Posts tagged los angeles event photographer
Tanya & Jacob’s Wedding at Los Willows Wedding Estate in Fallbrook: A Day Full of Love and Happy Tears
 
 

As a photographer, I get to witness a lot of love, but some weddings stay with you forever. Tanya and Jacob’s was one of those.

One especially moving part of the day was the presence of Jacob’s mom, who is currently battling stage 4 cancer. Her strength, grace, and love made everything feel even more meaningful.

Tanya and Jacob are two incredibly kind, quiet souls who met at work back in 2017. These two love the simple joys - nights at home watching TV, trying new foods, sipping boba, and playing board games like Catan. Their dog, Joseph, is a huge part of their life! He’s three now, full of personality, and absolutely adored.

And duh, Joseph was the ring bearer! He walked down the aisle like a total pro, tail wagging the whole way, as if he knew exactly how special this day was.

Jacob teared up multiple times throughout the day, and those emotions spoke louder than words ever could. Tanya stood by his side, calm and loving, holding space for every one of those feelings. It was such a beautiful thing to witness.

Jacob proposed in September 2023 after dinner at Seneca in San Diego. He waited until they were outside in a quiet spot; he knew Tanya didn’t like too much attention. It was simple, thoughtful, and so them.

This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a powerful reminder of what truly matters: love, family, and showing up for one another through it all.

I’m so grateful I got to be there to witness it. 💕

And just for fun, here are some photos of them when Joseph turned 3 earlier this year.

 
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What to Do After You Just Got Engaged
What to Do After You Just Got Engaged
 

First of all - congratulations! You just got engaged, and this is one of the most exciting moments of your life. But after the initial wave of emotions settles, you might be wondering… what now? Here’s a guide to help you soak it all in and take the next steps.

 
 
 
 

1.  Take It All In

Before diving into wedding planning, pause. Breathe. Look at your partner and let it sink in. This moment is yours - celebrate it in whatever way feels right. Pop some champagne, have a quiet dinner, or just spend time together reminiscing about your journey.

2. Share the News (Your Way)

Not everyone wants to do the classic ring selfie, and that’s okay. Decide how you want to share your engagement - whether it’s a private call to loved ones, a heartfelt Instagram post, or a full-blown engagement party. Just remember: tell your inner circle before posting online.

 
 

3. Get Your Ring Insured

Not the most romantic step, but absolutely necessary. Look into jewelry insurance or add it to your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Better safe than sorry.

4. Start Talking About Your Vision

Before jumping into bookings, have a conversation with your partner about what kind of wedding you both want. Intimate backyard wedding? Grand ballroom affair? Destination elopement? Align your vision before family opinions start rolling in.

 
 

5. Set a Budget

Money talk isn’t fun, but it’s crucial. Sit down together and decide on a realistic budget. In the U.S., the average wedding costs around $30,000, but that number varies widely depending on location and guest count. Prioritize what matters most - whether it’s photography, food, or the perfect venue.

6. Choose a Rough Date

You don’t need to set a specific day right away, but having a general timeframe (spring 2026? Next fall?) helps guide your planning. If you have your heart set on a popular venue, vendor or season, booking early is key.

 
 

7. Research Marriage License Requirements

Every U.S. state has different laws about marriage licenses, waiting periods, and required documents. Check your state’s requirements early so you don’t run into surprises down the road.

8. Plan an Engagement Session

An engagement session isn’t just about getting great photos - it's about celebrating your love story at this moment. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get some professional photos done together, capturing this stage of your life, and also to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Pick a location that means something to you, whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, the city where you met, or an epic landscape that matches your vibe.

 
 

9. Build Your Vendor Dream Team

Photographers, videographers, planners, florists - the best ones book fast, sometimes over a year in advance. If you have must-have vendors, reach out early to secure your date.

10. Enjoy This Season

Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but don’t let it consume you. Make time for date nights, spontaneous trips, and just being engaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime season - soak it in.

 
 

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t rush into planning. Give yourself time to enjoy yourself before making big decisions.

  • Don’t feel pressured. Family and friends will have opinions, but this is YOUR wedding.

  • Don’t compare. Social media can make you feel like your wedding has to be extravagant - focus on what’s meaningful to you.

Planning a wedding is a journey, and photography is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your love story deserves to be told in a way that’s real, raw, and authentically you. Let’s capture this season of your life - reach out to book your engagement session or inquiry about your wedding date today!

Ready to Capture Your Engagement Story?

We believe your love story deserves to be told in the most authentic way possible. Let’s ditch the awkward poses and create something real, raw, and uniquely you.

 
 

📖 Want more wedding planning tips? Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography! Download Here

 
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LOS ANGELES BACKYARD WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY - ASHLEE + TYLER
LOS ANGELES BACKYARD WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY - ASHLEE + TYLER
 

As much as COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful, this experience has actually given us reevaluate our previous plans and our values and what’s important in life. The backyard wedding of Ashlee and Tyler just did that (at least for me.) We talked about whether or not we should postpone the wedding. With daily changes of city/state’s restrictions and the virus spread, Tyler’s mom Suzanne and I exchanged many emails and multiple phone calls, and ultimately, it came down to be still thankful for what we have and the ability to celebrate this amazing life event, so it was a GO with just immediate family members and a couple of friends.

Tyler, who’s the biggest fan of LA Dodgers, wore blue suits and we watched LIVE World Series that evening after the wedding.

My ultimate favorite moment of this wedding, which exactly tells their/our story of this time of crisis, was when more of their friends and family members did a “drive-through” in front of the house and congratulated Ashlee and Tyler.

I’m sure all of us will never forget this day.

 
 
 
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