I met Joe and Meredith at Joe's brother's wedding. They were both a part of the wedding party, and Meredith and I were able to talk briefly about doing a maternity shoot. After the wedding we were able to set up a date for a few weeks later down in Poway. And it was definitely well worth the drive! Their session was so fun and beautiful with the greenery and spring flowers in bloom! We did the session at the Poway Midland Railroad Park, which is a San Diego gem for sure. These two were just adorable, and I loved being able to photograph this wonderful event for them!
Caitlin and Sean Engagement-Cornerstone Sonoma-Napa Valley-Mustard Field-Wedding Photographer
Caitlin and Sean's engagement session was a dream! We started out in the morning at Cornerstone Sonoma, an art museum in Sonoma. Caitlin and Sean have visited here several times, and it was very special to them. Plus it was such a great place to photograph at! We had a lot of fun and laughter as we jumped from one exhibit to the next, ending shortly before lunch time! We had a few hour break before meeting back up again at a mustard field in Napa Valley! During the down time, I was able to explore Napa and visit one of the wineries in the area, and Caitlin and Sean were able to change, freshen up, and get their adorable dogs for the next round of photos! The mustard field was a brilliant field of yellow, and we took photos to our hearts content! We ended as the sun set behind the mountains, backlighting the gorgeous flowers in one final glow! I am so thrilled with how this day and session turned out! It really was an amazing time with a wonderful couple! I love destination engagement sessions, and this one is definitely one of my new favorites!
Marissa and Jared-Blessing Ceremony-New England-Avery Point Lighthouse
I had the privilege of witnessing and photographing Jared and Marissa's engagement in New York City in July of last year! And when I traveled out to Connecticut over the holidays, they let us in on a little surprise...they were planning to do a blessing ceremony while we were there! Marissa's Grandparents may not be able to make the trip to their wedding in New York in June, therefore, Marissa and Jared wanted to bring the experience to them. The plan was to go to her Grandmother's nursing home, and have a blessing ceremony where they would read letters they had written to her Grandparents, read some scripture, and have some worship. As the planning began, we couldn’t help but step it up a few notches! Marissa’s cousin, Jenn, volunteered to do the hair and make-up, I was going to photograph and do flowers, we ordered a mini surprise cake, we all scouted out locations to take photographs at beforehand, we went shopping for dresses for the girls and bowties for the men, and we had a blast through it all! The days went by with a flurry of activity until the day finally arrived! Marissa and Jared did a first look at a gazebo outside the house, and it was adorable! Marissa had bought a vintage dress for the occasion, and Jared used one of his favorite suits. We then took photos around the lake with posed ones as well as several of Jared chasing Marissa around the grassy area! Going from there we caravanned to Avery Point Lighthouse, and photographed along the coast. It was freezing, but well worth the photos!
After taking all of these photos, we all went to Avalon Health Center to let the blessing ceremony begin! Grandmother Gorman was all smiles as she saw Marissa walking down the aisle with Marissa’s mother, Jeanne Maren, and brother, Daniel Maren, on each arm. The ceremony began with Daniel explaining how much the Grandparents meant to them all, and how they wanted them to be a part of it all which was why we were doing the blessing ceremony with them that day. It proceeded with Marissa and Jared reading letters to the Grandparents as well as the Grandparents giving speeches back to them. The pastor led in some readings of the scripture and some worship, and Jenn also did a reading. The blessing ceremony was beautiful, and was indeed very blessed. Afterwards Jenn and I were able to surprise them with the cake we had ordered which read “Just Blessed”, then we all moved upstairs to Grandmother Gorman’s room to cut the cake, and do some dancing. Marissa and Jared shared a first dance together, followed by her Grandfather, her Uncle Ray, and Daniel. The delight in the Grandparents eyes was beautiful, and it was a special event to witness!
After the dancing completed, we spent some time all together then left Avalon to go to dinner, and let the Grandparents rest. It was a great time of reminiscing about the day, and sharing time and conversation all together! We came home, exhausted, but very happy! And all in all the day was very blessed! I hope you enjoyed the photos of this wonderful day, and congratulations to the newly blessed couple as they go forth to their actual wedding in the summertime!
April and Craig San Francisco Engagement Session-Sutro Baths, Palace of Fine Arts, Downtown SF
We planned April and Craig's engagement session with horses at a winery in Pleasanton, Ca. But the forecast was 100% rain for the day we set out, so the day before we switched locations to go to Land's End/Sutro Baths and brave the weather and rain! As we arrived it poured and hailed, but as it started letting up, we went and got a few photos out in the trees! It became extremely windy and rainy again, so we decided to go inland to the Palace of Fine Arts in SF. The weather finally held for us, and we even finished our shoot with a bit of sunlight breaking through! Because of the rain, there were not as many people around, and we were able to get some amazing photos! We took our final shots in the streets of the city and by the harbor. We all agreed that the shoot turned out as it should have, and it was all meant to be! Enjoy these fun photos around San Francisco!
The Marker Hotel in San Francisco-Vintage Styled Shoot
I was able to go to San Francisco to do a styled shoot with First Pick Planning. We worked at the beautiful Marker Hotel in the heart of San Francisco! I loved the windows and chandeliers in the ballroom that gave it such a light and open feeling. It really was a charming and beautiful place to hold a wedding! The venue came to life with an amazing team of vendors and of course our wonderful models, Catherine and Ben Stultz! Our shoot was featured on Ceremony Blog, the link is at the bottom!
Thank you to the amazing team that helped design and bring this amazing styled shoot to life! Without each of your talents, this could not have happened!
Photography | Larissa Bahr Photography
Makeup | A-List Makeup
Models | Ben Stultz and Catherine Stultz
Cake | Blue Sugar Bakeshop
Dress Design | Bridal Galleria
Floral Design | Farmgirl Flowers and First Pick Planning
Event Planner | Jen Bergmark and Ashley Fraser First Pick Planning
Formalwear | Handsome Menswear & Black Tie Tuxedo and Formalwear
Venue Coordinator | Beth Brankin, The Marker Hotel
Featured on Ceremony Magazine's Blog: http://www.ceremonyblog.com/2015/08/27/inspiration-vintage-hotel-wedding-styled-shoot/
Los Willows Estate Wedding-San Diego Wedding Photographer-Natalie and Eric
Natalie and Eric had a beautiful wedding at Los Willows Private Lakeside Estate. It was a perfect day, and having such a wonderful couple as Natalie and Eric just made photographing such a joy! Their ceremony was filled with lots of joy and laughter! And their reception had lots of dancing, fun props being passed around, and a lot of celebrating! It was so fun photographing this wedding! Congratulations, Natalie and Eric!
Photographer: Larissa Bahr
Venue: Los Willows Private Estate
Dj: Alex with Pro Sound Dj
Officiant: Minister Marie with Let's Get Married SoCal
Palm Springs Wedding-La Chureya-Lauren and Michael
Lauren and Mike were married on November 1st at La Chureya, a private estate in Palm Springs. It was a gorgeous wedding with so many unique details in it from one long reception table for the guests to sit at to a wedding dress flown in from New York to menus that were also napkins! It was very fun capturing the details of the day! Lauren had an intimate wedding, and we had a lot of time before the ceremony to be able to capture some stunning bridal portraits of Lauren, and some great groom portraits of Mike! After the ceremony, we were able to drive into the desert to capture their photos together. It was right at sunset time, and it was beautiful out. I loved seeing the love and joy that Lauren and Mike had together. It was a joy to be able to photograph their love story and the biggest day of their lives! Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Photographer: Larissa Bahr
Assistant Photographer: Jerrick O'Conner
Venue: La Chureya, Palm Springs
Videography: Megan Watertree, Water Tree Events
Catering/Coordination: Chad Garner, Dash and a Handful
Arnaldo Family Photos
I know the Arnaldo family from my church. They are an amazingly wonderful and caring family, and their little boy is six months old now! We were able to do a family shoot this last Saturday morning, and it was a beautiful day! It was a joy to be able to photograph this beautiful family!
Stolpp Family Photos-Oak Glen, California
I had the pleasure of photographing the Stolpp's family photos this last weekend up in Oak Glen! It was a beautiful day with a beautiful family. Dianna Stolpp is a very talented makeup and hair stylist who I have had the pleasure of working with for several shoots and weddings! She does beautiful work, and I used her when I was getting my own head shots done. Being able to photograph for her and her beautiful family was wonderful! Enjoy the photos of this beautiful family!
Tiffany and Mike-Cordiano Winery Wedding in San Diego
Tiffany and Mike had a gorgeous wedding in the hills of Escondido! They got ready at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, and then continued to Cordiano Winery which is now one of my new favorite venues! Tiffany and Mike decided on doing a first look at the inn, and it gave us the wonderful opportunity to get some gorgeous photos there as well as at the winery. I just loved every minute of this wedding! Tiffany and Mike are perfect together, they just compliment each other so well and their love is written all over their faces! Photographing them is easy because they are just so natural together. It made me even more excited to go over their photos because I knew that there would be so many adorable ones of the two of them! Congratulations to the newlyweds! Thank you for letting me a part of your special day!
Tyler and Natalie-Rock Climbing Engagement Session in Big Bear
I went to college with Tyler and I was so excited when we were able to meet up a few years later to discuss photographing his wedding! We decided to do a rock climbing engagement session because we all three love rock climbing! It was definitely an adventure since we had to set up our own routes, and I even climbed up with my camera to get some above angles on them! It was well worth it though for the fun time that we had, and the adventure along the way! I love when I am able to combine my passions like photographing and rock climbing. And add in an amazingly awesome couple and life is great! Enjoy this adventurous engagement session!
Rocky Mountain Adventures-Traveling in Colorado
I had the wonderful opportunity to travel out to Colorado this Fall to do a photo shoot, and I stayed a few extra days to explore the Rocky Mountains. I went with a group of four friends and we explored, hiked, camped, took tons of photos (well, I took tons of photos!), and just had a wonderful time! It is on trips like this where I am out in God's majestic nature, see wildlife, beautiful scenery, and fellowship with the people around me that I just get refreshed in my body and soul! I reconnect with God in a deeper way, and I reconnect with my passion for photography. When I take trips like this it renews my drive and passion, I take photos simply for the sake of capturing the beauty the surrounds me. It is not for anyone else, it is for the pure joy of creating art with my camera in my hand! I know I will always enjoy these photos, the beautiful fall colors, the stunning scenery, and the memories shared during the time there! Thank you to my friends Lacey, Brad, Candace, and Mallory for making this such a wonderful trip, and for putting up with my frequent requests to stop and take some photos! Love you all!
My wonderful group of friends, starting from the left: Lacey, Mallory, myself, Brad, and Candace!
I was so thrilled to see Moose! We had to hike a ways and at 11,000 feet to find them, but it was definitely worth it!
Rocky Mountains Fall Photo Shoot-Clorisa and Steve-Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
My inspiration to go to the Colorado Rocky Mountains was to be able to do a photo shoot there! I had gone to the Rockies when I was 17 and had loved it there, and over the last year I had been really wanting to go back and do some photo shoots there! Clorisa and Steve live in Denver, and had been a part of a wedding I photographed a few years back. I contacted them letting them know that I was coming to the area and we were able to book a photo shoot! I am so thrilled to share these photos; it is something to mark off of my photography bucket list for sure! The Rocky Mountains in the fall are unbelievably gorgeous. Experiencing these beautiful fall colors is something that is almost too much for this California girl! I could get used to settings like this very easily! It was great reconnecting with Clorisa and Steven, seeing their love for one another, and being able to photograph them here in this beautiful place!
Portrait Session in Iceland-Mark and Sophie
When I went to Iceland I really wanted to photograph a couple's session while I was there. I met Mark and Sophie while on a Northern Lights Tour; they were from England on Holiday in Iceland. We were staying only a few blocks down from one another in Reykjavik, and I asked them if they would be willing to do a session around town! They agreed and we exchanged information and met up the next day! We had a great time going around town taking photographs. It was definitely a perfect setting and I was thrilled to be able to do this session! Mark and Sophie were great models, and I am so happy we were able to do this! Cheers to great photos and new friends!
Iceland Travels and Adventures
This is a personal blog post since I went to Iceland in January, but I have not blogged about it yet! So, here is a post about one of the best trips of my life! First off, I went with my amazing, adventurous friend, Natalie. She is one incredible person, has tons of energy, is up for every crazy idea, and makes me laugh harder than anyone else I know! It was her idea to go to Iceland, and I am so glad she brought up this crazy idea to me. Our main goal was to see the Northern Lights, which we did! It was breathtaking. We also took several tours including going to the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle Tour, and Glacier climbing/hiking! Climbing on the glacier was a surreal and amazing experience. It put me in utter awe of God's majestic creation! We also had amazing tour guides and fellow adventurers on that tour! But Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The landscape is incredible, and I was so glad we went in the winter. Being in the snow for a week was a wonderful experience for this California girl! I would definitely go back in a heartbeat! I hope you enjoy this combination of passions of mine-traveling and photography, really life can't get much better!
After we landed from our overnight flight, we toured the city while waiting to check into our hotel. This is Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík, it is the city's main landmark and the tallest church in Iceland! We were able to go to the top and overlook the city.
The view from the church tower.
A few blocks from where our hotel was located is this view of the Atlantic Ocean! It was breathtaking seeing the snow covered mountains with the deep blue Atlantic stretched before it.
The Blue Lagoon was heavenly! It is costly, but it was a fun experience! Especially with the snow all around us!
On our second night in Iceland, we had booked the Northern Lights tour. We wanted to book it early in the week in case we didn't see them that night. But our days of praying paid off, and we were blessed enough to be able to see them! It was very faint and hardly discernible to the naked eye for the first few hours we were standing out in the snow. My camera picked up more of the color, but it was still pretty faint. Then after enduring the freezing cold for three hours, and after most people had given up and gone back on the bus, the Northern Lights came out for a show! They even danced for us, and it was so beautiful! It only lasted about 15 minutes, but it was incredible to witness the majesty of God's creation! It is definitely an experience I will never forget!
Sunrise in the winter does not happen until 10-10:30am so the wonderful thing is that you can sleep in and still catch the sunrise peeping up over the snow! This was the start of our Golden Circle tour.
It was freezing here by Gullfoss, but it was well worth the view! Seeing the water pouring down and the snow all around was just incredible!
Another part of our tour was seeing a Geyser. It went off every 5 to 10 minutes which was great for photographing it!
Glacier Hiking was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I love hiking, but never in my life had I climbed a mountain of ice before! It was absolutely incredible. I felt like I was in another world as I would look down and see beautiful blue ice mixed with snow underneath my feet. I was in awe of the beauty and majesty of it all.
We did ice climbing as well. I have rock climbed before and thought it would be similar, but I was dead wrong! It is a lot harder than I thought, and a great arm workout! You have to hammer your pick into the ice, hook it, do the same with the other pick then do the same with your feet! I was exhausted by the end, but both Natalie and I made it and knocked that off our bucket list!
On the tour we made some friends and found out that there were five of us girls from America, and four out of the five of us were from SoCal! Nothing like adventure and travel to unite those in your own backyard!
Our guides were the best! They were very fun and informative. We had a great time with them, and they took a "thug" photo with us!
We stopped at a waterfall at the end of our glacier tour. It was beautiful, and even though we were all tired, it was definitely worth it! I love Iceland and hope to one again be able to see it's beautiful landscape in the near future!
San Juan Capistrano Engagement-Kimberly and Armando
I met Kim and Armando at a bridal show, they were just in the beginning stages of planning their wedding so we started with just booking an engagement session. We chose San Juan Capistrano as our location, and it was absolutely stunning! And Kim and Armando are such a wonderful couple and so perfect together. The day was perfect with beautiful sunshine, an amazing setting, and an incredible couple! They booked me for their wedding after the engagement session, and I couldn't be more excited to shoot their wedding in 2016!
