Greystone Mansion Wedding Beverly Hills | Mashan + Jamie

Greystone Mansion Wedding | Mashan & Jamie

Mashan and Jamie chose to forgo a local wedding in Atlanta and instead, planned a destination Greystone Mansion wedding. I had seen many weddings online showcasing this gorgeous estate and I anxiously dreamed of photographing this venue. Nestled in Beverly Hills, this historic estate boasts 180-degree views and overlooks downtown LA. It made for the perfect spot to host the couple’s intimate soiree. The day was planned to perfection by Randy Fuhrman Events and adorned with gorgeous white and blush florals.

The bridesmaids all donned beautiful off-the-shoulder blush dresses and were accompanied by the most dapper groomsmen rocking navy suits. While Jamie anxiously awaited the first look with his bride-to-be, Mashan eagerly circled the koi pond to give a very excited shoulder tap. After happy tears were shed, the family gathered for formal photos. We headed up to the infamous cypress walk afterward for a bridal party and couple of portraits. Everyone shared laughs as they strolled up and down the stone walkway.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour

While the bridal party assembled for the ceremony to begin, guests took advantage of the beverage station where they had their choice of sun tea, fresh lemonade, and spa water and grabbed parasols provided by the bride and groom on the way to their seats. As the bridal party made their way down the aisle each member in the procession was accompanied by live music played by a harpist. After the ceremony concluded guests made their way over to the reception area where cocktails and hors d’ouerves awaited them. As soon as everyone had a drink in hand the DJ ushered everyone inside the house for Mashan and Jamie’s grand entrance.

The Evening’s Events

While guests were served their appetizers Mashan, Jamie, and I traversed the property while we chased light and found beautiful little nooks to photograph in. After dinner and speeches, guests made their way onto the dance floor to celebrate the newlyweds and dance the night away. Thank you again to Mashan and Jamie for allowing me to capture such a big day in your lives.

Santa Barbara Engagement | Joanna + Ryan

Santa Barbara Engagement

This dreamy Santa Barbara engagement session has everything I could hope for from working with a couple. I had the pleasure of photographing an incredibly fun (and ridiculously good-looking) pair of human beings that are head-over-heels in love with one another. We had the pleasure of traveling to one of my favorite Central Coast locations- the Santa Barbara sand dunes. From my first meeting with Joanna and Ryan, we hit it off immediately. I loved bouncing ideas off of one another for the most epic place we could travel to for their engagement session. As soon as they saw another session I had done earlier at a separate set of dunes they were sold.

It was cool and overcast on the day we met. The sun was hidden behind the clouds but we had the softest, most beautiful light to play with. The sand dunes were a 25-minute walk from the parking lot where we rendezvoused so as we headed over to our first location of the day we chatted about their wedding plans, favorite recipes they cook for one another, and all of their upcoming travels.

Joanna & Ryan’s outfits were wonderfully classy and timeless. Joanna rocked a stunning white off-the-shoulder dress white beautiful gold adornments on the arm and Ryan looked like he walked straight out of a movie with his button-down white shirt and Hollywood quality hair. Upon arriving at the dunes we were greeted with a seemingly endless rolling landscape that we had entirely to ourselves. The wind was calm and you could hear the seagulls off in the distance. It was pure magic. As we ran around the dunes together I captured endless amounts of kisses, sweet embraces, and full-on belly laughs. They just made it too easy for me!

We ended the session with a brisk romp in the Pacific and then headed back to our cars before we lost the last bit of daylight. I had the absolute best time with these two at their Santa Barbara engagement at the sand dunes and I can’t wait for their wedding later this year.

california photographer Destination Wedding Destination Wedding Photographer elopement engagement film photographer Fine Art Photographer los olivos luxury wedding photographer santa barbara santa ynez

Bernardus Lodge Wedding Carmel | Grace + Roman

Destination weddings are quickly becoming my favorite way to celebrate a couple’s big day. Grace + Roman’s Bernardus

bay are wedding bernardus lodge carmel wedding Destination Wedding Film Wedding Photographer fine art wedding photographer Hybrid Wedding Photographer Los Angeles Wedding Photographer Style Me Pretty Wedding Photographer wedding Wedding Photographer

Pelican Hill Wedding Newport Beach | Melissa & Will

Pelican Hill Resort Wedding

My team and I headed down the coast during the Summer to photograph Melissa and Will’s black-tie Pelican Hill Resort wedding. You might recognize this familiar couple from a few months back when I photographed their

engagement at Pismo Beach. From the first time I met these two and heard how they got together, I knew it was meant to be that they would marry each other. From their first encounter at a club in Croatia to their second run-in at a bar in La Vegas, this fun-loving pair was destined to fall in love.

I met Melissa in the morning at her casita. While the ladies were being pampered and prepped for the day I headed upstairs to photograph some of her gorgeous wedding details. Everything from her Vera Wang dress and Valentino heels to the monogrammed Mrs. Box and invitation suite, everything perfectly fit the black-tie theme. Following Melissa’s hair and makeup, we headed outside to capture some candids with her and her bridesmaids.

First Look

After Melissa was zipped into her dress we headed to the rooftop topiary garden where she met Will for their first look. Following the sweetest embrace, the rest of the bridal party met us for formal portraits amidst the expansive lawns. Melissa’s bridesmaids donned floor-length black gowns paired with a single white calla lily. Following the bridal party portraits Melissa, Will, and I walked the lawn capturing midday portraits. This involved lots of tender moments and allowed us to explore the property together.

Before the ketubah signing we met up with family who was awaiting our arrival at the iconic rotunda for family portraits. The couple said their I do’s under a handmade chuppah on the main lawn encircled by family and friends. Following the ceremony, guests congregated on the terrace for cocktails and fresh sushi. Everyone found their seats via the hand-calligraphed and water-colored escort cards. Guests soon made their way into the main ballroom after cocktail hour for dinner and dancing. Samantha Scott Events did a miraculous job transforming the space and the live band kept the party going late into the night. In addition to all of the sweet treats guests enjoyed, the night ended with a bang when In N Out showed up. Everyone had the most phenomenal time celebrating Melissa + Will’s Pelican Hill wedding and it’s a night I won’t soon forget.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Samantha Scott Events

Florals | The Little Branch

Venue | Pelican Hill Resort

Bride’s Dress | Vera Wang

Bride’s Heels | Valentino

Groom’s Suit | Tom Ford

Groom’s Shoes | Christian Louboutin

Ring Box | The Mrs. Box

Lab | Negative Lab

California film photographer Film Wedding Photographer Hybrid Wedding Photographer luxury wedding pelican hill wedding

Brookview Ranch Wedding in Malibu | Stephanie & Jonathan

Two of the sweetest people I know had friends and family gather for their Brookview Ranch wedding over the Summer. I had the pleasure of photographing it and have some serious eye candy for you to enjoy. You might remember seeing a previous blog when we traveled to Los Olivos for an epic mountaintop engagement session.

I had been eagerly awaiting for their big day to finally arrive. I met Stephanie in her bridal suite in the morning and had the most beautiful details to photograph. The entire day was perfectly planned by Masterplan Events and exquisitely decorated with beautiful pops of colored florals by Rebelle Fleur Design. All of the bridesmaids donned gorgeous floor-length dresses with subtle blush floral patterns. It perfectly complemented the groomsmen’s navy suits. Jonathan rocked the most dapper three-piece plaid suit from Indochino and Stephanie stunned in a gorgeous Winnie Couture gown.

As seen in Style Me Pretty.

First Look

Stephanie and Jonathan opted to do a first look before the ceremony (which is my absolute favorite). After hugs, kisses, and even a couple tears we headed over to meet the rest of the bridal party for more photos on the main lawn. As guests began to arrive, everyone was escorted to their seats for some pre-ceremony champagne.

Ceremony

As the guests took their seats and the music began to play, the bridal party began their walk across the lawn and down the aisle. As Stephanie approached all the guests rose out of their seats. She made her entrance through the gorgeous antique patio doors provided by Archive Rentals.

Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony concluded, guests headed over to cocktail hour where they enjoyed lawn games and some tasty appetizers. Stephanie, Jonathan, and I took full advantage of the property and visited all of the hidden nooks and gorgeous spaces for the bridal portraits.

Reception

I headed up to the reception site afterward to capture all of the gorgeous details before guests arrived. Every vendor involved really pulled out all of the stops for this one; it was gorgeous! From the cascading Silk & Willow table runners to the gorgeous calligraphy on the geometric stone name cards that the bride created herself, this was truly a dream! The dessert table had not one, two, or three but four cakes beautifully crafted by Cake Divas. The gold foiling was the perfect accent to the blush tones found throughout the reception. All of this was beautifully complemented by warm candlelight surrounding the reception area.

As guests took their seats. Stephanie and her father shared a heartfelt father-daughter dance followed by Jonathan and his mother. As the sun began to slip behind the mountains we headed to the top of the property to enjoy the last few minutes of golden hour and 360 degree views of the hills. After sunset we headed back down to the reception area to enjoy toasts, some delicious cake, and a night full of dancing. I’d like to wish Stephanie & Jonathan the biggest congratulations and I look forward to following the progress of their sweet marriage!

brookview ranch california wedding Destination Wedding Film Wedding Photographer fine art wedding photographer wedding

Santa Ynez Engagement | Vivian + Matan

I recently headed up to the central coast with two good friends of mine to capture their Santa Ynez engagement session. I was first introduced to Vivien and Matan last year when I photographed a mutual friend’s wedding in Santa Monica. We instantly hit it off and I knew these two would be perfect to sit in for a portrait session for me. They have that unique LA fashion sense and just look really damn good in front of the camera.

We first met up and began our session at a lavender farm in Los Olivos. I knew that the season for picking lavender was nearing its end so this was the perfect time for some photos. As we walked through the fields together I captured them exchanging sweet glances with one another, holding hands, and exchanging sweet (or possibly very dirty) whispers to one another. I couldn’t tell which it was but it certainly got them laughing. Vivien and Matan are both naturals in front of the camera ad required little direction. I’m so used to my subjects never having been photographed professionally before that this was an absolute delight.

After we captured everything needed at the farm we headed up into the mountains where we would finish the rest of our session and watch the sunset. I scouted the location a few hours earlier and had a couple of spots in mind that turned out to be just perfect. Following a quick wardrobe change we played around in the tall grass and stumbled upon the most beautiful dead tree positioned on its side that made for my favorite photos of the day.

Guys, take a note from Matan- don’t be afraid to rock some jewelry! Just a couple of extra additions to your outfit can take your look to a whole other level. His accessories paired with the unbuttoned dress shirt and cuffed pants were the perfect look to compliment Vivien’s nude pants suit. With epic views all around and a picture-perfect couple in front of me, this shoot could not have been any better. Once the sun set and day turned to night we headed back down the mountain to celebrate a successful shoot over some dinner and beers. I can’t wait to work with these two again!

California film photographer engagement film engagement fine art engagement Fine Art Photographer fine art wedding photographer los olivos portrait santa ynez

Springtime Vacation Around the Island of Iceland

This post is long overdue but better late than never! It’s thrilling to share this Springtime vacation around the island of Iceland. This trip was taken two years ago and thinking back to our adventure, it feels like just yesterday. We spent 10 incredible days driving over 1,200 miles around the island.

Never before in my life has visiting an unknown land felt so otherworldly. From the steaming natural thermal spas to the beaches filled with car-sized pieces of ice, Iceland is like no other. It’s mind-blowing to experience just how many unique features the island has to offer. We must have seen at least 50 waterfalls and hundreds of Icelandic ponies in the first day alone of our drive

The first few days were spent in the South where we visited Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the Skógafoss waterfall. Let me just say right now that I could happily have my last days on Earth at Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe the breathtaking sights at the two locations. Conveniently located just right across the road from one another, these two locations literally took my breath away. Glacier Lagoon is not just stunning to see but it’s so eerily quiet and peaceful, it would be a spectacular place to meditate, camp, or even have an elopement. As the glacier ice breaks apart and eventually melts, it makes its way across the lagoon and eventually onto Diamond Beach. There, among the black sand stands huge chunks of ice that’s as clear as glass.

The next morning, we continued our journey along the south until we arrived at our next destination- Black Sand Beach. This location is truly a sight to behold. While strolling along the beach you’ll hear the sound of pounding surf and admire the giant caves and geometric basalt columns that line the sand. Many people have been pulled out to sea by the force of the rip currents. Everyone was made well aware of the signs they passed to not suffer from the same fate and be careful.

During the loop around the island, we stayed in a different home every night. This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the locals and learn about Iceland. One of the homes was located on an active farm which hosted sheep, horses, and the friendliest husky.

90% of the meals that were eaten were cooked and prepared ourselves. Before leaving Reykjavik we made a stop at the local grocery store and stocked up on produce, fresh fish, and local spices. I made the silly mistake of asking the staff if the sold coolers in the store. With befuddled looks on their faces, they replied, “This is Ice-land. No coolers needed.” So from that moment on, all of the food was packed in grocery bags and topped with snow. One night, in particular, there was no access to a fridge so the food was left outside to chill.

The East and North points of the island were still very much suffering from winter. Besides for epic amounts of snow, there wasn’t too much to stay around to see. The last leg of the trip, however, was definitely a favorite. If you’ve never seen a geothermal vent before, it’s quite a sight to behold. Just outside of the small town of Myvatn is a location called Hverir. Here, one is welcomed with the smell of rotten eggs thanks to the endless amount of sulfur being pumped out. The geothermal vents are incredibly loud and quite scary, to be honest. Steam is constantly shooting hundreds of feet outwards from the vents protruding out of the Earth.

The last stop, and what I would consider being the highlight of the trip was our visit to the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa had been on our bucket list for quite some time and it sure did live up to its reputation. The lagoon opens at 8am every morning and we were sure to be the first ones in the water. Without anyone else around us, we captured some truly incredible images! Most people only visit for a couple of hours but we made an entire day out of the experience. It was truly a memory we will never forget and we hope to return again soon!

If you’re considering making a trip out to this incredible country, do it. You won’t regret it.

Lab | Photovision Prints

Springtime Vacation Around the Island of Iceland

Destination Wedding elopement film photographer Fine Art Photographer travel

Lombardi House Wedding in Los Angeles

As spring approached, Ivory Birch and I were in the midst of putting together another bridal editorial featuring some of Los Angele’s most inspired wedding talent. The direction of the shoot was to incorporate clean white as a base palette and tie in Pantone’s highlighted hues of green – with a kick of gold. I immediately knew that the creative direction of the shoot would be beautifully executed at the Lombardi House. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this hidden gem set the scene for our bridal editorial.

Boasting vaulted ceilings, expansive white walls, and country French flair – the background was accented by a stunning tablescape, a floral wall installation, and the most pristine vintage Rolls Royce. Choosing a couple for a shoot is a particular task that can become daunting and overwhelming. We were fortunate to bring the model’s real-life boyfriend on set with us. Their chemistry was real, which allowed me to capture more genuine moments between the two. Not to mention, there’s a fun dynamic when working with your significant other. Kicking it into high gear, we had to work quickly to work within a tight timeframe. The amount of detail incorporated, and the flawless execution – was a testament to our creative team.

Lindsey (Ivory Birch) and I painted the scene where integral settings would take place. While Inessa’s team started unloading a van (yes, an entire van!) full of florals, Dianuh was preparing to do a live calligraphy session. Justin prepped the video camera, Mel pulled in the driveway with his beautifully polished car, and we were officially ‘a go’!. They say it takes a village, which couldn’t be more true. I am grateful to be a part of an industry that allows creative minds to come together. A huge thanks to everyone who made this Lombardi House wedding happen.

Featured in Style Me Pretty

Photography | Alex W Photography

editorial lombardi house wedding

Joshua Tree Engagement | Amanda + Jarrod

Amanda and Jarrod’s romantic Joshua Tree engagement session has all of my favorite things- a stylish, fun

engagement joshua tree

Fine Art Desert Bridal Editorial

The close of wedding season called for a styled-shoot. I teamed up with an insanely talented group of Los Angeles wedding professionals to embark on a journey to a far-away location for a desert bridal editorial featuring Floravere gowns. There’s nothing better than collaborating with a team of creatives. This is where magical happens.

Having dreamt about the desert for months leading up to planning, we knew this would make the perfect location. Surrounded by miles of beautiful sand dunes, multi-colored mountains, and open-skies truly makes a dreamy environment. While it took several hours to travel to destination, it didn’t take long to spot its beauty. The desert can be so surreal. It’s beauty, and immensity of landscape, alone – is worth the drive.

Seat-belts were unbuckling right as we pulled up, and in unison, we hopped out of the car to feel the warm sun and cool breeze flowing off the mountain. I can’t describe how truly beautiful the day was.

Considering the long drive, and limited daylight, hair and makeup needed to start immediately. Dana (Cheek to Cheek Artistry and Britt Rafuson got down to business as we scouted the perfect location – not that it was difficult to find. Upon returning, we shuffled through the four Floravere gowns to determine the first look.

The gowns were complimented with vintage and gold accessories, which was inspired by the hues of the butter-soft sand. The ring and bouquet were perfectly complimented with deep and rich reds – the perfect reflection of autumn. One of my favorite floral designers, Inessa Nichols, crafted a whimsical and unique gold floral crown made of lunarias; and a bouquet filled with wild grasses, nigella pods, and ranunculus.

As the sun started to set behind purple and green speckled mountains we set up our tablescape. We kept the look cohesive with a minimalist approach. There was no shortage of warm candlelight, antique jewelry boxes, and gorgeous desert florals. We followed Britt across the sand, illuminating the darkening landscape with candle in-hand. We enjoyed the last few moments of cotton candy skies, thankful for the gorgeous landscape we were provided and for the incredible talent that collaborated to create such a beautiful story.