Kim and Jimmy: warmth + joy + stunning San Diego

What can I say about Kim and Jimmy.  It may be unprofessional, but what the heck I'm just going to say it: I love these two.  Both are so genuinely positive that that people (myself included) are just drawn to them.  And to see the two together, I even found myself getting a bit emotional during the heart felt speeches at the reception.  With so much love and thought put into this day, and surrounded by supportive friends and family, this was a beautiful celebration for a truly beautiful couple.  Thank you two so much for allowing Amy and me to be a part of it.

Kim and her ladies got ready at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Radiant, even with rollers in her hair!  (please forgive me Kim - but it was too cute not to post)
:-)

This little cutie just lit up for the camera all day!

You really are beautiful, Kim.

Kim and Jimmy were married at the beautiful St. Michael Catholic Church in San Diego.

After the ceremony we headed to Balboa Park to get some more photos.

A great moment - as we walked the bridal party through the Organ Pavillion at Balboa Park, a group of young students spontaneously started to applaud the newlyweds.  See what I mean about magnetic personalities?  Even strangers couldn't resist getting in on the celebration.

Kim and Jimmy's reception was held at the Ultimate Skybox in the San Diego Ballpark District.  What a TREAT for their out of town guests (heck, even for the locals... and their photographers) to see San Diego like this.  Absolutely stunning!

Kim made this gorgeous (and I understand delicious) cake herself! Nice work!!

Kim's talented and creative sister came up with this idea for guest sign-in.  Love it!

Alicia and Nathan: fresh and fun in Berkeley, CA

We Eisenhowers just love Veronica.  Veronica is my cousin Jesse's girlfriend and really is part of the family.  When Amy mentioned that we had an opportunity to photograph Veronica's sister's wedding in the Bay Area, I was all over it.  I hadn't met Alicia but I knew that if she had any of her sister's warmth and sweetness that we'd be lucky to work with her... and we were.

Alicia and Nathan were such a fantastic couple to photograph.  Both are so good natured and genuine - even when things didn't go exactly as planned, they just rolled with it.  But more than that, as you'll see from some of the images, these two are absolutely and completely in love.

Alicia and Nathan got ready in adjoining rooms at the historic Durant Hotel in Berkeley.  Their ceremony and reception were held at the Brazilian Room at Tilden Regional Park.

 I couldn't decide on my favorite shoe photo so I included another.

Gifts for the groomsmen

As we headed out the hotel, Amy and I couldn't resist using this hallway to get a few dramatic images of the beautiful Alicia.

Veronica created the unique and stylish invitations for Alicia and Nathan, depicting an artistic rendition of the local area.

Veronica's and Alicia's sister and mother created the floral arrangements.  Here Jennifer makes some last minute adjustments.

Instead of a guest book, Nathan and Alicia asked their guests to write them a post card

Programs were on each seat during the ceremony

mmmm... cupcakes!

We got a few formal photos before the ceremony.

No additional decor necessary - just look at the drama of the natural setting behind them.  We so often photograph beach weddings, and as much as I love them this was a refreshing change.  This is one of my favorite venues yet.

Thank you Veronica (left of Alicia) for asking us to be part of this day.  I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend!

One of my favorites of the day.

Alicia and Nathan - it was so much fun meeting you and spending the day with you guys.  Thank you for the opportunity to help you capture this beautiful celebration.