Botanical Garden Engagement | Hannah + Vaughn

Botanical Garden Engagement

I had the pleasure of capturing this stunning botanical garden engagement shoot as my last session of 2018. I’m so happy I did because this turned out to be one of my favorite shoots of the year!

I met with Hannah and Vaughn on a warm afternoon and walked the grounds together taking photos. As we walked, we found beautiful light and marveled at all of the different gardens. You might even think you were transported to the jungle or the desert because of how beautifully designed each location is.

Hannah and Vaugh’s outfits both complimented each other and balanced perfectly with the natural color scheme of the property. They both looked timeless! These two have such natural chemistry and laid-back attitudes that working with them is a dream. You can really capture magic when your couples relax and trust in your vision.

We made our way through the different gardens, making sure not to miss anything. I always gravitate toward desert landscapes; there’s something about the golden tones of the sand and the colors of cacti that I just love.

Throughout our session, we captured a ton of belly laughs, kisses, and soft embraces. This allowed us to get a great variety in their photos. While we walked from one location to another, we chatted about their wedding plans in Palm Springs later this year and the fact that we live just around the corner from one another. So while I gave them recommendations for the wedding day they gave me a great new spot in our neighborhood to grab bagels in the morning.

We ended the session just as the sun set behind the trees. We captured some final images with the two dancing and an epic “lift and kiss”. I had the most amazing time capturing their botanical garden engagement session and am absolutely giddy about photographing their wedding later this year.

Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Southern California Beach Engagement | Ellie + Trevor

Southern California Beach Engagement

Ellie and Trevor traveled all the way from Hong Kong to Laguna for a Southern California beach engagement shoot. We were originally scheduled to meet in Malibu, but the date chosen coincided with the Woolsey fires that devastated the area last year. Because of this, I suggested that we instead drive down to Laguna Beach. Fortunately for us, there is no shortage of beautiful coastlines in California to play with.

We met on a warm November evening and had the beach almost completely to ourselves. This is always a pleasure because we can run up and down the sand without anyone in the photos. It’s also helpful to not have many people around when having romantic photos of yourself and your partner captured for the first time. Ellie and Trevor were pretty fortunate for the warm water that day as they were mostly surrounded by the crashing waves.

We chatted as we walked along the sand and across the algae-covered rocks. They shared about their wedding plans in Hong Kong later the following year, how they met, and their bunny, Snowball. We hung out at the beach until the sun dipped behind the ocean and everyone else left. They both really opened up once it was just us. This allowed me to capture some truly romantic and unique shots for them.

It’s so flattering to have couples entrust me to document such a special time in their lives. It’s even more humbling when they fly from the other side of the world for me to do so! We ended the session with smiles on our faces, sand in our hair, and new memories. I can’t wait to see them both again (hopefully in Hong Kong) and finally meet Snowball.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

Film Stock | Fujifilm 400h Ilford Delta HP5

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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.

Photography | Alex W Photography

Planning | Hawaii Creative Beauty

Hair and Makeup | Ricardo Ferrise

Videography | TMB Video

Bride’s Gown | Malan Breton

Groom’s Suit | Malan Breton

Wardrobe Styling | Montgomery Frazier

Bride’s Heels | Giuseppi Zanetti

Groom’s Shoes | Salvatore Ferragamo

As seen in PEOPLE Magazine and Magnolia Rouge.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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Destination Lake Wedding in Greece | Ellie + Charles

Destination Wedding in Greece

This lakeside wedding is particularly special because I personally know the bride and it was my first destination wedding in Greece. Needless to say, there was a lot of preparation that had to be done for a trip of this magnitude. Luckily I have an incredible girlfriend who helped throughout the process and even accompanied me to Greece. We flew into the Athens airport a few days prior to the wedding. This gave us ample time to adjust to the time difference and scout the area for the wedding day.

The days leading up to the wedding were quite nerve-racking. Every day we experienced scattered showers, strong wind, and even severe nighttime thunderstorms. Needless to say, this was not the weather we were expecting. Thankfully, once the wedding day arrived the clouds rained themselves out and we had nothing but sunny skies. This was a huge relief considering the entire day was to take place outdoors.

Bridal Details

I met with Ellie on the morning of in her suite. Her hair was styled to absolute perfection without a single strand out of place. The jewelry was simple and elegant, much like her custom-made dress. Ellie’s friend and Swedish-based designer Lina Nordin, worked with Ellie to create her dream gown.

Ceremony & Reception

The wedding went off without a hitch. The couple kept things very traditional and saved their first look until the bride walked down the aisle. In Swedish tradition, Ellie and Charles were adorned with crowns during the ceremony. Following the ceremony, we hopped in a van with the bridal party and headed to the coast for portraits. We returned to the lakeside reception after bridal party photos and sunset portraits for family photos and the evening’s festivities. Heartfelt speeches were given throughout the night and a flash mob surprised Ellie on the dance floor. Everyone danced the night away with drinks, enjoyed homemade Greek ice cream, and a cigar bar.