Tuscany Engagement Shoot | Lily + Steven

Tuscany Pre-Wedding Portraits

The day before Lily and Steven’s wedding in Italy we headed out to the Siena countryside for their Tuscany engagement shoot. While I researched different locations I wanted to find something that looked unequivocally Italian. Located not far from their wedding venue is the Abbey of San Galgano. I knew as soon as I saw it that this would be the perfect spot for Lily and Steven’s photos. Dating back to the 13th century, this gothic-styled monastery set the perfect backdrop for us to capture their portraits.

Upon stepping foot onto the grounds, we felt like we were transported back in time. There’s just something about classic architecture that brings joy and inspiration. Luckily for us, it was quite empty that day so we took our time exploring the property. We walked through the ancient halls and under the stone archways supported by the massive pillars. We imagined what it was like for the monks who lived and worked here so many hundreds of years ago. It was truly a humbling experience for us all.

Lily stunned in a green strapless dress and Steven donned a navy suit minus the tie for a truly relaxed European look. After exploring all of the areas inside of the abbey we headed to the backside where the sun was doing some truly magical things. In a field just beyond the abbey was a spotlight in the grass where the sun passed through an old broken window. Lily and Steven took a step into the beam and were enveloped in the most beautiful warm light.

After the sun dipped behind the abbey we headed back to our cars and were on our way to greet family and friends back at Conti Di San Bonifacio for their welcome dinner.

Conti Di San Bonifacio Wedding in Tuscany, Italy | Lily + Steven

Conti Di San Bonifacio Wedding

Prepare yourselves for Lily and Steven’s stunning destination wedding at Conti Di San Bonifacio. This bi-coastal couple did away with a local wedding and instead flew to Italy to tie the knot. They had originally planned for a Summertime wedding in Napa, but with a guest count approaching 300 and temperatures nearing 100, the couple knew that just wasn’t for them.  

Conti Di San Bonifacio winery and resort boasts 360-degree vineyard views and rolling Tuscan hills. This spectacular venue is nestled deep in Tuscan wine country and served as the backdrop for the wedding weekend.

Bridal Party

Lily’s bridesmaids wore a collection of soft pink dresses. Instead of the traditional bouquet, the ladies instead wore delicate flower crowns. Steven’s groomsmen kept it traditional with black suits while he donned a classic black tux.

Portraits

We walked throughout the property during Lily and Steven’s midday portrait session. The overcast weather allowed us to shoot in all directions and really utilize what Conti Di San Bonifacio had to offer. We began at the back of the property where cocktail hour would be held. Lily and Steven walked hand in hand around the pool and made their way down to the main lawn. With the rolling Tuscan countryside in the background, it looked like we were on a movie set. It was absolutely unreal!

Getting Ready

Lily and Steven combined Italian elements and held a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the morning. They were surrounded by their closest friends and family, some of whom even flew in from China. Afterward, Lily returned to her suite to change into her wedding dress for her first look with Steven. She paired her strapless, open-back dress with a classic pair of nude Louboutin heels. The bridesmaids chose to forgo the traditional bouquet and were adorned with flower crowns.

Bridal Bouquet

Lilly’s traditional bouquet was composed of lush greenery and white roses and was held together with a long white ribbon.

Cheers

While the ladies got ready, Steven and his groomsmen enjoyed a shot of some Hibiki whiskey. After some liquid courage, the guys headed over to the pool to get in a quick dunk and cool off.

Ceremony

While we captured portraits, the floral installation was underway at the ceremony site. Infinito Amore spearheaded the floral design. There was a seven-foot-tall ceremony arch at the end of the aisle composed of pampas, roses, and eucalyptus.

Lily and Steven officially became husband and wife in front of their closest friends and family. Everyone cheered and tossed olive leaves on the couple during their recessional down the aisle.

Just Married

Guests showered Lily and Steven with olive leaves as they made their way back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Following the ceremony, guests were ushered to cocktail hour poolside. A spread complete with local meats and cheeses, fresh Caprese salad, and delicious homemade sliders awaited everyone.

During cocktail hour, we captured romantic portraits while Lily and Steven savored their just-married sunset together. The ceremony site was converted into the reception space where garlands of greenery and roses adorned the communal tables. Upon sunset, market lights illuminated the dining space with a warm glow. The floral wreath was moved to be the backdrop for the sweetheart table. Lily and Steven’s grand entrance was welcome with cheers from their guests. Everyone soon took their seats to enjoy a candle-lit al fresco dinner. Endless courses of authentic Italian food accompanied by local wine from Conti Di San Bonifacio were served.

End of the Night

Conti Di San Bonifacio served traditional Italian wedding cake and pizza for guests to enjoy as a late-night snack. This wedding was truly one for the books and I was honored to have documented it.

Photographer | Alex W Photography

Venue | Conti Di San Bonifacio

Florals | Infinito Amore

Scanning | Richard Photo Lab

Bride’s heels | Christian Louboutin

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.

Pelican Hill Wedding | Crystal + Ross

Pelican Hill Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing Crystal and Ross’ beachside Pelican Hill wedding at the beginning of the Summer, and what a gorgeous day it was! You might recognize these two from their engagement session in Malibu at the end of last year. This Houston-based couple knew they wanted to host a destination wedding for all of their guests.

I was thrilled to return to photograph another Pelican Hill wedding, especially since I would be working with such a talented team of vendors to help bring the couple’s vision to life. From the oceanfront views and perfectly kept grounds, this property is truly a dream. Pelican Hill boasts classic stone architecture, tropical greenery, and an iconic rotunda where ceremonies are held.  Just from my initial meeting with Crystal and Ross during their engagement session, I knew they both had a phenomenal sense of style and they seriously brought their A-game on the wedding day!

Details/Getting Ready

Crystal absolutely stunned in a champagne Galia Lahav dress complimented by the most beautiful tiara and a bouquet filled with white and blush roses.  Ross donned a classic black tux and Ralph Lauren shoes alongside a white rose boutonniere. They even brought their Maltese, Matisse to join in with them on the day’s festivities. 

Once Crystal’s mom helped her into her dress we met Ross on the rooftop topiary for their first look. After a sweet embrace with one another, we invited their wedding party to join us for more photos. The ladies all wore blush dresses alongside the groomsmen who rocked classic black tuxes. After the bridal party photos on the roof, we headed over to the ceremony site on the main lawn to capture photos with family

Cocktail Hour

Everyone was escorted to the upper balcony which overlooked the sunset for cocktail hour. They were greeted with salmon and caviar-topped blinis, a cheese and fruit bar, and signature cocktails from the bride and groom. During that time, I headed back down to the ceremony site with Crystal and Ross to capture romantic portraits. While we walked the grounds capturing their photos, the pair got to enjoy their first sunset together as husband and wife.

Reception

Guests were soon invited inside for the reception. Gorgeous candle-lit escort mirrors calligraphed by White Lilac. led everyone to their seats. Waiting for everyone inside were shimmering blush and champagne tablecloths, gilded chairs, and tall-stem vase centerpieces. The cake was six-tiered and candlelit with cascading sugar florals. Additionally, the sweetheart table stood in the middle of the room, covered with beautiful floral arrangements. 

Once everyone was seated, Crystal and Ross entered the room for their grand entrance. Guests were smiling from ear to ear and cheering for the newly married couple. After they enjoyed their first dance together and everyone joined in for the horah, dinner was served. Guests had a wonderful energy and danced the night away to one of my favorite live bands- Liquid Blue. An assortment of mini desserts and cake was served along with a do-it-yourself s’ mores bar on the back patio for everyone to enjoy. Following the reception, guests were invited to join the after-party in another location on the property where they enjoyed a live DJ and finger foods. Enjoy the images below from this beachside Pelican Hill wedding!

Photography | Alex W Photography
Planning | Events By Katia
Florals | 800 Rose Big
Videography | Marmo Films
Rentals (Cherry Blossoms + Escort Mirrors) | White Lilac Inc.
Musician Quartet | Plaza String Quartet
Rentals (Draping, Chairs, Dance Floor) | Chiavari Chair Rentals
Cake | Cinderella Cake
Live Band | Liquid Blue
Photo Booth | Pixter Photo Booth
Venue | Pelican Hill Resort
Lab | Richard Photo Lab
Bride’s Gown | Galia Lahav
Bride’s Heels | Giuseppe Zanotti

Greystone Mansion Engagement | Joyce + Adam

Greystone Mansion Engagement

Joyce and Adam flew out from New York to capture their session at the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Their Greystone Mansion engagement session has everything that makes my heart happy- a stylish couple madly in love, a stunning location, and beautiful light.

Joyce stunned in a gorgeous multicolored Gucci chiffon dress and Adam donned a classic navy suit. The pair complemented one another perfectly. We met down in the courtyard of the grounds and began our session photographing around the fountain. We slowly made our way around the property, making sure to stop by the koi pond and lastly arriving at the back terrace. From there, we enjoyed gorgeous views of downtown Los Angeles and these two had a chance to practice their first dance for the wedding.

After capturing our photos around the mansion, we headed upstairs to the top of the property to visit the iconic cypress walk. Normally, this location is covered with tourists but we had the entire place to ourselves. We walked among the fountains and in between the cypress trees. Joyce and Adam shared lots of laughs and kisses as they walked together hand in hand.

Our last stop on the property was the upper terrace that overlooked the entire grounds. It was there that we visited the stone staircase that ascended to the main lawn.

Look Two

We made time for a quick outfit change before we moved to our next location and then headed out. Joyce’s second look was a gorgeous patterned white dress and tan Louboutin heels. Adam decided to forgo the sports coat and instead wore a checkered button-up and jeans.

Downtown

After leaving the estate, we drove down the hill to chase the remaining minutes of daylight and capture our remaining photos around downtown Beverly Hills. These two were the absolute sweetest and I can’t wait to see them next year when they tie the knot in upstate New York.

Dress | Gucci
Heels | Louboutin
Venue | Greystone Mansion
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab with Fuji 400H

Sutro Bath Engagement | Mina + Joe

I’ve wanted to capture a Sutro Bath engagement for quite some time now. When Mina + Joe told me they wanted to have their photos taken in San Francisco I knew exactly where we were going and was beyond excited. Upon flying into SFO, I received an immediate greeting from that brisk Bay Area breeze that I had been missing. I hopped in the car with Mina + Joe and we were off for our day in the city together. On our drive into SF, we talked about the coolest international school trips these two had taken during college, their love of skateboarding, and Joe’s secret rapping skills. We stopped off at a little Mexican restaurant before the shoot to fuel up and I enjoyed one of the best chorizo breakfast burritos I’ve ever had.

We arrived at the Sutro Baths early to walk around and do some scouting. Besides the cold weather, we had the good fortune of enjoying clear skies and little to no wind. Mina + Joe brought with them some great-looking outfits that were perfectly suited for San Fran and the Sutro Baths set the perfect backdrop for the two. Mina’s first outfit was a gorgeous blush dress with beautiful crocheted detail complimented by Joe who kept it clean and casual.

Being that this was their first time to the baths, I wanted to ensure that Mina + Joe got to see everything and really take it in. To get the full experience, we walked over the rocks along the Pacific, explored an old cave, and even ventured into an off-limits zone that offered us a gorgeous, almost 100-year-old brick staircase. Mina’s flowing white dress contrasted beautifully with the warm rocks around her and Joe made sure to hug her tight and keep her warm from the cool evening breeze rolling in.

As the sun began to dip and the warm golden light of the evening approached we made our way back up to the overlook above the baths. During the last few moments of the day Mina + Joe showed off their skateboarding skills and watched the sunset together. Working with couples as sweet and in love as these two is what truly makes me love what I do the most and I can’t wait to see them tie the knot next year!

Scanning + Developing | The FIND Lab

Stanford University Wedding Palo Alto | Mina + Joe

I have been eagerly anticipating Mina + Joe getting married. When I initially spoke with Mina and she told me that she would be having a timeless Stanford wedding I could hardly contain myself! I knew that this was going to be a classic affair. You got to see a glimpse of their impeccable style earlier this year on the blog when I photographed their San Francisco engagement at the Sutro Baths.
What really touched me about these two is how truly in love they are and that their focus of the day was on their family.

As seen in Style Me Pretty.

I spent the morning photographing Mina and her bridesmaids’ gorgeous details in the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto. The bright and airy suite was the perfect backdrop for Mina’s accessories. We headed downstairs from the suite to the gorgeous lobby for some bridal party photos. Filled with natural sunlight that poured in from the expansive windows, this was the perfect compliment for such a great-looking group of people.

We soon left the hotel and headed out to Stanford Memorial Court. Boasting classic architecture, warm stone columns, and gorgeous cascading ivy, this set the scene for Mina + Joe’s first look. Their love for one another is so real and palpable that it’s hard not to have a smile on your face when you’re around them. We spent the rest of our time there exploring the campus, taking advantage of the golden natural light.

Their ceremony was held at a local church that had the most gorgeous window behind the altar that exposed the giant redwood trees outside. We took the bridal party there after the “I do’s” for some nature portraits and then returned back to the Stanford Faculty Club for the reception. Mina was carried in Joe’s arms for the grand entrance, by far the best way for a groom to introduce his bride. During dinner, Joe and Mina gave heartfelt speeches to their friends and family and shared a song with their parents on the dance floor. Everyone danced the night away and Mina even managed to surprise Joe with a surprise dance performance of her own. I had the absolute best time with these two and can’t wait to return up North for another Stanford wedding!

Photography | Alex W Photography

Florals | Events By Young
Hair | PS Bridal Makeup
DJ | DJ Raymix
Photobooth | Pix.CO
Ceremony Venue | Valley Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue | Stanford Faculty Club
Scanning | Photovision Prints

Malibu Engagement | Crystal + Ross

Crystal and Ross flew all the way out from Houston to head up PCH with me for a Malibu Engagement session. From the moment that I met these two I knew that our session together was going to be nothing short of amazing. Their style is timeless and they have such fun personalities. Crystal started the session off in a gorgeous sky blue gown from Rent the Runway and Ross kept it semi-casual with loafers and a plaid jacket. Crystal and Ross’s impeccable style inspired me to capture the most beautiful photos from their session.

As we walked around the park we had a blast talking about their wedding plans and how the two of them met. While we chased light I took the two of them to my favorite oak tree nestled in the middle of the park. We arrived at the perfect time of day when the tree was enveloped in warm sunlight and the grass was golden yellow. We captured the most beautiful photos of them climbing around the tree and romping through the tall grass.

The love between these two was palpable. Throughout their gallery, the affection that these two have for one another can be felt. Crystal later changed into a loose-fitting white collared dress and absolutely killed it in her photos sitting across the tree branch. As the sun began to dip behind the Malibu hills and the evening chill enveloped us Crystal and Ross got cozy and shared some sweet kisses in the tall grass. When day turned into night we made our way out of the empty park and back to our cars.

It’s so exciting that I get to see these two later this year when I have the honor of capturing their wedding at the Iconic Pelican Hill Resort.

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.

Photography | Alex W Photography
Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Ethereal Open Air Resort Wedding Escondido | Amanda + Jarrod

There’s something special about photographing a friends wedding. Beyond that, a friend who is an admirable photographer. There’s no greater compliment than that. When Jarrod and Amanda reached out to photographer their Ethereal Open Air Resort Wedding, the answer was easy. Of course!

Aside from the fact that these two are our friends, they are incredibly good people. Being around them is always a joy. Their love is apparent in everything they do. And you truly never grow tired of how silly they are.

Jarrod and Amanda’s history stretches back to the good ‘ole college days. They met at the University of Arizona at a Christmas Party. Jarrod, came dressed in his best, as an elf. This is a moment they still share with others as a found beginning of their love. Fast-forward 5-years, Jarrod is down on one-knee vowing his love forever.

Funny enough, the first time Jarrod and I ever met each other was at the Heck Yea photography retreat hosted in Joshua Tree. Jarrod and I were assigned to be roommates and we hit it right off from the start. It was the most wonderful news that after becoming photo buddies and fast friends that Jarrod and Amanda asked if I would photograph their wedding for them. It seemed very fitting that to document their engagement we headed back to J Tree to make it official with an desert engagement session.

I met with Amanda and her bridesmaids in the bridal suite of Ethereal Resort. This room was right out of a fairytale. It was filled with lots of natural light, had beautifully delicate details throughout, and had the coolest swinging bed suspended from the ceiling. After everyone was dressed Amanda and I headed out to meet Jarrod at the Redwood tree house for the first look. After kisses, hugs, and a few tears we met up with the bridal party for portraits. The bridesmaids wore a variation of floor length blush dresses and the groomsmen donned navy suits.

Before the ceremony began the family greeted us outside of the church for photos. Once the guests began arriving from the shuttles Amanda and Jarrod were whisked away to hide while everyone took their places. The church glowed from all of the candlelight that could be seen from the outside. The Dainty Lion designed a beautiful floral backdrop that hung behind the altar. As Amanda walked down the aisle she was accompanied by a live performance from Kelley Jakle (ass seen in Pitch Perfect). After vows were exchanged, and a kiss was shared, Jarrod and Amanda were offically husband and wife!

Guests then proceeded out to the main lawn where cocktail hour was being held. Jarrod and Amanda pulled out all of the stops for their guests. They had giant beer pong, corn hole, and even a vintage Volkswagen van photo booth for everyone to enjoy.

As the sun faded away, and the day turned into night, the guests were escorted to the reception. A gorgeous al fresco dining experience awaited them. Communal tables were adorned with florals and candles. Marketplace lighting elegantly draped over the tables providing a beautiful combination with the candles.

Their friends and family shared heartfelt, and quite hilarious, speeches. Sharing fond moments of the couple and past life experiences brought joy to everyone. There wasn’t a single person without a smile on their face. This was the exact wedding I envisioned they’d have.

After an unbelievable dinner, we made our way to the dessert table. Filled with treats from Sweet Cheeks and a beautiful wedding cake. The cake was cut and treats were enjoyed by all. Que, dancing!

Keep scrolling to see more images from this gorgeous Ethereal Open Air Resort wedding.

Photography | Alex W Photography
Florals | The Dainty Lion
Hairstylist | Blush & Adore
MUA | 77 Cosmetics
Cake | Sweet Cheeks
Rentals | Events by Lift
Print Rentals | Four Things Paper
Venue | Ethereal Open Air Resort
DJ | San Diego Party Time DJ’s
Video | Stockham Media
Vocals | Kelley Jakle
Photo Bus | SD Photo Bus
Bride’s Heels | Badgley Mischka
Ring Box | The Mrs. Box
Film | Negative Lab

O’Donnell House Wedding Palm Springs | Chloe + Evan

O’Donnell House Wedding

I had anxiously been awaiting Chloe and Evan’s O’Donnell House wedding all year. I first met with this sweet couple at the beginning of last year. From initially sitting down with them I could feel how infectious their love is for one another. These two now live in North Carolina but met back when they were living in California. We had our first experience shooting together in Glamis for an epic sand dune engagement session. Together we braved 25mph winds, 100+ degree temperatures, and climbing sand dunes the size of buildings. I knew after that experience that this fun-loving couple’s wedding was going to be an absolute blast.

I arrived at Chloe’s Air BnB in the morning where all of the ladies were getting ready. While hair and makeup proceeded I was tucked away in the master bedroom photographing all of Chloe’s beautiful details for the day. Her rose gold color palette for the shoes and jewelry contrasted beautifully with her teal and peach invitation suite and pops of bougainvillea. She even bought Evan an adorable rose gold cactus pin for his suit. Little details on the day of like that are my absolute favorite!

First Look

After all of the finished with hair, makeup, and champagne toasts outside by the pool we all hopped in the van and headed up the hill to meet Evan and his groomsmen at the O’Donnell House. Chloe and Evan greeted each other with a sweet first look on the patio overlooking the hills and downtown Palm Springs. Many kisses, “wows”, and hugs were shared between the two. Afterward, we met up with the bridal party for portraits around the property, and then everyone headed upstairs to relax while guests arrive.

Design Details

While family and friends began to enter I walked the property photographing all of the gorgeous details. The day was planned to perfection by The Events Department and the desert-inspired florals from Hello Gem Events used the most beautiful pastel color palette. By incorporating pops of rose gold, desert florals, and geometric table pieces, this O’Donnell house wedding was like something out of a dream.

Ceremony & Reception

Guests soon began to take their seats at the ceremony site. Everyone’s heads turned as Chloe made her way down the staircase to meet her father. After exchanging rings and vows everyone cheered for Chloe and Evan as they had their first kiss as husband and wife. While everyone made their way to the main courtyard for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres family had their formal photos captured on the upper terrace. Dinner was soon served and guests sat down to dine under the stars. Everyone danced the night away and enjoyed some tasty treats created by Over The Rainbow Desserts.

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