Yazmin + Andres were married at intimate garden wedding in the heart of San Diego. They chose the George W. Marston House in Balboa Park as their venue which made the most amazing backdrop for their reception and ceremony. When Yazmin inquired with me it was my first time hearing about the Marston house and I had no clue it was used a wedding venue! It’s the perfect San Diego wedding venue for an intimate wedding and conveniently so close to downtown! You can find out all about the Marston house here and check out the beautiful photos of the inside!

Yazmin started her day getting ready at a nearby airbnb with the coolest cement walls and natural light. Firstly I got to capture her beautiful details and emerald green shoes! My mind was then blown she walked out with her beautiful floral wedding dress by BHLDN. I couldn’t wait to capture it! Her mom helped her get into her dress and then we headed over to the venue. When I arrived Andres was getting his boutineer on with the help of his mom and we got ready for the ceremony.

The couple had the most beautiful ceremony surrounded by their closest family, friends and gorgeous baby’s breath filled floral pieces! One of my favorite parts of the details this day was all of the Chinoiserie pattern everywhere done in the most tasteful way!

After the ceremony we explored the grounds taking all the photos. Afterwards Yazmin + Andres spent the evening taking polaroid photos, eating yummy tacos, and hanging out with all of their guests!

You can see more San Diego weddings by heading over to my website!

This intimate Redlands wedding did not disappoint! Joseph and Melissa are two of the kindest people I have ever met and I was so happy to be able to capture their beautiful micro wedding.  I love shooting micro weddings because they just feel so freaking good! Like you know that feeling you get when you’re just with the people you love and feeling good? I feel that at your day too! Especially at intimate weddings.

The day started with Joseph and Melissa getting ready inside of the historic building. They then shared the sweetest first look hidden away in the back of the Asistencia where they could spend some alone time together before the ceremony. After the ceremony the newlyweds shared a meal (which was breakfast, HOW FUN!) with their family at a HUGE, beautifully decorated, family style table. We snuck off for some mid-day newlywed portraits and explored all around the venue in the process. Afterwards the couple danced with each other and their parents, and then spent the rest of the evening hanging out with their closest friends and family.

The Asistencia wedding venue is so perfect for micro weddings. It’s a great size for a sweet and secluded family filled day, has the prettiest photo backgrounds and beautiful getting ready locations. There was just something about the closed in-ness (if that makes sense) of the Asistencia in the fact that it’s located on a busy street but once you’re inside the walls you are transported to the sweetest intimate wedding ever!

Find out more info about how I shoot weddings here: Wedding info!

One thing I absolutely LOVE is shooting in the desert. There is a huge variety of desert-y places we can choose from for your engagement session or your elopement that are all local to southern California. The light in our local desert landscapes is just perfect for a golden hour elopement or engagement session. Then we have a blue hour light once the sun goes down which is equally mesmerizing and beautiful. Seriously, if you haven’t had a chance to venture out to our deserts yet, what are you waiting for?! Here are a few examples of some of my favorite locations to give you an idea of where we can go for your session! I also have many more desert locations up my sleeve so don’t be afraid to reach out and we can plan your session or your dream elopement.

Sandy engagement session without the beach? The Sand Dunes!

There are multiple areas in southern California that are PERFECT for a desert engagement session with beautiful sand dunes. I know of quite a few in different areas, like Glamis, and even a secret little spot much closer to LA! The dunes are so fun to run down and play in all day. PLUS we get to go barefoot the whole time!!

Man made but still somehow so cool! Palm Springs Windmills!

Something is so dreamy and magical about having your desert engagement session at the Palm Springs Windmills! I love shooting here, there’s so many windmill areas we can explore and get those pretty shots you see all over instagram! The only thing is oh man it gets windy (duh) so just be prepared with a cute hair clip or hat and some chapstick to combat those dry winds! Or, forget the hair clips, hair blowing in the breeze makes photos feel so alive!

Nothing like it on earth! Joshua Tree!

I think it’s safe to say that no Southern California desert photo location list would be complete without including Joshua tree! There is obviously so much variety within the park. BUT there are also some gorgeous hidden gems outside of the National Park that make great photo backdrops including some of the prettiest Air bnbs ever! We can even stay out late to get some photos of the stars. While you no longer need a permit for some engagement sessions here you still do for elopements so be sure to double check that you’re covered before you arrive!

Abandoned Places!

Yup, all the abandoned things! Our local deserts are FULL of them and if you’re careful, there are tons of really neat abandoned things in the desert that make amazing photo session backgrounds. I’m constantly scouting for them and I love that they’re ever changing due to the weather and human influence.

Desert Overlooks!

I feel like locations like this speak for themselves. This is one of my favorite spots in Southern CA for an adventure session. I love coming here to explore and there are endless photo opportunities at this particular spot including some fake little sand dunes AND slot canyons!

There are seriously SO MANY MORE spots I know of that one blog post couldn’t possibly cover them all! Reach out to plan your dream desert elopement or engagement session!