Leslie and Andy were so fun to work with! They were super cute, laughed together, and were very natural with one another. We chose Long Beach for their engagement session because they have spent a lot of time together out there. They absolutely love to fish together, and have often gone out on fishing excursions out of Long Beach. The area definitely had a lot of sentimental value for them both! It was a beautiful day as we made are way around ShoreLine Park by the Long Beach Aquarium. And we ended with a gorgeous sunset! I am so excited for their wedding! Congratulations to Leslie and Andy!
Bridgette and Paul-Franciscan Gardens Wedding-San Juan Capistrano Mission-Los Rios Historic District
My first meeting with Bridgette and Paul was over Skype, and they were so sweet and fun from the get-go that I knew I wanted to be their wedding photographer! They live in Boston, but they were holding their wedding in Southern California where they both grew up. We started with an engagement session in Dana Point, and we had a blast. The two of them make each other laugh all of the time, and they both have the best smiles! Their engagement session only made me even more excited for their wedding day which was going to be held at the beautiful Franciscan Gardens. Their big day arrived, and it was a beautiful sunny SoCal day! They got ready at Franciscan Gardens, then we walked over to Mission San Juan Capistrano for their first look. Paul waited in eager anticipation to see his bride, and when she tapped his shoulder and he turned towards her, the biggest smile broke out upon his face! The two of them light up with the joy and excitement of being there together on their wedding day. It was so sweet! We made our way around Mission San Juan Capistrano, utilizing it's gorgeous architecture before going back to Franciscan Gardens to get the ceremony underway. Franciscan Gardens is really a gem. Surrounded by ivy covered walls and beautiful trees, it is a slice of garden paradise within the city of San Juan Capistrano. The ceremony was performed Bridgette and Paul's good friend Rae Heitkamp. She did a beautiful job! After the ceremony, Bridgette, Paul, and I went to the Los Rios Historic District. Congratulations and well wishes were shouted by people passing by as we walked down there, making it all the more fun. When we returned for the reception, we spent the rest of the evening laughing throughout the toasts and they all danced the night away! Everyone crammed the dance floor, and the night flew by until Bridgette and Paul were sent off with a shower of wedding poppers! It was a fun filled event filled with all the people closest to Bridgette and Paul, and I am so grateful that I was able to photograph their special day!
Photography: Larissa Bahr - Larissa Bahr Photography
Coordination: Ashley Powell - Agape Planning
Venue: Haley Gooding and Melissa Russell - Franciscan Gardens
Catering: Melissa Russell and Haley Gooding - 24 Carrots
Officiant: Rae Heitkamp
Floral Design: Michelle Morales - Growing Grace Floral Design
Hair and Makeup: Noemi and Katie - Beauty and the Beach
DJ/MC: Mike - Elevated Pulse Productions
Photo Booth: James Brent - Orange Box Photo Booth
Cake: Ellen Evans - Susie Cakes
Desserts: Paolo - Solunto Bakery
Bridal Gown Designer: Sweetheart Gowns
Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss
Invitations Designer: Minted
Joe and Jasmine's Disneyland Engagement Session - Disney, California Adventure
When your love story begins by meeting while working at Disney World, you can't help but have a Disney engagement session! And this magical engagement session will provide you with all of the feels as you view Joe and Jasmine's love story! We had so much fun racing around, weaving through Parade traffic to reach different locations throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Not only did we hit the iconic locations such as Sleeping Beauty's Castle or the Ferris Wheel Overlook in California Adventure, we also went to toon town, and found some lesser known (and less crowded!) places to adventure to! We even braved the teacups ride to get some great photos! It was interesting for all of us as I would tell them to look at each other while the world was swirling around them, and I, in turn, was looking through my camera lens to capture those perfect moments! But it was worth doing! Enjoy this fun and wonderful engagement session, and may the Disney magic live in all of our hearts!
Avalon and Matthew-Harris Grove, Temecula Estate-San Diego Wedding Photographer
Avalon and Matt's wedding was perfect! They were married at a private estate in Temecula called Harris Grove. It was a gorgeous property located in the hills of Temecula. Harris Grove is filled with gorgeous towering trees, a beautiful lake, and a bridge that led to a small island where the ceremony was to take place. Not only was the property amazing, but Avalon and Matt are two of the sweetest people that you will ever meet! They were super easy going and relaxed for their big day, and they just had fun! Their first look was so sweet and perfect, and they were so natural together that my second shooter and I were just able to sit back and let the moment unfold! We had plenty of time to take photos around the estate, utilizing the giant trees and beautiful lake as our background. And we finished up early enough for them to get some down time in before the ceremony. The ceremony itself was packed with people crossing the gorgeous white bridge that led to the island. There were plenty of tears to go around as the guests witnessed this beautiful ceremony, but Avalon and Matt were full of smiles and joy as they committed their lives to one another. After the wedding ceremony, we took more photos then started a reception full of dancing, toasts, a cute dessert bar, and great food! Laughter rang out for the toasts, and everyone packed the dance floor! Avalon and Matt performed a beautifully choreographed first dance, and everyone was delighted! Their day was very special and was filled with people who truly loved them. I loved being able to capture their story, and have plenty of photos to prove it! Enjoy viewing this beautiful wedding!
Location: Harris Grove, Temecula, CA
Photography: Larissa Bahr - Larissa Bahr Photography
Coordination, Floral, and Design - Cindy Wu - A Touch of Lavender Coordination and Floral Design
DJ: Ryan Girgis - DJ Tempoe
Cake: Debbie McLaughlin - Cakes to Celebrate
Catering: Anne Taylor - Anne Taylor Catering
Rentals: Premier Party and Tent Rentals
Ashley and Sean-The Retreat at Wedgewood-Orange County Wedding Photographer
Ashley and Sean’s wedding was a whirlwind of fun! From the adorable Father and Daughter first look to the literal ring pop that Sean pulled out during the exchange of the rings, everyone was laughing and having an incredible time. The two of them celebrated every moment of their special day with laughter and style! The were married at the Retreat at Wedgewood in Corona, and we were blessed with a beautiful sunset for taking their portraits. It was great seeing all of the friends and family who gathered to share in the celebration of Sean and Ashley’s marriage. The toasts were filled with good-nature jokes and stories, and people poured on the dance floor to dance the night away with them! Congratulations to Sean and Ashley! It was a beautiful wedding, and wishing you an even more beautiful marriage!
Elizabeth and Brian-Rancho Las Lomas Wedding-Orange County Wedding Photographer
I had the privilege of being at Rancho Las Lomas twice in row for weddings! Elizabeth and Brian's wedding day was gorgeous with lots of sunshine! They got ready at Rancho Las Lomas in the villas provided, and it was a fun time with lots of activity going on. Elizabeth and Brain also shared a first look together where they were able to spend that special time with just the two of them before the wedding craziness began! It was a full day, but a very fun one as we explored Rancho Las Lomas to take advantage of their beautiful property. The ceremony was filled with lots of laughter and promises to stand together. And the reception went by in a blur of dancing and fun! Elizabeth and Brian were definitely made to be together. They are very natural with one another, they are a true team together, and photographing their special day was incredible! Thank you for letting me share in your once-in-a-lifetime day! Congratulations to you both!
Venue: Rancho Las Lomas
Photography: Larissa Bahr Photography
Coordination: Confetti Skies
Videography: Xposure Films
Florist: 800 Rose Big
DJ: Vox DJs
Catering: 24 Carrots Catering
Cake: Simply Sweet Cakery
Officiant: Jon Krist Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Raven Reungchai and Sophia Poch
Photo Booth: Phancy Photo Box
Laurie and Christopher-Rancho Las Lomas Wedding-Silverado Canyon-OC Wedding Photographer
When I reflect on Laurie and Chris's wedding I immediately smile and think of how much FUN it was! They are an amazing couple who love to laugh and tease and have a good time! Their wedding location, Rancho Las Lomas, is a beautiful venue. It was raining earlier that day, but thankfully cleared up enough so that the ceremony would be outdoors still! We were able to make the most of cocktail hour with photographing in several different areas of Rancho Las Lomas! And I love looking back on all of the photographs that we captured of these two wonderful people! The reception was filled with heartfelt toasts, good food and laughter, and lots of dancing! Everyone there was having a blast, and it was fun capturing it all! Congratulations on a beautiful and fun wedding, Laurie and Chris! Wishing you an even more beautiful and joyful marriage!
Photography: Larissa Bahr, Larissa Bahr Photography
Venue: Rancho Las Lomas
Event Planning and Design: Carol Banh, The Blushing Details
Dessert Bar: Carol Banh, Blush Dessert Bar
Floral Design: Cristina Barragan, Posh Peony Events and Floral
Makeup Artist: Mercedes Moorman, Makeup by Mercedes
Hair Stylist: Breanna Ruben
Caterer: Collette Jones, 24 Carrots
Live Band: Kalama Brothers
Videography: Xavier Moreno, Vier Photo and Video
Specialty Writing: Heidi Davidson, Heidi Davidson Design
Cigar Bar: The Cigar Guys
Heather and Michael-Seal Beach Pier Engagement Session-Sunset-OC Wedding Photographer
Heather and Michael are getting married this summer in Scotland, but they needed to take engagement photos as soon as possible for their save-the-date cards. They called me on a Sunday, and that Monday we took their photos. We decided upon the beautiful and classic Seal Beach Pier, and ended with a gorgeous cloud-filled sunset! They were so fun to photograph as they laughed a lot together, liked to play and have fun, and they wanted to have those beautiful candid/life-style photographs! I enjoyed the time so much with them both, and wish them the best on their wedding in Scotland!
2016 Wedding and Engagement Highlights-Southern California, Nor-Cal, Bay Area, Tahoe, San Diego, Orange County, Destination Weddings
2016 was a great year! I photographed thirty engagements/weddings, and two styled shoots! I traveled to the Bay Area, Napa, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Tahoe, Big Bear, San Diego Area, and of course LA, Manhattan Beach, Laguna Beach, and the Orange County Area. I spent a lot of time on the road back and forth from these weddings, but the photos I was able to get there was so worth it! I was able to see beautiful places and experience new things. I loved all of my destination weddings! And the best part of it all were my incredible clients! I really have had so many amazing clients throughout the years, and consider many of them to be my friends! Thank you for all of my wonderful clients this year! You all keep me going strong in pursuing my passion! I am so excited for everything that 2017 will bring, and the many more years to come! Enjoy these highlights from my shoots in 2016! Happy New Year!
Armando and Kimberly-Big Bear Lake-Snow Christmas Photo Session-Winter Photography-Holiday Mountain Photos
Armando and Kimberly were married earlier this year and they wanted to take photos to memorialize their first Christmas together! We were originally going to do the shoot in Oak Glen, but then Kim wanted to make it a snow shoot! I love winter and snow, and was more than willing to make the drive from Orange County to Big Bear! We thankfully kept an eye on the weather and planned our shoot for the first snow day! Though it was only an inch or two, we still made the most of it and had a blast going around Big Bear Lake. It is a beautiful location, and we were able to hike around the lake and take some photos in a more remote spot. These two are so happy and natural together, it made their photos easy! I have loved working with them from their engagement to their wedding to now their Christmas photos! They are no longer just clients to me, but friends. And I am so blessed to have them in my life!
Nathan and Jordan Proposal-Engagement Photography-Long Beach Aquarium-Lighthouse
This proposal just makes me happy! The variety of expressions these two share from surprise to crying to love to goofiness to laughter! It is just amazing! Nathan and Jordan are so great together, they are completely themselves, crack each other up, and so very in love! I was so excited when Nathan contacted me about shooting the proposal! The two had spent the day at the Long Beach Aquarium, then had toured around before coming over to the lighthouse where Nathan and I had planned out. I got to be a pretend tourist while Nathan set up on a bench at the Lighthouse at Shore Park in Long Beach. I discreetly snuck in a few photos in the beginning, and when the proposal was happening I was able to go into rambo mode to capture the different expressions Jordan had! It was such a fun event! I loved every moment of it! The rest of the shoot was a dream as the two cuddled up and laughed together so naturally! Enjoy viewing their joyful moment, and congratulations to Nathan and Jordan!
Nicole and Steven-Morgan Run Country Club-San Diego Wedding Photographer-Rancho Santa Fe
Nicole and Steven planned their wedding at Morgan Run Country Club in San Diego. It was a beautiful day in November, and everything came together perfectly! They were married at San Rafael Parish, and they had a wonderful reception at Morgan Run! Surrounded by friends and family, everyone cheered on the happy couple as they committed their love to one another. Their day was filled with fun and laughter, and ended with lots of dancing and a sparkler exit! It was a wonderful day all in all, and I was so happy to be a part of it! Congratulations to Nicole and Steven Porter!
Victoria and Daniel-Decanso Gardens Wedding-Orange County Wedding Photographer
Victoria and Daniel flew in from Colorado days before their beautiful wedding in Decanso Gardens. Though it was a whirl wind of activity leading up to their big day, the wedding turned out beautifully. They gathered with their family and friends to celebrate becoming man and wife, and I loved being able to photograph their love story! Victoria grew up 10 minutes from Decanso Gardens, and she chose to get ready in her childhood home. It was a sweet touch to the already beautiful day. I believe that my favorite part of the day was seeing Daniel's face when he first saw Victoria-it was a look full of love and excitement, and it was very sweet! I really enjoyed the time I spent with Victoria and Daniel, they are a wonderful couple, and their relationship is filled with warmth, understanding, and lots of love and laughter! I know they will have a wonderful life together. Enjoy this glimpse into their happily every after!
Caitlin and Sean-Napa Valley Wedding-Whitehall Lane Winery-Bay Area Photographer
I met Caitlin and Sean through Sean's sister Tiffany's wedding which was held in San Diego. Tiffany reached out to me when Sean and Caitlin were engaged and asked if I would be willing to travel to Napa Valley for her brother's wedding! I replied, "Yes! Of course!" and soon after Caitlin and I were in contact working out the details for her and Sean's engagement and wedding photos! We did their engagement photos early this year in January at Cornerstone Sonoma then we went to a field of gorgeous flowers in Napa Valley to finish off the day! When we completed their photos, I followed them to their wedding venue, Whitehall Lane Winery. Caitlin has worked here for the last several years, and it was a gorgeous venue to hold a wedding at! We toured around, and talked about the different areas that would be utilized for that September. The rest of the year flew by, and September 24th was here! I loved coming back to the venue to see how the vision had been transformed into reality! The setup, the flowers, the colors, and the details made it perfect! I loved photographing it all! And Caitlin and Sean were a match meant to be! Their love reflected in their eyes and vows as they stood at the altar together. And the beamed as they walked down the aisle to the cheers of their family and friends! The night was filled with food, wine, and dancing! The dance floor was packed all night, and I couldn't even believe when ten o' clock rolled around so soon! It was time to send off the newlyweds, and they ran through a tunnel of sparklers with their guests cheering them on their way! Caitlin and Sean's wedding was perfect through and through, and I loved photographing every part of it! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Sanhamel!
Venue: Whitehall Lane Winery, Napa Valley
Wedding Coordination: Ruby and Rose, Rachael Silard
Floral Design: Amanda Vidmar Design
DJ: Boutique Djs, Mikey Mason
Hair and Makeup: Hen House Salon
Officiant: Jordan Drake
Cake: Sweetie Pies, Applejoy Somera
Cookies: Annie the Baker, Annie Baker
Food: Foodshed Napa, Sean Pramuk
Catering Staff: Acrobat Staffing
Photo Booth: Pixelfete, Brent Miller
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, Carrie Taylor
Transportation: Beau Wine Tours
Jaqui and Brent-Calamigos Ranch Wedding-The Birchwood Room-Malibu, California-OC Wedding Photographer
Jaqui and Brent were amazing to work with! They live up in the Bay Area, and when we first became connected I was going to be up there in a few weeks so we decided to meet in person. They booked me that day, and we picked out a day to go to Lands End, San Francisco for their engagement session! The engagement session was a blast, and made me even more excited for their upcoming wedding which was going to be in Malibu at the beautiful Calamigos Ranch! The wedding came upon us quickly, and it was definitely a gorgeous day to get married! The bride and bridesmaids got ready at the Westlake Village Inn, while the groom and groomsmen were at the Calamigos Ranch Hotel. We coordinated a First Look with Jaqui and Brent and were able to have some great moments and photos with the bridal party afterwards, and of course just with Jaqui and Brent! The two of them are perfect together. Their officiant, Katie, who was also their friend remarked how everyone knew this day was coming for a long time! There were several remarks about how the way they looked at one another is the way every couple should. And that they had a love that was unique! While taking their photographs, I couldn't agree more! These two are definitely in love with one another and they show it through their words, their looks, and the way they respect each other and work together! Their actions tell of their love, and I am so grateful that I was able to document their love story on their wedding day! Enjoy looking through this beautiful love story at the wonderful Calamigos Ranch!
Venue: The Birchwood Room, Calamigos Ranch, Malibu
Wedding Planner/Stylist: Jaqui Herman, the Bride
Day of Coordinator: Nadia Placencia
Venue Coordinator: Samantha Douglas
Videographer: Megan Watertree, Water Tree Events
Hair Stylist: Anna Milhouse
Makeup Artist: Shoshanna Balian
Florist: Claudia Roevner, Dave's Flowers
Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop
Dj: Jonathan Rosales
April and Craig-Oceano Hotel and Spa Wedding-Half Moon Bay-Bay Area Photographer
I first met April and Craig when I photographed a wedding that April was a bridesmaid in. Six months later they were at the wedding of the sister of my first bride! Now it was their turn, and I was honored when they asked me to be their photographer as well! April and Craig were definitely made for each other. They are fun, dedicated, hardworking, adventurous, and very much in love with one another! Photographing them together was great because they are so natural with one another. When we went off for their bride and groom photos, we wanted to stay out there because we were just having so much fun! The scenery in Half Moon Bay was beautiful! The coordinator, Nancy, from Oceano Hotel and Spa, drove us to a spot that was surrounded by Cypress trees. There was also wooden stairs down to a small private beach! The overcast day brought a dreamy look to all of their photos, and it was well suited for the Half Moon Bay weather! When we finally pulled ourselves away from the beautiful beach, we went back to a wonderful reception at the Oceano Hotel full of laughter and dancing! The night was completed with a cigar bar and a donut dessert table for guests to enjoy! I love all of the unique touches that April and Craig had at their wedding, but what truly made their wedding unique was the love that they share! Congratulations to April and Craig Martin! I wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Photography: Larissa Bahr Photography
Venue: Oceano Hotel and Spa
Venue Coordinator: Nancy N
Floral: Malia Gondkoff
Donut Bar: Johnny Doughnuts