Disneyland Engagement Photography: Alexis + Brian

Some times couples take the LONG journey to find each other but when that spark finally strikes it is nothing but magic. Alexis and Brian have known each other for years. They have been best friends that supported each other through various stages of life and of course relationships. Their bond was built on a solid foundation while their love blossomed for each other until it was something they could not live with out!

We shot their engagement session at Disneyland Theme Park in Anaheim, California. It was here that Brian popped the question! I love Alexis’ style- bold colors and lots of flair. She really rocked that hot pink dress!!! Everyone would stop her to compliment her style and some even asked to take a picture with her. We hit up a couple of locations throughout the session but my favorite photo of the day is the last one on this post ;)

Such a fun day at the happiest and most crowded place on earth!!!

The Vintage Rose Wedding - Kelsey + Eric

Orange County Wedding Photography: Sabrina + Joe

This wedding was such a joy! The day began at Sabrina’s parents’ house for getting ready images with all her gorgeous bridesmaids. The mood was light and everyone was incredibly relaxed- especially Sabrina. After some fun bridal portraits next to the grand piano and pictures with her ladies, we set off for the first look at Cerritos Sculpture Garden. The garden had an eclectic mix of modern and abstract sculptures with tall bamboo lining the perimeter.

Sabrina + Joe hosted a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at their church where they received gifts from several members of the family. I love how this portion honors the elders that preceded the couple and helped shape their lives. Honest moments is what is all about. So much of a wedding is absolutely about the couple — but it really is special to pay tribute to those that are close to you.

After the wedding ceremony, the couple held their reception at The Knotts Berry Farm Hotel where there was dancing and specialized ice cream cart for the guests. Sabrina and Joe made their wedding special by making it everything they wanted it to be. The entire day was so relaxed that made it easy for them to just focus on each other and all the guests who were there celebrating their love.

Orange County Engagement Photography - Claudine + Arthur

Thomas Riley is hands down one of the best engagement locations in Orange County and a top pick for couples. It goes without saying I get to shoot there a lot during the year! Every time I go shoot at a location that I have shot at before I always make an effort to approach it at a different angle. I have my go to spots but it really is important to try and open your eyes to something different so you don’t get the same old thing with each shoot. Challenging yourself in whatever facet in life is important!!!

Enough inspiration talk for now… I just had to digress before you scroll down to see this lovely engagement shoot with Arthur and Claudine!

Los Angeles Arts District Photography: Emily + Tabitha

Every once in a while I meet a couple that has it all and there isn’t a combination of words to adequately describe how cute they are. The adoration and love between them is infectious to where everyone around them feels it. It sounds silly, but their love is alive. It is electric…

This was the case with Emily + Tabitha whom I met in the Los Angeles Arts District for their couples session. They are hip, fashionable and fierce so the Los Angeles Arts District was the perfect location for their shoot. We got lost in the alleyways of old industrial buildings splattered with bright colors and vibrant murals.

From the first moment of the shoot Emily and Tabitha were incredibly nervous to be in front of the camera. Each time I instructed them to look at one another they would burst out in uncontrollable giggles and I just clicked away getting some of my most favorite sequences from the day. It wasn’t long however, before they settled into being in front of the camera. We let the whole shoot unfold organically stopping only in locations that spoke to us at that moment.

Emily has a background in dance so every once in awhile she would randomly break out into a routine. I knew I had to capture this so during one of our final stops I asked her to do something and the result was perfection! I love the way Tabitha is looking back at her in the photo. So cute.

I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter couple and a better shoot with Emily + Tabitha…

Rancho Los Alamitos Wedding: Kathleen + Ralph

Sometimes the perfect wedding is a small one witnessed by only your immediate family and your closest friends. When you have been together for 9 years and have sewn together a lengthy history filled with joyous memories it makes perfect sense to make that final leap towards that next amazing chapter. For Ralph and Kathleen, this is precisely their story. After 9 wonderful years, Ralph and Kathleen got married and I was lucky enough to be a part of their intimate wedding.

Ralph and Kathleen held their wedding ceremony at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach, CA. The ceremony was short but sweet. Afterwards we headed to one of the best photography locations in Long Beach— The Rancho Los Alamitos. Where to begin… the sprawling gardens, the gigantic trees, the manicured pathways— it is all perfect. I loved how Ralph and Kathleen got married the exact way they wanted to and I could absolutely tell they were enjoying every second of their romantic session. The Rancho was peaceful and quiet allowing them to really just focus on each other. It was just a reminder to me how important it is to have the wedding that YOU want to have…

It was perfect. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of their lives has in store for these two….

Orange County Engagement Photography: Gabe + Ali

I met up with Ali and Gabe at one of the best Orange County engagement locations: Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park. The wooded areas are like something out of a fairy tale. And when that golden light shines through the trees it is absolutely perfect!

Ali and Gabe met in St. Louis Missouri while in they were in their freshmen year in college and have been in love ever since. They recently moved to L.A. while Gabe receives his Ph.D at the University of Southern California. We talked about the grueling program and about their cat Gatsby— whom, I might add, left their hair all over Ali’s second engagement outfit! So Gatsby was definitely with us that day! Luckily Ali had a lint roller to tidy up ;)

With so many parks to choose from in the Orange County area, Thomas F. Riley is one of the best locations for an engagement, family or maternity session. It is the beautiful grassy, open field that definitely gives this location a rustic vibe. But just as the sun dips behind the hills is when you get that perfect light to work with.

Ali and Gabe were so incredibly adorable on their engagement shoot. You could definitely sense the spark of romance between them! This June at The Mountain Mermaid in Topanga, Ali and Gabe will host their wedding in what I am sure will be a night to remember!

I can’t wait!

Orange County Engagement Location: Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park

Natural History Museum Los Angeles Wedding: Megan + Matt

They were co-workers at a Human Resources company. She was a familiar face and so was he. Aside from the pleasant smile and polite hello they barely said a word. That all changed when as fate would have it, on Valentine’s Day those without plans in the office organized a night out at a bar. It was there they finally stuck up a conversation. After the two of them talked for hours over drinks and a “massive” cheese plate - to which Matt kept secret he wasn’t the biggest fan of cheese- the rest as they say is history.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSUEM LA WEDDING

In the company of massive dinosaur bones, vaulted ceilings, Corinthian pillars, and a stunning rotunda the Natural History Museum LA is a unique wedding venue. I love how their photos turned in each and every part of the museum. The couple was married in the rotunda under the glorious stained glass dome. In the center of the room is a Beaux-Arts statue titled “Three Muses.” The ceremony space was absolutely perfect for their private event. You couldn’t help but be in awe of such a stunning couple saying their vows in a truly magical space.

Once the ceremony concluded the cocktail hour was held in the Grand Foyer where guests got to choose from Megan and Matt’s signature cocktails: a cucumber cooler and a spicy margarita. With a giant Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton lurking in the Grand Foyer, friends and family mingled with each other until it was to head into The North American Mammal Hall.

After a healthy round of speeches, dinner, the cake cutting and a quick rendezvous on the dance floor. The couple and I returned to the Grand Foyer to take advantage of the giant dinosaur bones for their romantic session. The Natural History Museum LA provides some amazing wedding photos. There was absolutely a “Night at The Museum” vibe for this soirée. By the time we concluded our photo session the dessert table and photo booth opened inside The African Mammal Hall. Megan chose her favorite dessert for her wedding: cake pops from none other then Starbucks! And of course, there were donuts too :)

This wedding was absolutely unbelievable from start to finish. To conclude the evening friends and family lined up along the whale bridge as the newlyweds made their way through an abundance of bubbles for their grand exit. It was perfection- just like Megan and Matt!

LA WEDDING VENDORS

Venue: Natural History Museum LA

Photo: Aaron Monroe

Coordinator: XOXO Wedding

Videography: Shutter and Sound

Floral: Walden Floral LA

Catering: Summit Event Catering

DJ: Vox DJs

Signs: Simply Stated Stationary

Stationary: Minted Weddings

Corona Del Mar Tide Pools Family Photos

Just down the street from the infamous Laguna Beach is one of my absolute favorite family photo locations in Orange County: The Corona Del Mar Tide Pools. When the tide is low it gives stunning views of waves meeting rocks. The kids had fun looking for sea shells, exploring the pools and running in the sand. It is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained and happy during the family photo sessions.

I loved shooting this family so much. Their kids are energetic and full of spirit— any time I asked them for a funny face they were game! All and all a beautiful family!

Tips For Writing The Wedding Timeline

As you're going through all the final wedding details in preparation for the big day one of the most important things is the wedding day timeline. It gives structure to the day and helps you envision your wedding.  But much like planning a wedding, putting all these details on paper may seem like a daunting task... I am here to tell you: You. Can. Do. THIS! If done correctly, writing your wedding timeline will surely get you pumped up about your wedding. On the day of, it will serve as a roadmap to your coordinator, photographer and all other vendors to guide you and your S.O. through the most important day of your life. 

Here are a few important tips to consider while drafting your wedding day timeline:

1. How to Start Writing A Wedding Timeline

As you begin writing your timeline, there may be a few loose ends to tie up and that is fine.  A good place to start is with the last event of the day and work your way backwards. From there you can fill in the other events that have less wiggle room then others. For example, your ceremony start and end time is usually set in stone either by the venue itself or you may have already sent out your invitations. These times can't be changed so write them on your timeline. And just like that, your timeline has taken shape!

2. "Fake-Up" For Getting Ready Photos

Now that you have the start time for your ceremony and your reception end time, you can now think about when you want your photographer to show up at your hotel suite while you and your bridesmaids are getting your hair and make up done. These are great photos for your wedding album and should be included if you can. If you don't have a ton of time to spare, "fake-up" shots before you get in your wedding dress can be done rather quickly. 

3. Include all venue addresses

For a wedding day that has multiple locations be sure to include the addresses to every location you want coverage for. This will help keep your vendors on the same page and ensure nobody gets redirected to the inland empire when they should be in Downtown Los Angeles for your wedding!

Secondly, while writing your timeline don't forget to include travel time between locations. It is a great idea to give yourself a cushion when you schedule travel time in the case that things run a little behind. For those you live in Los Angeles, this is a must! There seems to be traffic 24/7....

4. How long should it take to do family photos?

Whether you schedule your family photos before or after your ceremony, family photos typically take about 30-45 minutes depending on the size of the family. To help move things along, give your family members a heads up that they must be at the photo location. To be safe, set aside an hour on the timeline for family photos even though it likely will not take that long. If your photographer gets done early, that will allow more time for romantic photos or for you to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests. 

Bonus Point: On the timeline, you should definitely include a list of the family members you want pictures of! You can use abbreviations like M.O.G. for mother of the groom or M.O.H for "maid of honor." 

5. Cake Cutting, Bouquet & Garter Toss

These events don't take that long so it is a safe bet to cram these 3 things into a 15 minute time slot. Plus, it gives the reception good momentum and gets your guests out on the dance floor! Write it in. And move on!

6. Dancing Photos- how much time do you need?

Speaking of dancing...

Every bride and groom wants shots of them and their guests cutting the rug on their dance floor. If you're pressed for time, rest assured that your photographer will be able to get great shots of you and your partner dancing if you allotted about 15 minutes. There have been more then a few occasions where the bride and groom are rushing from event to event at the beginning of the wedding and when we get to dancing, they will set aside 2 hours for dancing photos. This isn't to say you should cut your dancing time short with your guests. Keep in mind your photographer doesn't need an extended time to get great dancing photos. So if you're looking to shift some items around on your timeline, this might be where you want to start!

7. Schedule Time For Romantic Photos

I will admit this is a bit selfish of me but I think romantic photos of you and your partner is a must have for your wedding. These are my favorite photos from the wedding day because it showcases the pure joy between two people on the biggest day of their lives. So much of the day is dedicated towards celebrating with family and friends but it is incredibly important to carve out some alone time for you and your partner. Romantic photos is a great time to do just that!

Bonus Point: Another thing you might want to consider is stepping away from your reception just as the sun is setting to take photos. In about 15 minutes or less you and your photographer can get some phenomenal photos with gorgeous light. And just think, you'll get to catch your first sunset as a married couple. What is more romantic than that?

So there you have it. I hope this helps you think about things as you're writing your wedding day timeline! If you have any useful tips you used on your wedding day please add your input in the comments below!

Cheers,

Aaron 

The Hacienda Santa Ana Wedding - Nick + Liz

This is an out right amazing wedding! Everything was so colorful and beautiful. Nick and Liz were married at St. Joseph Church in Santa Ana in front of their close friends and family. After the ceremony the newlyweds and I snuck away to the take wedding photos at Santa Ana Train Station. Some of my favorite images are the ones of Liz looking absolutely glamorous in her wedding dress! Together, they make one of the cutest couples. After the train station we made our way for more wedding photos at The Hacienda in Santa Ana.

The Hacienda Santa Ana is a fantastic wedding venue. There are endless locations, beautiful colors, textures and AMAZING food :-) It remains one of the best places for wedding photos. With adobe styled buildings, ivy walls and large beautiful doors The Hacienda Santa Ana is a great place for wedding photos!

I continue to be in awe of how lucky I am to be wedding photographer for such amazing couples. Cheers to Nick and Liz!

The Hacienda Santa Ana Wedding - Liz and Nick

Heritage Park Santa Fe Springs Wedding: Bobby + Aubrey

My good friends Bobby and Aubrey got married and I was so lucky that they asked me to be their wedding photographer! The brides house was the perfect location for getting ready photos. I loved how we got to hang her elegant wedding dress with the long tulle train and strapless top. Absolutely on of the best wedding dresses of 2018! Their wedding was so special-- So beautiful! They held their Catholic Ceremony at St. Peter’s Italian Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California. The most amazing tidbit of the day was that BOTH of their parents held their weddings there too!

Aubrey looked absolutely stunning- seriously like a movie star :-) And Bobby is Bobby. To know him is to love him. Most importantly, they are perfect for each other and this new milestone is only the beginning of a new and wonderful chapter! Congrats to the newly weds!

Malaga Cove Engagement Photos: Larry + Elli

Malaga Cove is one of the best beach engagement shoot locations. I absolutely love shooting engagement sessions here because it is often quiet which allows for my couples to just be their awesome selves! Larry and Elli are having their wedding at The Hacienda Santa Ana in 2019. It will be the perfect wedding venue for them!

They were able to sneak away from their busy lives to have their engagement shoot at Malaga Cove Beach located Rancho Palos Verdes. Elli looked stunning that evening and I can only imagine how gorgeous she will look on her wedding day!

This couple is too sweet! It was such a romantic and beautiful evening at one of my favorite spots!

Long Beach Engagement Photos: Sabrina + Joe

Couples who are laugh and act silly together are the best! Sabrina and Joe are just that couple. When they mentioned that they liked ice cream and wanted their engagement session to be somewhere colorful and fun I thought Shoreline Village in Long Beach would be a fantastic location. With candy shops, ice cream parlors, arcades and vibrant colors galore- it was the perfect location for engagement photos in Long Beach.

I love how no one can make Joe smile the way Sabrina can when she cracks a funny joke or makes a silly face. And the way he looks at her with adoration is heart melting! These two are perfection — I can’t wait for their wedding at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel in January 2019!

After all those shenanigans this was the perfect way to end a romantic outing!

Hot Off The Presses: Greystone Mansion Engagement

Engagement Photo Inspiration

So excited to share that Megan and Matt’s Greysone Mansion engagement photos have been published on Something Turquoise. If you have never checked out their site it has amazing wedding inspiration from DIY ideas to styled shoots with the latest in wedding trends

Megan and Matt’s engagement session was absolutely gorgeous. They are one of my favorite couples ever and I am so lucky I get to be their photographer! Matt and Megan went all out for engagement photos attire. Matt wore a maroon suit that paired wonderfully with Megan’s long, pink tulle skirt. Megan and Matt are saying their vows at The Natural History Museum Los Angeles. The wedding will be absolutely stunning if it is anything like their engagement photos!

Go check out their post on Something Turquoise here

Cicada Club Wedding: Julia + Jon

In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles there is one of the ultimate vintage wedding venues, The Cicada Club Restaurant. With two stories and a wrap around balcony, the club is practically unchanged since it was first constructed. It has maintained its art-deco architecture to this day. Needless to say, The Cicada Club is a top venue for a wedding in Los Angeles, this was the perfect venue for Julia and Jon!

The couple got ready at the Biltmore Millennium just down the street. Julia’s wedding dress was a sleek, modern wedding gown that had just the right amount of bedazzle. I loved all the details Julia incorporated into her day! She is a big can of Coco Chanel so naturally she brought along her favorite perfume. The best part was her diamond earrings complete with the Coco Chanel logo.

The couple opted for their first look at The Cicada Club. After a few romantic shots and photographing the bridal party it was time for their ceremony!

This wedding was seriously stunning with amazing bridal florals to match the modern vintage feel. Julia and Jon are some of the sweetest and genuine people and you can really feel the intense love they have for each other. It is perfect. Check out their elegant wedding in Los Angeles below!

The Griffith House Wedding: Jon + Louisa

Jon + Louisa were married on a beautiful summer day at The Griffith House in Santa Ana. The Griffith House is one of the best wedding locations in Orange County that people don’t know about.

The couple met in high school but didn’t start dating till a couple years after college. I love the way she looks at Jon with such adoration— so sweet. As for Jon, he is incredibly charming and so funny. There is no one that can make Louisa laugh harder than Jon! They were absolutely meant for each other <3

Photo: Aaron Monroe

Video: Vier Cinema

Venue: The Griffith House

Planning: Hutchinson Weddings

Florals: With Love Floral Co

DJ: Classy Fun DJ

Catering: Canyon Catering

Bridal Shop: Simply Bridal

Downtown Los Angeles Engagement Session: Bobby + Aubrey

Bobby and Aubrey first met while guests at a wedding. She liked Bobby. He was a natural charmer, quick witted and incredibly funny. The two had their first date at L.A. Live across from Staples Center in the heart of the city. For their engagement session we returned to the spot they had their first date and also went to one of my personal favorite spots in downtown Los Angeles, The John Ferraro Building.

Their session was perfect and beautiful in every way. Can’t wait for their wedding at Heritage Park this fall!

Queen Mary Wedding: Mark+ Shauna

The entire week before Mark and Shauna's wedding, Southern California was greeted with scorching temperatures that reached triple digits. However, on this Saturday in July the weather was perfectly cool. Mark and Shauna got ready at the Current Hotel in Long Beach with their bridal party at their side. Once Shauna was in her dress we promptly captured some bridal portraits and some sweet moments with her mom before we were off to the venue.

The Queen Mary is a feature to Long Beach unlike any other. It looms large in the harbor acting as a guardian to the city skyline. With seven ballrooms and epic views it is a fantastic wedding venue. Mark and Shauna opted out of a first look and instead went for the first touch in the engine room. The ceremony took place on the Verandah Grill with downtown Long Beach in the background. 

After a few speeches and the couple's first dance, we snuck off for some sunset pictures on the deck and inside the Art Deco inspired Grand Ballroom. Shauna surprised her parents by inviting them to The Grand Ballroom so that they too could have their portrait taken. Such a cute idea! 

Mark and Shauna are some of my favorite people and their family was so generous and sweet. I felt part of the family for sure! I definitely plan on visiting Mark and Shauna in Hawaii one day! 

Photo: Aaron Monroe

Venue: The Queen Mary

Event Coordinator: Lucas Jean Events

DJ: PDJI

Clarke Estate Wedding: Angela + Tony

Photo: Aaron Monroe

Venue: Clarke Estate

Dress: David's Bridal

Flowers: Scotty's Flowers and Gifts

Coordinator: Bonnie Peralta

DJ: DJ Cee Productions

Photo Booth: Photobuzz Photo

Cake: Patty's Cakes and Desserts

Catering: Sabor Catering and Events