Boston Engagement | Lily + Steven

Boston Engagement

Over Halloween weekend, we took a day trip to capture Lily and Steven’s Fall Boston engagement session. We would only be in town for 8 hours, so we had to move quickly upon our arrival. Our first stop (non-photo related) was to James Hook and Co for some tasty lobster rolls. A proper introduction to this famous East Coast city.

After stuffing our faces, we were off to the Boston Public Library. This building was on the top of my list after researching to find classic architecture around downtown. After arriving, it simply was not feasible with the sheer amount of visitors that were constantly meandering around. We quickly hopped in our car and headed to location number two- the Gas Lamp District. This place checked all the boxes. From the classic cobblestone streets to the historic, ivy-covered homes I was in photographer’s heaven.

When we finished scouting there it was time to meet up with Lily, Steven, and their pup Sydney. Lily is a student at Harvard so we started their session in Cambridge. As we made our way across the grounds we admired all of the classic East Coast architecture. It was made even more beautiful by all of the surrounding fall foliage. We met out front of Widener Library, one of the most iconic buildings on Harvard’s campus. Sydney donned a blue bandana with the couple’s wedding date. It was perfectly color-coordinated with Lily and Steven’s outfits. After grabbing some shots on campus we headed over to our next location- the Charles River.

Downtown Boston

We left Cambridge after snapping photos at the river and made our way back into downtown Boston. Our first stop was Acorn Street- the epitome of old-school Boston. Being one of the last few remaining cobblestone streets of Boston I knew this would be a beautifully unique location. We walked a bit, finding beautiful little nooks and captured lots of sweet moments along the way. Lily and Steven donned their alternate outfits and looked so dreamy together! Lily wore a white floor-length dress and Steven sported a midnight blue suit and brown leather dress shoes.

Our last location of the evening was Boston Harbor. As we arrived, the sun just began to dip behind the clouds and blessed us with gorgeous light. We could see sailboats taking evening tours around the harbor which made for the best background. It was so fun to see them go by and cheer on this awesome couple. I’m beyond thrilled that we were able to meet up with Lily and Steven. I can’t wait to see them again this Summer for their <a href=”https://alexwphotography.com/weddings/conti-di-san-bonifacio-wedding/”>wedding in Tuscany</a>!

El Matador Engagement | Shuchi + Vikas

Shuchi and Vikas live out of state in Washington and travelled to California for a Malibu beach engagement

California film photographer california wedding Destination Wedding Destination Wedding Photographer el matador beach engagement engagement session Engagement Shoot film engagement film photographer Film Wedding Photographer fine art engagement Fine Art Photographer fine art wedding photographer Hybrid Wedding Photographer indian wedding Los Angeles Wedding Photographer Malibu Engagement Style Me Pretty Wedding Photographer

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

California film photographer california wedding california wedding photographer Destination Wedding Destination Wedding Photographer engagement Engagement Shoot film photographer Film Wedding Photographer fine art engagement Fine Art Photographer fine art wedding photographer Hybrid Wedding Photographer Los Angeles Wedding Photographer Style Me Pretty Wedding Photographer

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

Destination Wedding film photographer fine art wedding photographer luxury wedding montecito wedding rosewood miramar beach santa barbara Wedding Photographer

Black Tie Avalon Palm Springs Wedding | Hilary + Adam

Avalon Palm Springs Wedding | Hilary + Adam

Hilary and Adam are Atlanta natives who chose to have a destination Avalon Palm Springs wedding. All of their friends and relatives flew from out of town to celebrate the couple and spend a weekend partying in the desert. We have no doubt you too will want a Palm Springs wedding after seeing this black-tie affair.

Getting Ready

Hilary and Adam chose the historic Avalon Hotel as the backdrop for their celebration. They got ready in the bungalows the morning of their wedding day with their bridal party by their side. While the ladies were getting hair and makeup done we photographed the invitation suite and bridal details. Black and white were used throughout to mirror the black-tie theme of the wedding. The calligrapher even adorned their invitation suite with custom Palm Springs sketches and vellum inserts. Hilary wore an open-back dress with a plunging neckline and a bespoke perfume from Le Labo.

Adam looked like a member of the Rat Pack in his tuxedo and white jacket. He donned custom cufflinks with monogrammed initials alongside black satin loafers to complete the ensemble. Prior to the first look, Adam and the guys captured groomsmen portraits in the courtyard. Once the first look finished, we met with the rest of the bridal party on the main lawn for photos. The guys donned classic black tuxedoes while the ladies wore classic black floor-length dresses accompanied by white roses and olive bouquets.

Pre-Ceremony Portraits

Before the ceremony started we headed off-site to capture portraits with more of a natural Palm Springs vibe. There was a gorgeous area just down the street lined with palm trees and accompanied by mountain views.

Ceremony

The ceremony site was held on the main lawn with the San Jacinto mountains as the backdrop. The color palette was black and white, a perfect complement to everyone’s outfits. Giant vases filled with white and blush roses, olive branches, and peppercorns surrounded the altar. Hundreds of rose petals were scattered throughout the aisle and calligraphy programs were located on everyone’s seats.

A string quartet played “Sky Full of Stars” during the couple’s recessional back down the aisle.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour was held by the main pool at sunset following the ceremony. Guests enjoyed artisan cocktails and tasty hors-d’oeuvres with each other while the couple portraits took place across the property.

Reception

The alfresco reception space took place beneath hundreds of twinkling market lights. Guests were greeted with warm candlelight and views of the San Jacinto mountains. 30-foot floral garlands filled with an abundance of white blooms and greenery decorated the communal tables.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Venue | Avalon Hotel

Planner/ Florist | Artisan Event Floral Decor

Makeup + Hair | Jen Plus Colour

Video | Paper Bird Weddings

String Quartet | City String Ensemble

Bakery | Exquisite Desserts

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

avalon hotel avalon hotel palm springs avalon hotel wedding desert wedding Destination Wedding Destination Wedding Photographer Film Wedding Photographer fine art wedding photographer luxury wedding luxury wedding photographer palm springs Palm Springs Wedding Photographer parker palm springs

Switzer Farm Wedding in Westport | Jennifer + Andrew

Switzer Farm Wedding

You need to drop what you’re doing and come take a peek at this gorgeous Switzer Farm wedding. This newly opened venue is located in Westport, CA, and made for the perfect backdrop for Jen and Andrew’s wedding day. The house was originally built in 1884 by the Switzer brothers and was restored in 2015. Before the renovation, world-renowned photographer Ansel Adams actually photographed the property in 1964! The property overlooks the Mendocino Coast and would be a dream for any couple looking for a unique venue.

We flew up for the weekend to document the festivities. After seeing their wedding photos below, we have no doubt you’ll want a coastal wedding as well!

Getting Ready

Jen and Andrew rented out the entire property for the weekend. Their bridal party stayed on-site and enjoyed the in-house chef and got ready alongside them on the wedding day. While Andrew and his groomsmen prepared downstairs, Jen and her bridesmaids were getting pampered in the upstairs suite. All of the ladies toasted Jen on marrying Andrew and Even their three dogs were included on the wedding day. After Jen finished with hair and makeup she slipped into her dress for portraits. Her mom was by her side to assist and capture some sweet moments in the process.

Ceremony

The ceremony was held on the property’s lawn overlooking the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Floral arrangements composed of pampas grass, spray roses, and fountain grass lined the aisle way. There was a flower-adorned wooden arbor at the altar for Jen and Andrew to stand under that framed the coastal rocks perfectly. Soon after the guests arrived, they were ushered down the hillside to their seats. Jen was walked down by her mom and Andrew was accompanied by his pup. After a heartfelt exchange of vows, the couple sealed their marriage with a kiss. Soon after, they made their way down the aisle with their dog in tow as their guests cheered them on.

Cocktail Hour

Guests made their way back up to the house for cocktail hour and to enjoy the sunset. Fresh oysters and handmade signature cocktails were served for everyone to enjoy. The most inviting lounge area was designed in the lower courtyard located beneath the main deck. While heading over to the lounge area with drinks and appetizers in hand, everyone stopped off at the welcome table to write in Jen + Andrew’s guest book.

Reception

Following cocktail hour, the reception space on the main lawn was opened to all the guests. Dinner was set to be served at an alfresco dining space beneath the stars. The tables were decorated with soft blue hues and gilded silverware. Loose blooms and floral centerpieces could be found throughout. Alongside the floral arrangements were the guests’ place settings written on agate. The sweetheart table sat at the head of the lawn surrounded by pampas grasses, overlooking the guests.

Guests soon made their way to their seats and the bridal party was about to make their grand entrance. Everyone stood, cheering on Jen and Andrew as they made their way to the dance floor. The two shared their first dance as husband and wife with views of the sunset over the Pacific. Meanwhile, their closest friends and family watched with adoration as the couple swayed, spun, and dipped one another.

Sunset Romantics

We absconded for a few minutes to capture a few more portraits before the sunset. We visited the home’s garden and captured the pair as they walked the property. After visiting the lounge area down in the courtyard, we headed back to the reception for dinner and a night full of dancing.

Guests raised their glasses and toasted one another during the speeches for the couple.
Jen and Andrew served one another bites of wedding cake while laughing and dancing into the night.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Two Roads Event Co.

Venue | Switzer Farm

Florals | Little Boy Flowers

Hair + Makeup | Megan Cary Artistry

Video | FonD Productions

Band | Lucky Devils Band

DJ | All Ears

Rentals | Bright Event Rentals

Film Lab | Indie Film Lab

big sur wedding brides magazine coastal wedding Destination Wedding film photographer fine art wedding photographer luxury bride luxury wedding luxury wedding photographer martha stewart weddings mendocino wedding northern california wedding san francisco wedding switzer farm wedding inspiration

Sagamore Resort Wedding in Bolton Landing | Joyce + Adam

Sagamore Resort Wedding in Bolton Landing

We recently flew out to upstate New York to photograph our first Sagamore Resort wedding. Nestled deep in the Adirondacks, this sprawling venue opened its doors in 1883 and overlooks beautiful Lake George. In addition to the wedding festivities, guests enjoyed incomparable lake views, fine dining, and unparalleled hospitality from the staff.

Getting Ready

Adam and Joyce wed on a beautiful summer day in June in front of all of their closest friends and family. Joyce got ready in a cabin on the property surrounded by her bridesmaids and with her mom by her side. With mimosas in hand and hip-hop playing on the stereo, everyone was in great spirits. Adam prepared with his groomsmen in the main building of the Sagamore before heading off to see his bride-to-be.

After everyone was dressed and ready for the day, we headed out to begin taking photos. Joyce and Adam met on the rooftop balcony of the hotel for their first look. Looking out from the balcony, one could see multiple islands on the lake and the entire hotel property laid out before them. The wedding party and family gathered by the windows to watch the couple embrace one another with hugs and kisses of excitement. Afterward, everyone gathered on the balcony to capture the wedding party and family photos.

Ceremony

Guests were guided to their seats overlooking the lake for the ceremony. Hundreds of pink roses and white hydrangeas lined the aisle that lead up to a gorgeous seven-foot-tall floral arch. Hand-written vows were exchanged between Joyce and Adam and there was no shortage of teary eyes in the audience. The couple was showered with rose petals after they said “I do” and recessed back down the aisle.

Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, guests headed to the main lawn where they enjoyed fresh hors d’oeuvres and handmade cocktails. All of Joyce and Adam’s immediate family met inside for a private Chinese tea ceremony. Following the tea ceremony, everyone headed down to the lake to finish family photos and capture couples portraits. The light was just perfect, so we made sure to stop at multiple locations around the property to capture a variety of looks.

Reception

After cocktail hour, everyone was ushered inside a tent overlooking the lake for the reception. Family and friends welcomed the newly married couple with cheers. Family and friends made heartfelt speeches and everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner alongside the sound of pounding rain outside the tent. Afterward, guests danced the night away to a live band in celebration of Joyce and Adam. Everyone in attendance enjoyed dessert, cocktails, and a photo booth to remember the evening.

adirondack wedding bolton landing Destination Wedding Film Wedding Photographer fine art wedding photographer luxury wedding new york new york wedding sagamore resort sagamore resort wedding upstatre new york wedding wedding

Santa Ynez Hills Engagement | Jennifer + Andrew

Santa Ynez Hills Engagement

Jen and Andrew braved the rain and wind with me last week to capture their beautiful Santa Ynez Hills engagement. It’s quite a rarity, but we’ve been experiencing consistent rainstorms throughout Southern California for the past few weeks. Fortunately, the skies cleared and the rain ceased just long enough for us to head up to the mountains.

I especially love this engagement session because Jen and Andrew wanted to include their three dogs in the photos. Couples are always encouraged to bring something special with them to our portrait session because it makes the photos that much more meaningful. I was overjoyed when they told me their pups would be tagging along!

We met in downtown Los Olivos and caravaned up to the mountains to visit one of my favorite lookout points. The last time I visited for a Santa Ynez Hills engagement, the area was enduring a heatwave and the landscape was golden. Thanks to all of the recent rain, we got to enjoy lush, green hills. As we photographed, we chatted about their wedding later this year at Switzer Farm with the talented team at Two Roads Event Co.

Andrew brought along a bottle of champagne so we could celebrate the end of a successful evening. The two toasted one another and ended the evening sipping on bubbly while watching the sunset.

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

destination engagement Destination Wedding Destination Wedding Photographer engagement engagement photography Film Wedding Photographer fine art engagement Fine Art Photographer fine art wedding photographer luxury wedding photographer santa barbara wedding photographer santa ynez hills engagement santa ynez wedding

Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez| Melissa + Michael

Sunstone Villa Engagement in Santa Ynez

When Melissa and Michael told me they wanted their portraits taken somewhere private and in a beautiful outdoor location, I knew right away that a Sunstone Villa engagement session would be absolutely perfect for them.

The three of us first met last Summer at their friend’s destination wedding in Tuscany. We were seated next to each other during the rehearsal dinner and we hit it off immediately. We soon discovered that even though the groom lives in SF and the bride lives in Boston that the three of us live 10min from one another in Los Angeles. Talk about a small world!

Don’t let the Sunstone Villa fool you. Even though it’s located in California it looks like it belongs in the foothills of Italy. This is in part due to the original owners importing the architectural remains from buildings located in Marseille and Provence. The villa incorporates everything from French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, and a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France to pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory and a thousand-year-old limestone kitchen sink. It is truly a remarkable sight to behold and made for the most beautiful backdrop for the day’s engagement shoot.

As we chatted and chased the sunlight we slowly made our way around the property. We made sure to visit all of the corridors, nooks, and open spaces that Sunstone had to offer us. As the sun began to set we headed over to a pair of oak trees for some dusk romantics.

What made this Sunstone Villa engagement session so wonderful was the natural chemistry between Melissa and Michael. When you have a couple that naturally interacts so naturally (not to mention dresses well) making them look good is easy!

Melissa and Michael ended the session slow dancing together while watching the last few moments of sunset. The day was perfect and I can’t wait to see them later this year for their wedding!

Venue | Sunstone Winery

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Destination Wedding Destination Wedding Photographer engagement Film Wedding Photographer fine art wedding photographer luxury wedding photographer santa ynez wedding sunstone villa sunstone winery

Kaupulehu Beach Club Hawaii Wedding | Camille + David

Kaupulehu Beach Club Hawaii Wedding

At the end of October, we flew to the big island of Hawaii to photograph an absolutely stunning wedding at the Kaupulehu Beach Club just outside of Kona. Camille Grammer (cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) tied the knot with her fiancé David on a beautiful Saturday evening overlooking a black sand beach.

Getting Ready

We met Camille in the morning at her house overlooking the ocean where she and all of her bridesmaids got ready. Ricardo Ferrise provided hair and makeup to Camille and all of her ladies. A dear friend and fashion designer named Malan Breton created the custom gown that was waiting for us when we arrived. He designed a two-piece gown with a detachable train and delicate floral details throughout.

Reception

Everyone headed inside the massive tent to start the reception’s festivities once the sun had set. By this time, the property had a magical glow from all the surrounding tiki torches. Hundreds of garlands of local foliage and florals were seen throughout, exuding the Polynesian theme of the day. Long garlands of white orchids decorated Camille and David’s chairs. Couches with floral accents were provided for the guests to lounge during the festivities. Guests were served authentic Hawaiian dishes for dinner and Polynesian entertainment was provided throughout the night. Everyone absolutely loved the hula dancers and fire spinners.

Later in the evening, Camille and David danced with their parents while guests watched in admiration.