Andrea and Raphael : Balboa Park on a Summer afternoon

I don't want to be shallow or anything, but I have to say that before they even said anything I hoped I'd have the opportunity to photograph Andrea and Raphael's wedding.  These two are a very physically attractive couple and any photographer would be lucky to have a session with them.  But then they started talking... and I liked them even more!

These two decided to have their engagement session in Balboa Park in San Diego.  I really enjoy photographing couples at the park because there are so many different options for locations and moods. We were surprised at how busy the park was on a weeknight - but really, we shouldn't have been. It was a gorgeous summer afternoon, and everyone was outside enjoying all of the live music and other entertainers lining the Prado.

See what I mean?  Gorgeous!

Stunning, yet so relaxed and natural together.  What a beautiful combination and a great couple to spend the afternoon with.  Can hardly wait for the wedding, you two!

Nadia and Grant are married!

Nadia and Grant are an amazingly fun and cool couple.  They met at a coffee shop and have been in love ever since.  The two are living in Arizona now, but decided to have their destination wedding here in San Diego.  They couldn't have picked a more beautifully, San Diego day, or better locations.

They were married at the beautiful Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala and celebrated afterwards at Marina Village in Mission Bay.

I absolutely love how girly, yet super stylish these shoes are!

Grant and Nadia stayed traditional, not wanting to see each other before their ceremony.  But that didn't mean that we couldn't get a few shots of them anyway...

You two are stunning!

We headed to the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma for a few photos between the ceremony and reception.

And there goes the veil!  Fortunately it only blew safely into some nearby bushes.

The view from the Sunset Room at Marina Village.

Wedding photos of Nadia's and Grant's parents were on display near the cake.  I just love those photos!

So many adorable details - like the bell favors that took the place of silver on glasses to request that the bride and groom kiss.

Each table was marked with adorably embellished photos of places that Nadia and Grant have been together.

Didn't I say this was a fun couple?

Nadia and Grant - thank you for asking Dad and me to take part in your day.  You two are so fantastic to work with.  You were so relaxed and positive all day long, just taking it all in.  Things may have moved a bit faster than you expected, but it was definitely clear to us that you two enjoyed every minute of it.  I can hardly wait to see what the two of you will do next.

Ilia's Expecting!

I'm always happy to hear from former brides and I was was absolutely delighted when Ilia asked me to take her maternity photos.  Next month Ilia will be welcoming a new family member into her beautiful home in Ranch Santa Fe.  She's renovating the property in the late months of her term - and she's not quite sure whether  the baby or the completed baby's room will come first.  But this lady is one of the strongest, most independent women I've met.  Whether or not the house is done in time, it's a beautiful place to bring home a new baby boy and Ilia will be a great mommy.

Ilia's mom had the fantastic idea for Ilia's sister, Alexa, to join in on the photos.  As it turns out, Alexis is also expecting!

We took a short walk down to the barn to play with the dog and take a few more photos.

Ilia - it was a lot of fun photographing you in your beautiful home.  I truly admire your strength.  I hope that I can come back one day to photograph your expanded family and see your finished property.