oh, to be a California photographer...

...and have lush landscapes, cloudless skies, perfect spring weather, beachfront weddings and a fine mix of elegance and cool relaxation...



i pulled my camera out for fun a few times at the GORGEOUS wedding we attended in san diego this past weekend and without even trying...i think i was able to capture the feel of the event. everywhere you look, it's brilliant, beautiful perfection. i mean, PLEASE, it's pretty hard to get a bad shot out west...

chad and i attended Megan & Dan's wedding. chad and megan have been friends since, oh....3rd grade, i believe. actually, megan and her parents threw our engagement party out in chicago, when we were living there and it was SPLENDID. judging from that event, and from every OTHER event they are a part of -- i knew this wedding would go down in the history books.

it was an outdoor 4pm wedding -- and i felt like i was on a movie set....







there was a lemonade stand for the guests to have before the wedding!? such a good idea!



each table assignment card had a handwritten note in it for the guest from megan...such a lovely, personal touch!





i've known megan for a while (not as long as chad!) and i've never, EVER seen her look more beautiful. i longed to do my wedding all over again, when i saw her dress, which had a vintage flare to it -- and her flowers -- and her colors -- and EVERYTHING!













i love that picture of just her face...i was standing in the back waiting for the perfect shot of the couple walking out and was nearly knocked over by the other Big Dog Photographers...and missed everything. fair enough. i hate when people get in my way at weddings i'm shooting! but in the process of nearly falling over - i snapped this in hopes of getting something and her face says it all....

and then there was the reception.....?!
you people in california are CRAZY UNBELIEVABLE.















for all you brides out there -- here's an idea. pick your favorite 'first dance' song...and record a track of our singing it and play it during your first dance. because -- it's a pretty amazing crowd pleaser! :)









the next morning there was this incredible brunch for the out of town guests -- and we were able to chat and catch up with the newlyweds and extended friends and family! fyi -- best orange juice i've ever had...



isn't california amazing?
i have to admit, it was incredibly relaxing despite my husband prying my sweaty little fingers off my laptop and forcing me to leave it behind!!!? maybe i have him to thank....

more to come from my week in california! you've seen nothing yet -- think about it -- not one isaac photo in today's mix...which means this blog is about to vomit baby isaac documentation in the days to come! yum.

(what's this about Blogger informing me i'm almost maxed out on my file storage? then what? no more pics? i have to pay? does anybody know?? this would be the best way for them to push me to expedite the design of my new blog and hightail it outta here...Mr Blogger, please watch yourself.)

have a great wednesday!