Chad + Cecilia {Hitched}

It’s no surprise that San Diego is a wildly popular destination wedding…destination–in fact I’d say “beach wedding” and San Diego are synonymous–which is great for me because it provides the opportunity to meet and work with people from other parts of the country that would’ve never happened without the universal appeal of the place I call home.

Such is the case with Chad and Cecilia. The couple met and currently live in Austin, Texas, but when it came time to decide the place they’d celebrate their union with family and friends, Cecilia envisioned the sunny, picturesque and laid back atmosphere of her Sydney, Australia home. Now I’ve (unfortunately) never been Down Under, but I’ve heard San Diego, with its imported, ubiquitous eucalyptus trees and gentle climate, closely resembles parts of Australia, so even though neither Chad nor Cecilia had ever been to San Diego before their wedding, they agreed this city with a little Aussie flare and its beautiful natural setting would be an ideal (and much closer) stand-in for Cecilia’s vision.

As I said, being a photographer in a popular destination city allows me to meet people I would’ve otherwise never had the opportunity to meet, and this couple exemplifies this, and why I love my job as photographer. The family and guests were warm and inviting; I could feel the love and admiration they feel for Chad and Cecilia and vice versa. As for the couple themselves, they were hilarious! And fun, natural, and very welcoming to me, as the only outsider at their event.

Other than the affable, adorable couple, the other two stars of this show were definitely the hula hoops–a unique and fun addition to the dance floor–and Dillon, who I think you’ll be able to identify on your own. So without further ado…

Vendor love:

Venue: Mission Beach Woman’s Club

For images from the ceremony, please check out the very talented Olivia of Blink of an Eye Photography!

Museum of Man {Father-son time}

Today I took Finn to one of his favorite spots in the whole world–San Diego’s Museum of Man in Balboa Park. When people visit San Diego–arguably one of the most scenic and perfect spots in the country–he insists they visit this museum, or the Natural History Museum, because this place means as much to him as any beach or tourist attraction. His favorite parts are the mummies and human bones, but they also trigger the most anxiety in him–it’s a perfect example of how things that scare us equally and ironically fascinate and engage us.

He literally said “Daddy, look! This is the guy who invented fire!”

Crikey!!!

Having a photographer as a dad is hard…the relentless ‘photo ops’ wear on you

Self portrait: Human

One thing I love about photography is you don’t need a special venue or impressive backdrop to make great portraits. It’s all about light and very simple, but interesting, surroundings. A perfect example is this stairway on the back of one of the museums, where no one is going and few would think to go, but the mosaic-looking lighting coming through the overhead trees’ canopy and the river stone wall combine to make this location ideal for photography

all work + no play = no fun

Taking a little time out recently to play with my son.:-)

Kat + Tristan {Hitched}

I’ve known Kat, and therefore Tristan, for several years now, so when Kat asked me to take a few photos at their wedding (nothing ‘fancy’), I was absolutely delighted, nay, excited! to be part of their big day. They’ve been together over ten years, and just finally decided to make official what all their friends and family have known for years now–these two are a great team!

 

 

Vendor Love:

Catering/Cake: The French Gourmet

Venue: The Martin Johnson House at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

DJ: Christian Cole

Flowers: Black Lotus Design

…and Penelope makes three! {Expecting}

As long-time and close personal friends of my wife’s and mine, I was so honored to direct a little maternity shoot for Carina & Jason, starring the highly anticipated Penelope! Act One took place at the elegant Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy–a favorite date spot for these two to enjoy each other and a little confectionery indulgence; Act Two was set amongst the timeless natural beauty of Balboa Park. I hope you enjoy these images of the blissed out couple enjoying each other and their future ‘pride and joy’ and much as I enjoyed creating them. Cheers!