Enchanting doesn't even begin to describe Merissa and Matt’s wedding at the Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara. Nestled amidst the rolling hills, this iconic venue provided the perfect backdrop for their romantic celebration, and the magic was palpable from the very first moment. California Dreaming As a Santa Barbara wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful weddings, but Belmond El Encanto holds a special place in my heart. The venue exudes a timeless elegance, with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens. Merissa an ..read more

  Why Montecito Club? Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Santa Barbara, the Montecito  Club offers a picture-perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. With its captivating ocean views, sprawling greens, and timeless elegance, it's no wonder this exclusive venue is a dream come true for many couples. As a Santa Barbara wedding photographer, I recently had the privilege of capturing the love story of C & M at this breathtaking location. The Couple Their connection was evident from the moment I met them, a warmth and tenderness that radiated through their smiles during their ..read more

Zot, Zot, Love! An Engagement Shoot at UC Irvine with a Furry First Mate Love bloomed amidst the halls of UC Irvine for one Anteater couple, and their recent engagement shoot captured the magic of their alma mater and their budding future. A + R chose the picturesque campus, where their love story began, as the backdrop for their special photos, and their furry companion, added a paw-sitively adorable touch. A Campus Steeped in Memories For many UC Irvine alumni, the campus holds a special place in their hearts. It's a place where dreams take flight, friendships solidify, and love stories unfo ..read more

A 2023 Guide Full of the laid-back luxury so prevalent in Southern California, Santa Barbara wedding venues are some of the most sought-after, world-renowned wedding venues in the world.  I’ve been photographing weddings on the west coast for nearly 16 years and I can say that some of the most beautiful venues in the world are found in Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County. If you are looking for a luxury wedding venue that is sure to wow all of your guests, you are looking in the right spot.  Let’s look at my top Santa Barbara wedding venues to help jumpstart your search for the pe ..read more

Guidance from a Local Wedding Photographer Malibu is a fantastic place. Even more fantastic is planning an intimate Malibu elopement in this stunningly gorgeous part of California.  Malibu is quintessential California. With the trademark laid-back luxury of the area, Malibu is everything that you think of when you think of Southern California — beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and an unapologetically “cool” vibe.  Let’s look at why a Malibu elopement is a great idea and how you can easily plan yours!  Why an Elopement First, let’s talk about what an elopement is and why i ..read more

A Fairytale Location Set in Sunny Southern California If a peaceful, serene location in the middle of the grandeur of the Southern California mountains sounds like an ideal place for you to get married, then you should consider hosting an Ojai Valley Inn wedding. I have photographed many beautiful weddings at the inn and truly think it is one of the most beautiful locations in the area. With its stunning setting, fantastic staff, and elegant architecture, the Ojai Valley Inn offers both you and your guests an exceptional experience.  The Location Situated in the Topatopa Mountains in Sout ..read more

  Considerations and Recommendations From a Local Photographer If you are planning a destination wedding in Santa Barbara, you know that it’s a stunning location for an unforgettable event. With beautiful beaches and stunning vineyards to the Meditterean flair that encompasses the region, it is the perfect setting for an elegant and timeless event.  I feel so fortunate to call the Santa Barbara area home, and even more lucky that I get to photograph weddings here.  I know that with so many details to consider, it can become overwhelming to plan something, especially if you do no ..read more

  I've been shooting weddings on the West Coast for nearly 16 years and have had the opportunity to work at some of the most beautiful venues in Southern California. The Santa Barbara and Ventura County areas are home to many luxury wedding venues so I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorites. There are far too many for one post so this may end up being a series of blogs. To start, I have included three stunning Santa Barbara Wedding venues that are sure to wow all your guests! - Ojai Valley Inn is a hidden laid back luxury at its finest! With lush gardens, the famous Topato ..read more

  As I prep for my first wedding of the season, I can't help but look back on 2016 and feel super grateful for all the amazing couples I had the pleasure working with.  I got really lucky last year and formed some special personal bonds. This last October wedding in particular, is one that I will never forget.  Everything from the couple, the venue and the team of vendors that made the day happen was truly wonderful.   Their vow exchange was so full of love and emotion it was like listening to live poetry.   Friends and family shared the most genuine and sweet sen ..read more

  Last year started off as one of the best seasons of my career. Like so many others, it was instantly changed due to the unexpected pandemic. Still, today, I cant believe it was all real. It feels like something out of a movie, right? Anyway - after the rollercoaster of postponements, cancellations, pivoting and the rest of life, it turned out to be a really neat year of weddings after all! This gorgeous Hummingbird Nest Ranch wedding was my season closer what an incredible way to end the year! Rachel and Dan originally planned on a larger, full scale, summer soiree at the Ojai Valley In ..read more