There is something so magical about Mission Inn Weddings. I cant really explain it but there is just a certain grandiose aura that embraces its guests.  The Chapel   with its enormous doors, the gorgeous courtyard, with the pretty fountain and numerous picture perfect locations for photos. Every wedding I have shot here has been truly dreamy and this one was no exception! take a peek…

One of my favorite parts of shooting a wedding is watching the bride and groom open those special gifts they give to each other on their wedding day… usually the bride will receive a beautiful piece of jewelry, or a special family heirloom. The groom typically opens cufflinks, or I have even seen personalized cigars which were actually kinda cool. But how much more would he love images of his bride like this presented in a little black book? Hmmmm, cufflinks, little black book of his hot wife…. not really a hard decision is it? Bridal Boudoir… It’s Perfect!

When Josah first approached me about a Gangster themed wedding, I was thrilled with the idea right away. A bit curious I admit, about how she was going to pull it all off, however she did an amazing job getting the whole feel of it all with the Venue. The wedding took place at The Mitten building in Redlands. Its old brick exterior, the nearby train tracks and historical neighborhood was a convincing backdrop. Of course the guns helped too!

This portrait is from a wedding that I second shot with Cean of Cean one Photography at Ponte Winery in the beautiful wine country of Temecula. I thought I’d go just a little over the top with the editing….and me likey!

Taylor and David’s wedding story reads like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale. The Moms of these two (besties in High School), were expecting  at the same time. They spent  a lot of time together with their young toddlers experiencing all of the “firsts”. As the years passed their families grew and they remained  very close. Taylor and David were the best of friends and fell in love <3 <3!!  Its been quite a while since Ive seen kids that have so much going for them. They truly are very inspiring kids. The love that these two families had not only for their kids, but for each other really had to make this one of the most beautiful weddings I have had the pleasure of being a part of! and it had nothing to do with the obvious beauty of the bride and groom, but everything to do with the admiration and respect they have for each other! Now……. on with the pictures from the wedding that took place at the Canyon Crest Country Club.

I had no clue what I was in for with this wedding! lol Every dealing I had with Amber, the bride was very, straight forward, all business and details, details, details, but when I arrived at Macia de Yabara Amber had given the party girl within permission to come out and play! I was really wishing I could put my camera away and just be a guest! This wedding was one surprise after another. This being my first…..Oh yes she did! Amber walked down the isle with this ball and chain tied to her leg, (I dont know how she managed to not trip over it) and let it hit the pavement when she said “I do”! It was a riot!
You can see by her Dad’s expression he thought so too!
I do believe a good time was had by all!!! Congrats to you Amber and Jeff! xoxox

My brother recently facebooked me and said “Tracy, you HAVE  to request friendship with Dee Dee“. My response…….”ahhh o.k. why”?  I confess I really wasn’t familiar with her work, so like any good stalker I googled her, viewed her site… which is amazing, read every inch of her blog… and then went back to facebook and became “friends”. My brother and Dee Dee had been best of friends in high school. Why didnt I remember that? Hmmmm I Have some ideas on that but we wont go into them here! lol Anyhew… Dee Dee and I chatted via facebook back and forth and she invited me to hang out with her on an upcoming wedding she was shooting at the Mission Inn. I was thrilled. Its not very often I get the chance to shoot in an amazing venue and not have the stress of keeping on a time line, making sure all the family is in the right spot at the right time etc. I also had just purchase a new lens that I was wanting to play with and this was a nice way to get the hang of it and get some stunning images too! Her clients were gorgeous, the day was perfect, and I was able to capture some of my most creative wedding images to date. Take a look…..

I was so thrilled when Dan and Lisa asked me to shoot their wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach. What was even better is that it was going to be a small intimate family wedding! Family only, no big wedding party, nothing super over the top like you would image for the Ritz Carlton. As a girl who loves simplicity and sentiment, I adored the very idea! I would have love pictures in the lobby, it was so gorgeous, however that was not allowed and Lisa did not want to parade around in the Hotels public places so it all worked out !

When the officiant was 10 min late for the Sunset Ceremony, Lisa gave her a call. She had accidentally put their wedding on her calender for the wrong day! Ooops, dare I say DOUBLE OOOPS! She said she’d be there in 30 mins.. Its a good thing  these two are carefree, easy going and have a way of rolling with the punches. Even that couldn’t put a damper on their day!  Their love for each other was enough to cover any oops the day had to offer! They decided to sit, take in the beautiful view and have a drink, and watch the beautiful Sunset over Laguna together…..

Thanks Dan and Lisa, you  guys are my kinda people! xoxo Tracy