Fresh Colors For Our New Season Tables

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Must-See Places to Visit in France

Must-See Places to Visit in France

Just before COVID-19 took the world by storm, Lindsey and I took a Wintertime trip to France. We had been dying to visit for years and decided it was finally time to take the plunge. We made a list of must-see places to visit in France and spent ten days traveling around the country. My Rolleiflex came everywhere we went so I could document all of our experiences along the way. I even made it a point to wake up every day before sunrise. This allowed me the opportunity to enjoy the stillness of the morning and wander the streets before the hustle and bustle began.

We began our trip in Paris, where we spent six days exploring the city. Following Paris, we rented a car and took a day trip North to Normandy to visit Mont Saint Michel. The last three days of our stay were spent in the stunning countryside of Chambord.

must-see places to visit in France

Paris

Reading about Paris and seeing it in movies doesn’t come close to experiencing the real thing. This city is something that must be experienced by all of one’s senses. Walking by the cafes and brasseries, smelling fresh coffee and cheeses with bread stimulated all of our olfactory senses.

Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris is one of the most iconic and beautiful hotels in all of Paris. This venue is known for hosting celebrities and providing 5 star service. Renowned for its opulent design, it’s worth a visit even just for lunch or a cappucino in one of their salons.

Notre Dame

The Notre Dame is currently undergoing a rebuild since the unfortunate fire they experienced a few years back. Nevertheless, this historic cathedral is still worth visiting and learning about it’s centuries old history.

must-see places to visit in France

must-see places to visit in France

The Eiffel Tower

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. This historic monument is without question a staple of France and shouldn’t be missed during your visit. There are even restaurants inside the tower you can enjoy a meal or cocktail along with a spectacular view. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance because they book out far in advance!

We recommend visiting early in the morning to get great photos of the tower without hoards of tourists obstructing your view. Because the tower can be seen from various locations around the city there are seemingly endless viewpoints it can be photographed from. We recommend scouting out your locations in advance if time permits. It’s also highly recommended to visit the tower at night at the top of the hour to view the spectacular light show.

must-see places to visit in France

must-see places to visit in France

must-see places to visit in France

must-see places to visit in France

must-see places to visit in France

Jardin des Tuileries

We stayed at Hotel Brighton just across the street from the Jardin De Tuileries. This beautiful and expansive garden is filled with beautiful views of the Louvre and the south side of the river Sienne. We walked through the garden daily on our way to and from our hotel just getting lost in the endless rows of trees and historic sculptures.

 

The Louvre

The Louvre was at the top of our list of places to visit in Paris. This historic museum filled with priceless art from around the world is an absolute must when visiting the city. I recommend arriving early in the morning to walk and explore the open courtyard as well as snag one of the first spots in line.

louvre museum at sunset

Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are truly a sight to behold. Every flower and plant there is immaculately cared for alongside the palace itself. It dates back to 1620 and is a wonderful place to stop by for a picnic and enjoy some wine and cheese on the lawn.

must-see places to visit in France

Montmartre

If you’ve seen the movie Moulin Rouge then you’ve definitely heard of Montmartre. This hilltop neighborhood used to be the hangout for Paris’ Bohemian crowd and is now a destination hotspot. It’s filled with trendy cafes, the Sacre Coeur, colorful ivy-covered houses, and cobblestone streets. Definitely make sure to stop by this fun little town and grab a bite and cocktail while you’re there.

must-see places to visit in France

Musee Rodin

Paris is bubbling with a seemingly endless list of historic museums. We weren’t able to visit them all but we did spend an afternoon at the iconic Rodin Museum. It is located in the 7th Arrondissement and was by far one of the highlights of Paris. The gardens are filled with authentic sculptures including the infamous “Thinker”. Spend an afternoon wandering the gardens and then head inside for an in-depth tour of Auguste Rodin’s works.

Maison Sauvage

Maison Sauvage is a beautiful little restaurant located in the 6th Arrondismont. We stopped off there one day for lunch and are so happy we did. I enjoyed one of the best burgers during my trip to France along with their signature “Pornstar Martini”. We knew as soon as the drink was suggested to us that we had to order the cocktail. It was served in a chilled martini glass with vanilla vodka and topped with passionfruit alongside a shot of champagne. Trés magnifique! The restaurant even has a quaint little second floor that you can dine and overlook the street.

Monet’s Garden

There is a quaint little town located near Normandy called Giverny. Pronounced “G-ver-knee”. This town is special because it hosts Claude Monet’s home, gardens, and water garden. The beauty of this property is immediately apparent after stepping foot on the grounds. Every flower, tree, and plant is perfectly maintained. It’s no wonder Monet created work as beautiful as he did while being surrounded by such beauty. We were fortunate enough to visit during Fall when the leaves were turning to brilliant shades of yellow and orange.

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a tidal island and historic abbey in Normandy. It’s about a two-hour drive from Paris but the trip is well worth it. You might or might not catch the island surrounded by water since the tide is always changing. If you do luck-out and get there during high tide you can take a long walk around the island for some truly unique photo perspectives. It boasts gothic architecture and has a quaint little town nestled inside that you can actually stay in if you choose.

mont saint michel

Chateau De Chambord

Chateau De Chambord is another absolutely stunning destination located just two hours south of Paris. It’s one of the most recognizable chateaus in the world and for good reason. In addition to it being absolutely massive, it has very distinct French Renaissance architecture. We toured the property in a golf cart we rented because we knew walking would take us hours. Not to mention our feet were already so tired from the six prior days of walking around Paris.  It was affordable and well worth it. We would just pull over whenever we wanted to stop and take in the view or capture photos.

We chose to stay in the hotel just next door- the Relais de Chambord. This modern hotel was overflowing with amenities including a sauna, jacuzzi, spacious rooms, white-linen dining, and tennis courts.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Central Park Engagement in New York City

Central Park Engagement New York in Autumn

During the last week of October, Lindsey and I flew out to New York for a week of birthday celebrations and to photograph a Central Park engagement. We had been planning the details of our trip and brainstorming ideas back and forth with the team of local artists we were collaborating with the month leading up to the trip.

The trees in Central Park were already changing their colors. Deep shades of orange and yellow the trees. Sprinkled throughout, you could find hints of greens.

Everyone met at the apartment we were staying at in the morning to get hair and makeup started. While glam was in full effect, I photographed the details of the day. One of my favorite parts of any styled shoot or wedding is by far the details. One of the most important characteristics that distinguish a shoot from others and make it truly unique. There were large windows in our living room, where I set up my little studio.

FLWR Studio created the most beautiful floral arrangements for us, and Scribbles & Swirls Calligraphy crafted the most elegant invitation suite. To top it off, Trumpet & Horn loaned us a handful of antique jewelry that I flew out.

Once hair and makeup concluded, the model slip into the first dress of the day, then we headed out. It was a brisk day in the middle of Fall, but the weather was perfect — and the crowds of New York were fortunately at a lull for the day. We were staying on the Upper West Side, just blocks from the park. We made our way over to the first location of the day we stopped to capture a few frames along the way.

The day before our shoot, I went on a bike ride with Lindsey around the park to find the best locations for us to shoot. There were a few iconic shots that were absolute must-haves for me, so we visited those spots first. Bethesda Fountain is by far one of the most popular places for tourists to go, but under the bridge just next to it is the most beautiful tile work and classic architecture.

I knew I had to get some shots there, and it turned out to be my favorite location, and I captured my favorite photo of the day there. Afterward, we walked over to the stairs overlooking the park. We were on a bustling path, so Lindsey and Emily from FLWR Studio positioned themselves as human roadblocks, which allowed us to capture unobstructed portraits.

Because skyscrapers surround the park, we were shooting in, “sunset” actually happens about an hour and a half earlier than everywhere else. We quickly hurried back to the apartment for an outfit change and then headed back for our last locations of the evening.

We walked down to the lake that had the most picturesque view of the multicolored trees. There was a great rock formation that we hopped and enjoyed the most beautiful view of the park. We wrapped up at dusk and quickly got back to the apartment to avoid the rapidly dropping temperatures.

The shoot was an absolute success, and I can’t wait to return for another Central Park bridal editorial!

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.

Styling | Studio Collette
Florals| FLWR Studio
Mua | Stacie Ford Weddings
Hair | Styles On B
Calligraphy | Scribbles and Swirls
Dress | Carol Hannah
Rings | Trumpet & Horn
Shoes | Bella Belle
Ribbon | Frou Frou Chic
Ring box | The Mrs. Box
Model | Wilhelmina Models
Scanning | Photovision Prints

Topanga Canyon Engagement | Brittany & Ryan

Topanga Canyon Engagement | Brittany & Ryan

We started 2021 with a bang and met with Brittany and Ryan to capture their Topanga Canyon engagement shoot. We tossed ideas around to find something that fit their style as well as the vibe they were for. They rented a cabin for the weekend that doubled as a romantic getaway for Brittany’s birthday and our shoot location.

While the two prepared their outfits and unloaded their pup, Bentley, and I methodically walked the property looking for beautiful light. Brittany stepped out of the cabin, rocking an open-back white satin dress paired with white open-toe heels. Meanwhile, Ryan donned a cuffed-sleeved white button-up, navy trousers, and a pair of deep brown leather chukka boots.

The trick to capturing the natural moments and expressions of my couples is to just let them be themselves. Rather than posing them, I’ve found greater success in giving direction to evoke a certain look or mood. An example of this would be directing a scene in a movie. Giving them certain things to think about or the act they’re performing results in the most organic images. This could be as simple as walking hand-in-hand, leading one another down a path, or pulling each other in tight and whispering something into the other person’s ear that will make them smile.

We found a beautiful Bohemian-styled hammock that was tied between two trees. This made for a great first location and for the two to get comfy in front of the camera. The two have such palpable chemistry that getting them used to my camera took no time at all. Soon after we headed to our next location and kept chasing that beautiful, golden light.

Ending the Evening In Style

Ryan brought a surprise Vespa for the shoot that I knew would make for some stunning shots. We brought it to a hilltop for the last few minutes of sunlight.

This combination of sophisticated, timeless styles just can’t be beaten.

Now that’s what we call a proper exit!

Finally, Bentley got Mom and Dad back from the day’s activities and had them all to himself.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Dress | Park and Fifth

Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement | Katie + Sam

Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement

These lovebirds decided that COVID wasn’t going to stop them from marrying one another. So they did the most sensible thing a couple could do when in love and wanting to get married- they packed their bags and headed North for a Santa Barbara courthouse elopement. I met Katie and Sam on a warm Friday afternoon in the courthouse’s sunken garden where the ceremony would take place. Katie wore a timeless white satin dress accompanied by a fresh bouquet of all white flowers. Sam donned a linen suit in cornflower blue paired with brown leather accent pieces. After an exchange of rings and signing of the marriage license, the couple made it official with a (mask-free) kiss.

Following the ceremony, we explored the property and captured their just-married portraits. We always strive to time our portraits sessions to coincide with the last few hours of daylight. This is because those last few hours offer the best and most beautiful light of the entire day. Katie and Sam’s session certainly didn’t disappoint as they were draped in that quintessential California light. We took our time making sure to not miss any of the beautiful vignettes the property has to offer. These two not only have spectacular chemistry together but they’re also incredibly easy on the eyes. A true dream to photograph!

While we photographed we chatted about life and the challenges of buying a house during COVID. We swapped photos of our pups back at home and discussed their plans for the big wedding celebration. Even though this wasn’t their first choice of how they would have liked to have gotten married, it was beautiful. It was truly an honor to photograph this time in their lives.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Florals | Knot Just Flowers

Hair + Makeup | TEAM Hair and Makeup

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Rosewood Miramar Beach Wedding | Katarina + Dominic

Rosewood Miramar Beach Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing a gorgeous Rosewood Miramar Beach wedding earlier this year in Montecito. The Rosewood opened just over a year ago and now serves as one of Santa Barbara’s premier luxury hotels. The property boasts private villas, five-star dining, and even a trained hawk to keep stray birds away. This beautiful venue served as the backdrop for the day’s festivities.

Getting Ready

Katarina and her bridesmaids got ready in the upstairs bridal suite of the hotel. Everyone was in great spirits while the ladies of TEAM hair and makeup worked their magic. A Chinese tea ceremony was held in the morning before Katarina slipped into her wedding dress. Both families attended and gave gifts to the couple along with words of wisdom and well wishes.

Following the tea ceremony was the first look for the bride and groom. Katarina slipped into her dress with the help of her bridesmaids and Mom. She paired her outfit with a pair of sparkly Louboutin heels and a bouquet from Toast Santa Barbara. The bridesmaids all wore stunning velvet dresses from Jenny Yoo’s newest line. The couple’s dog, Teddy, was included in the big day and even donned a tux of his very own.

Ceremony

Nina Moore and her team designed the most beautiful ceremony space. The aisle was lined with cherry blossom trees and loose petals were given to guests to toss. Roses, orchids, and hydrangeas adorned the floral arch at the head of the aisle. A live artist was present on the day to paint the couple as they recessed back down the aisle and enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife.

Reception

The reception space was decorated with stunning monochromatic white and gold tones. The sweetheart table was adorned with candles and surrounded by cherry tree blossoms.

Katarina and Dominic enjoyed a sparkly cake-cutting white surrounded by all of their loved ones.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Venue | Rosewood Miramar Beach

Planning | Nina Moore

Florals | Toast Santa Barbara

Videography | The Quail and The Dove

Makeup + Hair | Team Hair and Makeup

DJ | LIV Entertainment Group

Dance Floor | RCD Dance Floors

Rentals | Bright Event Rentals

Linens | La Tavola Linen

Photo Booth | Mir Mir Photo

Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 Review

In-Depth Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 Review

Shooting on medium format film cameras has been the preferred method for professional wedding photographers for decades. I’ve incorporated medium format film into my workflow over the past 4 years and won’t turn back any time soon. I have worked with many different camera systems over those four years to ultimately find what works best for my needs. This blog will provide an in-depth Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 review along with sample images from the camera.

I would say that 99.9% of people I speak to about this camera have never heard of it. This is quite surprising considering how excellent it is.  Before I discovered the Rolleiflex system I was shooting on the Mamiya, Contax, and Pentax 645 systems. All of these cameras did the job but didn’t check enough boxes. After some time with each system, however, I’ve concluded that the Rollei system is by far the best option. I’ve listed below all of the pros and cons and why more photographers should know about it.

It’s Basically New

The HY6 Mod2 is by far the newest medium format film camera system on the market. It’s so new that the camera actually receives firmware updates. It was discontinued in 2013 but can still be purchased brand new today with a manufacturer warranty. This is incredibly important because I always prefer the manufacturer to work on my gear rather than a third party. If one has any issues they simply need to send it to the factory in Germany for service.

1/500th-sec exposure at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h

The Lenses Rock

One of the most impressive attributes of this camera is not only the lens lineup but the lenses themselves. It uses Schneider lenses which boast incredible optical quality. This is the same brand that makes lenses for the Phase One digital medium format system. What this means is your camera has the best German glass on it for the absolute sharpest images. A lot of people love the Contax 645 system because it uses Planar lenses made by Zeiss. If you’d like to continue to shoot with this system and still rock the Planar glass you can do so as well.  The company has been offering Planar lenses for its cameras for over 50 years.

Many photographers opt for the Contax system because of its infamous 80mm f2.0 Zeiss lens. The Rollei system also has an 80mm f2.0. The bokeh is incredibly buttery and the focus (while manual) is incredibly smooth and accurate.

A big drawback to a lot of medium format systems is the painfully slow autofocus. This is not the case for the Rolleiflex. Autofocus is both fast and accurate. The Rollei offers both AF tracking and single AF modes. The tracking is an absolute necessity for capturing moving subjects accurately such as the bride and groom walking down the aisle.

99% of the lenses on the market use screw-on attachments for filters. With the Rollei, it uses a bayonet mount which allows faster filter attachment. This is a plus because I use it constantly when attaching close-up filters for macro shots.

1/250th-sec exposure at f/2.0 on Fujifilm 400h

It’s Incredibly Ergonomic

One of the first things I noticed about this camera when shooting was how incredibly ergonomic it is. It comes with a built-in hand strap and fits into my palm incredibly well. The grip can also rotate and be locked into different positions depending on what kind of viewfinder is being used.

1/125th-sec at f/2.0 with Fujifilm 400h

It Has a Leaf Shutter

A really great feature that most companies cannot claim is that this camera boasts a leaf shutter. What is a leaf shutter you ask? This means that the shutter is located inside the lens rather than the camera itself. The major benefit is that if you’re shooting with strobes you can sync it with your camera up to 1/1000th of a second. This isn’t even possible with new DSLR’s on the market today.

Because the shutter is located in the lens rather than the body, the camera is better equipped to be shot at slower shutter speeds without visible camera shake. This is especially useful if you’re shooting at the end of the day and your only option is to shoot at at 1/8th second handheld. It’s also a bonus that your shutter is never exposed when removing your film or digital back.

14-sec exposure at f/16 on tripod with Fujifilm 400h.

Custom Shooting Modes

This camera is filled with an endless amount of cool features. Basically every setting on this camera can be customized to your specific needs. No shutter cable is needed for long exposures as a timer delay can be set in-camera.

1/125th-sec at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h using servo mode for AF tracking

Loading Film Is Incredibly Fast

One of my top priorities when shooting is the ability to swap out and load film efficiently. I can shave time off film loading and spend more time connecting with my clients. The film inserts on this camera are engineered incredibly simply and symmetrically. What this means is that you never have to move the spool over after shooting a roll of film. You simply roll your new film, drop in your insert, and voila!

1/4-sec exposure at f/22 on tripod with Kodak Portra 400

Another cool feature is that the film back can be rotated vertically. This saves the user from having to rotate the camera when holding it to shoot. A lot of studio photographers may prefer this as it’s more comfortable for the hand as they shoot vertical for publication.

It’s Extremely User-Friendly

A big complaint I have about working with a lot of cameras is their functionality. Buttons are typically placed in strange locations or serve multiple functions which can be incredibly confusing for the user. However, the Rollei is designed more similarly to a modern DSLR. It’s equipped with a digital screen where all settings are visible and the aperture and shutter dials are laid out like my Canon 5D. The digital menu allows you to create custom functions, check battery status, and micro-adjust the focus.

1/15th-sec at f/2.8 handheld with Kodak Portra 800

It can shoot in multiple formats (viewfinder is huge)

99.9% of cameras can only be shot in a single format. That is not the case with this Rollei. It’s sold as a 6×6 square format camera but can easily be converted. This camera can shoot in a 6×4.5 format by simply purchasing a different film back and adapter plate. Once converted, you can now capture 4 additional frames on each roll of film.

Because this camera is intended for 6×6 shooting, the viewfinder is absolutely gigantic as well! This is priceless when shooting in dimly lit situations or if your eyesight (like mine) is bad.

1/125th-sec exposure at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h

What I Didn’t Like

Camera Data Isn’t Stamped

I personally enjoy having the camera data stamped on the negatives. It’s especially useful if you have to check your camera settings. This could be because something wrong happened or you want to replicate your settings.  This camera, unfortunately, doesn’t possess that feature.

Weight

This thing is heavy. This is not a camera that simply gets thrown into a backpack and taken on a hike. It weighs a lot due to quality parts and lots of glass elements in the lens. I personally don’t mind the weight because I know it’s going to deliver superb images.

Price

Another important thing to note about this camera is the price. This is not the system you’re looking for if you’re shopping on a budget. One can easily spend $10,000 if buying new and that only includes one basic lens. But as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for”. And with what you’re paying here you’re getting an absolute dream camera.

Limited shutter speed

Some people might see this as a drawback so I figure it should be mentioned. The fastest this camera will shoot is 1/10001th of a second. Slightly faster than a Hasselblad system (1/800th) and two stops behind Contax (1/4000th). This is because the camera is really meant for indoor studio use. I haven’t found myself in a situation where my camera wasn’t able to fire fast enough so this isn’t a huge deal for me.

Overall Thoughts

I think that at the end of the day this camera is absolutely spectacular. I take it with me on all of my travels and to every job I book. Yes, it’s bulky and somewhat delicate, but it delivers the absolute best possible images to my clients. This is why I will continue to use it for years to come. It feels like an extension of my arm and I can change settings in a flash and control it with ease. If you ever get the opportunity I highly recommend trying this camera out. It won’t disappoint and you’ll be eager to add it to your list of gear.

1/500th-sec at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h

www.alexwphotography.com

Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 Review

Destination Joshua Tree Park Engagement | Antonette + Matt

Destination Joshua Tree Park Engagement

Antonette and Matt are a Nashville-based couple who flew out to California for a destination Joshua Tree Park engagement. Joshua Tree is one of my favorite national parks in California and is especially beautiful to visit in the Fall. I drove in a couple of hours early to scout the park since the light changes drastically throughout the day. I found some gorgeous spots and knew they would be perfect to take Antonette and Matt to.

From the moment they arrived, I knew the day was going to be a fun one. There are some people that just right from the start you can tell have a positive energy about them. That is Matt and Antonette. To our benefit, we lucked out with a near-perfect day. The park was almost empty and the weather was just beautiful. We arrived at our first location of the day and began a little rock climb to reach our first spot. The warm sunlight reflecting off the rocks was dreamy. Antonette and Matt walked hand in hand sharing smiles and kisses with one another. One of the (many) wonderful things about Joshua Tree is the seemingly endless photo opportunities. It seemed that everywhere we turned there was a beautiful new scene awaiting us.

Second Location

Following photos at our first location we headed to spot number two of the day. Matt and Antonette changed into their second outfit which was an absolute favorite of mine. They told me over the phone before our shoot about how they envisioned wearing black together for the photos. I could picture just how perfectly the outfits would beautifully contrast with the soft tones of the desert around them.

We walked together among the Saguaros and climbed the tops of boulders. From there, we got to witness the most beautiful unobstructed views of the park. Matt completed his look with a crisp Stetson which made for the perfect accessory to sneak in some kisses behind. Antonette’s red hair was a fiery thing of beauty. After working together, I think photographing redheads is my new favorite subject!

Ending at Sunset

We finished the session at our third and final location. We popped a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate the end of a successful day. After sipping on some refreshing bubbly we enjoyed the quiet of the park and watched the sunset behind the mountains.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Wedding | Hannah + Vaughn

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Wedding | Hannah + Vaughn

Palm Springs Wedding

This Omni Rancho Las Palmas wedding is seriously something special. Not only are the bride and groom two of the sweetest people I’ve met, but their wedding day was stunning. I knew after initially photographing Hannah + Vaughn for their engagement session that these two would be so much fun on their wedding day. Their chemistry together is so natural and organic that it makes my job capturing them a breeze!

The pair chose the beautiful Rancho Las Palmas resort in Rancho Mirage to say “I do”. This stunning venue set the perfect tone and made for the most beautiful backdrop for their wedding day. I highly recommend visiting the property if you haven’t done so. The sprawling grounds are filled with lush greenery and it overlooks the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. The pool even had a “Splashtopia” zone which Vaughn certainly made use of during his stay there.

We met Hannah in her suite on the morning of the wedding day. She was getting ready with her closet ladies even though she chose to forgo a formal bridal party. We styled and photographed her details while she received the final hair and makeup touchups. Following hair and makeup, Hannah and her closest ladies popped a bottle of champagne and toasted the bride-to-be. Afterward, Hannah opened Vaughn’s wedding day gift and enjoyed a teary-eyed read from the card he wrote her.

Ceremony

Vaughn was getting ready across the property in his own suite. Once he was suited up, we headed outside for portraits and eagerly awaited Hannah to meet us for the first look.  The pair decided to forgo the traditional “tap on the shoulder” and instead stand back-to-back. They held one another’s hands and announced how excited they were to see the other. On three, they both turned and were immediately overcome with pure excitement. Soon after, all the guests joined us on the lawn for family portraits and found their seats, as the ceremony was about to begin. Hannah and Vaughn exchanged handwritten vows to one another under a wooden chuppah and celebrated their marriage by breaking the wine glass. 

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour was held on the main lawn once the ceremony concluded. Guests dined on charcuterie boards and sipped handmade cocktails while they mingled one another. Hannah and Vaughn were chasing the sunset on the other side of the property having their portraits taken. We headed to a section of the golf course that I had scouted the day prior. Everything was going perfect until a sneaky sprinkler popped up and shot a very surprising (yet refreshing) blast of water directly to the face. I’ve never seen a bride and groom run faster on their wedding day. 

We headed up to the reception space after capturing photos across the grounds. The sun was beginning to set and the light on the rooftop was just perfect. Hannah and Vaughn enjoyed the last few minutes of cocktail hour with their guests while we photographed all of the beautiful decor. The tables were adorned with golden chargers and had beautiful floral runners made up of white roses and eucalyptus. Guests were soon ushered upstairs where they were greeted with champagne and a live band. Everyone gathered around the dance floor to enjoy the first and parent dances. The dance floor opened at sunset and guests danced the night away to the undeniably talented Down Beat LA.

 

Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Weddings By Pam Olson

Venue | Omni Rancho Las Palmas

Florals + Lighting | Artisan Event and Floral Design

Hair + Makeup | Drea Nicole

Band | Down Beat LA

Rentals | Bright Event Rentals