An Intimate San Diego Wedding at Sunrise | Elena + Sam | California Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
An Intimate San Diego Wedding At Sunrise | Elena + Sam | California Wedding Photographer | San Diego Wedding PhotogRapher | Destination Wedding Photographer
When Elena and Sam told me they wanted their wedding ceremony to be in San Diego at sunrise, I couldn’t have been more excited. There is something so majestic and emotive about the sun rising in the morning, especially when the backdrop is endless curves of the California hilltops and palm trees over a beautiful Lake in northern San Diego. Elena and Sam rented a private home for their whole family to stay. Literally, one of the best ways to have an intimate wedding and the best way to avoid too many logistics of driving around and commuting for everyone on a wedding day. I didn’t photograph this part of the home, but this estate also had a large pool, jacuzzi and rec room with a ping-ping table, literally, that’s the life. (I grew up with a ping-pong table, so always get very excited when seeing them). Anyways, back to this lovely wedding day! I was staying near sunset cliffs in San Diego, and was easily able to Uber up to the estate when it was still completely dark outside, to be there in time for the sunrise.
When I arrived Elena was upstairs getting ready, so of course I went up there first, said hello and took a few photos of her details. Her veil was by the New York designer, Danielle Frankel Studio, and she wore a custom dress that she designed with the help of her friends, dressmakers Blush Fashion and Custom Sewing by Heather. Her modern hairclip was from Lelet NY. Her wedding bouquet was also a work of art that was created with florals from Afloral. After capturing her morning of putting her finishing touches on, I went downstairs to scout out the ceremony site, and when I walked downstairs her sweet mom offered me coffee (which was much appreciated) and I watched the sunrise alongside all of the other family members who were slowly making their way to the backyard terrace overlooking the hilltops. One of my favorite shots I captured from this wedding day, was of Elena’s dad and his mug of coffee, all alone, up before anyone else and just standing at the ceremony site, drinking his coffee and watching the sun slowly rise above the fog over Lake Hodges. Seriously, It was so moving to me, but I can only imagine how moved he must have been feeling on the morning of his daughters wedding day. It was all very emotional and sweet. Once the sun was just over the hills, Elena walked down the aisle towards Sam, with all of their immediate families in support of them. The fog was still hovering from the morning mist and it was a truly beautiful site.
After the ceremony we took a stroll down the cliffside that the rental home was perched upon to take a few couple portraits with the stunning California scenery in the background. We then made our way back to the house for detail images, family portraits and more couple photos. What I loved about this day, is that is all they wanted captured. The wedding day focus for them was the ceremony, and that is the main part they wanted captured. Since the whole family was together in their home, everyone went straight back into casual attire and just enjoyed the rest of their time together as a family. I enjoyed another cup of coffee with everyone before Ubering back to the city center of San Diego and the family went on to have a relaxing day of spending time together. I loved how intimate this wedding day was. Truly, a bride with good taste, a beautiful setting and your closest people are all you need to have a beautiful intimate wedding day. x
Wedding Venue - Private Residence in San Diego | Wedding Veil - Danielle Frankel Studio | Wedding Dress - Custom design by the bride, Elena, alongside dressmakers @blushfashion and @customsewingbyheather | Modern Wedding Hair Accessory - Lelet NY | Custom Tailored Suit - Hartter Manly | Wedding Bouquet - AFloral & Wedding Flower Crown | Wedding Rings - Kasia Jewelry |
Laguna Beach Engagement Session | Hotel Joaquin Boutique Hotel | California Wedding Photographer
Hotel Joaquin Boutique Hotel | Laguna Beach Engagement Session | California Wedding Photographer
Christine and Wade decided to have their engagement session at one of their favorite Boutique Hotels in Laguna Beach, Hotel Joaquin! It’s an incredibly well designed boutique hotel with a beautiful restaurant and pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The beach at the bottom of the street is the most relaxing and secluded cove to sit, lay or run around and take images on. The shoreline is lined with sandy shores and a rocky cliff topped with beautiful palm trees swayed in the wind. If you ever find yourself out in California or are looking for a romantic getaway or relaxing solo retreat, I would highly recommend Hotel Joaquin. This boutique hotel is now one of my favorites and I can’t wait to visit with Ross soon. x
Christine and I have been keeping up with each other for many years, as we connected with each other online over her denim brand, Just Black Denim, which you all should also look into for some solid styles of denim. When she asked me to fly to California to capture her and Wade on digital and film, I could not be more excited to finally meet and hang out! I flew to LA and then drove down to Laguna Beach to spend the day with Christine and Wade! We met in the restaurant of Hotel Joaquin first and grabbed a bite to eat and caught up. Afterward we ate, we started the session by taking images in their super beautifully designed room. The neutral palette with pops of color, eclectic mid century furniture and the unique tapestry art work on the wall really made the space a lovely one to document. After shooting in the tiled stairwell, bar area, stylish lobby and then the pool and lounge area, we walked down to the beach, just a short 1 minute walk away! We then strolled up and down the shoreline of Shaws Cove until the sunset.
After our session was over we decided to hang out in the lobby of Hotel Joaquin for a few hours just chatting away! I had the best hot chocolate drink I’ve ever had and their charcuterie board was amazing! All in all, this day was so life giving, relaxed and a beautiful one! Already can’t wait to not only visit Hotel Joaquin again with my husband, but to be able to hang out with these two gems of humans again! x
