC moons ago. Nick, thank you for making Marissa so happy.  I can’t wait to toast at your wedding next year! Xoxo -E

With the sun setting in Central Park, we hurried uptown to the West Harlem Piers to the catch the full sunset.

LDS Mormon Temple, La Jolla Wedding: Sage & Tad

Sage and Tad, both students at Brigham Young University, shared classes and lived in the same apartment complex before realizing they wanted to be more than classmates and neighbors. Attending school in Utah brought them together, so it was only appropriate that a hike up Angels Landing at Zion National Park would set the stage for their engagement.  Sage knew Tad was going to propose because she could see the ring box through a hole in his pocket, but she admitted that she was happy to have a heads up or she would have fallen off of the mountain from excitement and joy!

Sage's family is based in San Diego so the couple opted to have their sealing, or Temple marriage, at the San Diego California Temple in La Jolla, followed by portraits at Marian Bear Park and a reception at Sage's parent's home.

Sage and Tad, I absolutely enjoyed documenting your special day. The sweet interactions between you two make it quite evident how much in love you are, and I hope your New York City honeymoon was amazing! -E

After their grand exit from the Temple, Sage wanted bridal portraits to be at a nature-filled location, and Marian Bear Park was the perfect answer to her request!

Tad is quite the chivalrous guy: throughout our entire photo session, he ensured to always carry the end of Sage's wedding dress to avoid it getting dirty. I loved that he knew this was important to Sage and gladly helped.

I mean, look at him graciously helping his bride down the hill! Tad: an example gentleman! Sage: the sweetest bride! 

To wrap up the day, friends and family gathered at Sage's parents house to celebrate and share in the cutting of this wedding cake topped with a mini-replica of La Jolla's LDS Mormon Temple.

Once again, congratulations Sage and Tad! 

Rancho Santa Fe Wedding: Morgan and Mario, Part Two

Part I of Morgan and Mario's Rancho Sante Fe wedding began with an afternoon of transformation into a bride and groom and a beautiful ceremony under trees. Post ceremony, Morgan and Mario's bridal party gathered for a few photos as did the bride and groom before joining guests at an epic cocktail hour.

Their outdoor reception was beyond stunning. To start, look at the head table!

This Rancho Sante Fe home has a large lemon grove on property, so it was only appropriate to have lemons incorporated into the table details. Also, please note (and prepare to drool over) the table top menus: guests were treated to a mac and cheese bar, taco station, short ribs and salad! 

As the sun set, casting a gorgeous magic hour, guests settled into their seats to begin the evening's festivities. Once again, congratulations, Morgan and Mario! May this ranch be the home to many more memories to come!

All photos taken as a second shooter for Topher Riley.

Rancho Santa Fe Wedding: Morgan and Mario, Part One

Morgan and Mario's love story is simple: one sunny San Diego day, Mario's friends invited Morgan's friends - Morgan included - all over to hang out at Mario's mother's home in Rancho Sante Fe. Little did they know that the place where they met and laughed all night for the first time would be the same place where they would eventually marry. 

Morgan's choice of wedding day shoes had me looking like the emoji with the two heart eyes: she would walk down the isle wearing her Valentino rockstud metallic sandals and later change into lace Chuck Taylors. Comfort meets major style!

A shout out to Morgan's bridesmaids who also donned majorly stylish footwear!

With help from her Mom and after a mini first look with her Dad, Morgan was wedding ready and stood as a stunning bride.

While Gorda, Morgan and Mario's ten year old English bulldog, happily hung out in the bridal suite, Mario and his groomsmen ensured they were well hydrated before the ceremony.

Morgan's Father happily walked her down the path from the ranch's main building to the outdoor ceremony held under three gorgeous trees and surrounded by all of Morgan and Mario's loved ones.

Mario was ready to make this happen, Gorda was ready to have her parents formally united, and quite evident from Morgan's facial expressions below, she was ecstatic to marry her soulmate.

Congratulations Morgan and Mario! Part II of their wedding is the next featured blog post.

All photos were taken as a second shooter to Topher Riley.