Dawn and Tom’s September wedding and reception were held at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.  The RB Inn is unique from many of the other large hotels in the San Diego area because it has so many secluded areas on the property.  It lends to a more intimate feel in the images I am able to get.  The architecture is also truly Southern California; the fountains, stucco, and open plank construction.  All of these elements really give it character and are something to consider when choosing your wedding site.

Dawn and Tom did something unusual with their color scheme that stood out to me and I thought many of you might find useful.  They alternated their color scheme for the cocktail area to the reception hall. The cocktail tables were draped in sage with chocolate highlights and the reception tables were draped in chocolate with sage highlights.  Going from light outside to the darker palette inside really helped set the tone of the evening.  The change in colors also added a lot of visual interest without ruining the continuity of the event.  It was very nicely done.  On that note, I must hand out credit to the staff of bridal consultant, Tami Austin, for putting together a lovely event and DJ, Mike Hogan for keeping the fun going!

Courtney and Jason hosted a very intimate wedding at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park with their reception following at Bertrand at Mr. A’s (amazing food, by the way!).  

The Garden is a totally unique setting, completely different in features than the surrounding Park.  It is tranquil and uncomplicated.  As a photographer I appreciate the setting because it offers me the variety of staying within the Garden for simple backdrops AND taking an easy stroll out into the Park to capture pictures with some of San Diego’s more iconic landmarks.  The best of both worlds!

I was really grabbed by Courtney’s floral selections.  Her showy red bouquet looked spectacular against the simple lines of her dress.  The flowers were the perfect punch of color in the quiet setting of the Garden.  Keep in mind when selecting your flowers; if you are going to showcase something highly vivid or unusual, limit it to one or two elements of your wedding.  Too many fancy things can begin to compete with one another and ultimately get lost in the shuffle.  Courtney & Jason’s wedding is a perfect example of how just a little splash of color can perfectly tie everything together!

By the way, Courtney and Jason were gracious enough to write me a note about their experience working together.  (Refer to my 10/01/08 entry).  Thank you!  Your thoughts mean the world to me!  

If you’ve kept an eye on my blog you may have noticed I photographed the engagement session of Setareh & Jerry.  They recently celebrated their nuptials with a traditional Persian wedding at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.  

Persian weddings are always unique and beautiful… from the sugar over the bride and groom’s heads, to sharing honey, to the bride being asked three times before consenting to marriage… while the man must answer the first time.  It is the beauty of these elements that really catches my eye and I know it takes a tremendous amount of planning for the ceremony to go smoothly.  Bridal consultant, Laura Rizzo from Weddings by Design, helped them pull it all together without a hitch. 

I have had the fortune of photographing a number of Persian weddings in my career.  This experience definitely helps me stay one step ahead and capture those special rituals. If you plan to include traditions, such as this, in your wedding be sure to share the details ahead of time with your photographer.  The more informed they are the better opportunity they will have to capture those distinctive moments that carry so much significance and define your individual wedding day. 

I received a very nice note from Courtney & Jason (09/07/08 wedding) that I thought would be great to share. I have just started working on their images and I’m anxious to post a few of them…

Brant, 

We wanted to genuinely thank you for your amazing work yesterday. We could not be happier. For two people who are not at all used to having their pictures taken, you somehow managed to instantly make us comfortable. Your amazing work and genuine personality are an invaluable combination. It was an amazing day, and you were such a very important contributor to that. We look forward to seeing the results of your hard work, and can not wait to treasure them for life.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

All the best,

Courtney and Jason