When I first met Yolanda, she mentioned she wanted to forego the typical engagement session for a bridal portrait session.  For many California brides the “bridal portrait” is a foreign concept, but for you Southern brides you know exactly what I’m talking about – a formal portrait of the bride in her wedding dress, taken a few weeks before the big day.  Often these portraits are done in a studio, but after sharing a red velvet cupcake with Yolanda, I knew a formal, stuffy portrait session did not suit her.  She has way too much personality for a boring black background studio shoot.  We decided to photograph her bridal portraits at The Ebell Club, the location where her wedding would take place a couple of weeks later.  Liz at the Ebell Club was kind enough to let us have free run of the place – and what a beautiful location it is (more on that with the wedding post – coming soon).  Incredible venue + fabulous bride-to-be channeling her inner supermodel = creative portraits that reflect Yolanda’s personality perfectly.

Getting ready in the beautiful bride’s room at the Ebell Club.

Each room at the Ebell Club features unique decor such as this tapestry and antique grand piano, reminiscent of the club’s original incarnation as a swanky women’s social club in the 1930s.

I saved my favorite images for last – a somewhat unassuming lounge area in the Ebell Club was the backdrop for these more dramatic portraits: (photographer note – I used a strobe/umbrella combo to achieve the lighting effect).

This was my first bridal portrait session, and I certainly hope it’s not my last.  Brides, give it some thought – we were able to create fun and fabulous portraits without any of the wedding day time constraints, and you have a chance to test drive your look before the big day.

And speaking of the big day -  one from Yolanda + Angelo’s wedding day:

It was such an amazing day – beautiful fall-like weather, gorgeous details, acres of vineyards as the backdrop.  Yet the most important detail of the day was most definitely love – the long time love between Gladys and Rey, parents watching their children get married (the first on both sides of the family), the happy tears, watching these two start a family of their own.  That emotion brought a beauty and energy all its own to the wedding.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wedding details, starting with Gladys’ something blue – her stilettos.  Love the new spin on an old tradition.

A blessing from the bride’s father.

The couple was married at Gladys’ family church, with the afternoon ceremony scheduled between two church masses.  It was fun to see a church so lively and active on a wedding day.

The wide angle church photo courtesy of my second shooter, the lovely Jen Johnson.

My favorite post-ceremony image – break time for the Mariachi band.

Off to the reception at Falkner Winery:

Brides, you want a DIY project?  Gladys and some friends actually created the centerpieces themselves:  manzanita branches + brightly colored fresh flowers + glue gun = gorgeous!  The table numbers and menus were created with a template from Wedding Paper Divas.

Love the bling inside each rose of Gladys’ bouquet.

Another great shot by Jen – Gladys is definitely a beautiful bride!

So while I was getting my groove on with the guests outside, Miss Jen was working the photo booth inside the tasting room:

Even the bride and groom jumped in for last call at the photo booth:

Gladys and Rey -it was simply lovely to photograph your wedding day – you are so fortunate to be surrounded by such kind and loving family and friends.  I hope the two of you are enjoying your Hawaiian honeymoon – drink a mai tai for me!

Click here to see a slideshow of Gladys + Rey’s wedding (including more of those zany photo booth pics…)

Special thanks to Jen Johnson for second shooting with me!

Vendor Information:

Reception: Falkner Winery, Temecula, California

Bride’s Dress:  Maggie Sottero

Hair and Make Up:  Lia Negrete, Beauty by Lia

DJ:  DJ Stylo

Cake:  Cakes To Celebrate, Temecula, California

Happy Monday everyone – lots more to come from Gladys & Rey’s beautiful Temecula winery wedding.

I am a very impatient person.  I have grown increasingly more patient since I’ve become a mom, but that’s not saying much.

I am DYING to show you more photos from the bridal shoot I did, but for now this shoe shot will have to suffice. Seriously, having to wait until after the wedding to share these bridal photos is KILLING ME.

Summer is winding down, kindergarten and preschool await my girls, so things have been a little crazy around here.  I promise there are many posts coming soon!

Hi, my name is Melissa, and I am addicted to shoes.  There, I admitted it.  But after finishing up my most recent round of wedding album designs, I realized something I can no longer deny.  I love shoes.  I love photographing shoes.  I love that seeing the shoes and nothing else leads you to wonder what’s above the shoes, which is fun and interesting.  It also doesn’t hurt that brides are choosing some bright and colorful shoes lately.  If I could go back and change anything about my wedding day look it would be my shoes – mine were plain old white and hurt my feet.

Without further ado, evidence of my obsession:

I rest my case.  Guilty as charged.