- Dan and Aurena || Wedding Day -

San Diego, CA

Sweetest couple ever Dan and Aurena got married at one of the dreamiest locations in San Diego…  Twin Oaks Estates had all the detail and whimsy to compliment the happy couple as they spent the day celebrating the vows they made with their friends and family… I had a great time with a fun group that all made me feel more like guest and friend than photographer:) But – as a photographer – lemme tell you, it is a whole lot easier when I get a fun group and don’t forget endless gorgeous details to photograph!

I also want to thank Adam and Jasmine for shooting with me as my beautiful wife and second shooter stayed home to rest and prepare for the coming birth of our first child!  Wedding photography has brought our family with countless blessings and so many connections with awesome people.. While it is bittersweet to be moving on from wedding photography – the newest chapter is here and Vaness and I could not be happier!  All the hours and long nights in weddings and photography… we’ve come away with so many blessings, learning, and friends – we wouldn’t trade any of the memories we’ve made…  Thank you to everyone who supported us and followed our work!  And especially to Dan and Aurena who trusted me to capture their special day.. starting with the amazing details of the site…Enjoy!

Again special thanks to Adam and Jasmine for spending the whole day to shoot with me – you both do wonderful work and I’m glad to have had you along!  Couldn’t have done it without you!!

Blessings and love to you Dan and Aurena!!! Vaness and I love you and wish you nothing but the best for your marriage and life ahead together!!

… and of my career in wedding photography…Onwards and forward!  Woohoo!

by Daniel

no comments

- Dan and Aurena || Engagement -

San Diego, CA

It is such and honor and pleasure to be serving Dan and Aurena as the photographer for their wedding day… Both have just the kindest demeanors and the sweetest souls.  Thank you for picking us and trusting us with your day!   Vaness and I have been friends with Aurena for quite some time.  All the way back to the RA days at 6th:) Right at the end of the shoot, Aurena reminded my how everything has come full circle – from the days we gathered together as a staff, she remembered who I brought my camera… you know… just starting out, eagerly snapping image after image – doing lil things here and there.. seeing where this photo thing goes.  How things have changed – I’ve been abundantly blessed and truly have come full circle.  Starting years ago as an amateur photographer not knowing at all where God would lead me and my little dslr… And now – capturing her and her fiance as my last couple and last engagement session for… well… who really knows?  I’m grateful for all the experiences and am glad to be closing this chapter.  It has been an amazing run!  And who better to end it with than Aurena and Dan – enjoy the images!  Starting in La Jolla:)

We jumped over to Heritage Park in Old Town San Diego and I have to say – as a photographer – this place is a real gem… and you know what – Dan and Aurena rocked it like no other!  This next shot is a one of many favorites of mine…

Right at the end of the session Aurena said something simple, but it kinda struck me… “Can we do a jumping shot – and maybe a piggy back one too?  We’re all about the FUN!”  Reflects them perfectly:)

As for me – I definitely had fun:) Here and on the many shoots I’ve had the good fortune of being on, I’ve been blessed with a heck of an experience.. It was stressful sometimes, even a bit of a grind – but if you made me pick one word to describe my whole experience as a wedding photographer – it would have to be FUN.  I had a GREAT time and I wouldn’t have had it any other way!  Thank you Aurena and Dan!  Can’t wait for your wedding day!  It’s gonna be fun;)

by Daniel

2 comments

December 21, 2012 - 3:33 pm

AURENA - We had a blast! Thanks for making us look beautiful! Dan is a trooper. You can’t tell, but he’s actually fighting a cold. I love the bright pictures and how you’ve captured our emotions!

December 21, 2012 - 3:31 pm

AURENA - We had a blast! Thanks for making us look beautiful =). Dan is a trooper! He’s actually fighting a cold, but he still put a smile on his face. He looks so handsome and you can’t even tell that he’s sick, right?

- Jason and Lauren || Wedding Day -

San Francisco, CA

Just like family… Lauren and Jason asked us to be their wedding photographers a little while back.  During consideration to have the honor to be their on their special day, we thought, “well, it’d be like doing a wedding for family:)”  After deciding to work together, we were both mutually excited to be there:) We’ve known Lauren through her brother and our friend Adam and in many ways  - they are family to us…  We couldn’t wait for the day:) We were taken care of like we were guests!  The sun was shinin’ and the weather was sweet… and the setting – the beautiful Peninsula Golf and Country Club… couldn’t ask for anything better!  Thanks so much to you two for trusting us to capture your day and we hope you enjoy the images:)

Off to the first look in the ‘Turret Room”…

The Peninsula Golf and Country Club had endless potential for the background to some wonderful imagery!  I could have spent all day shooting there:)

So many gorgeous and well thought out detail throughout the whole wedding…

Our flower girl and ring bearer sprinted down the aisle!

But the sudden realization of a big stage can be a lot to handle.. It’s alright though!  They performed GREAT!

A quick transformation and we’re set for the reception!  And the theme of wonderful detail continues:)

Right after their first dance – we got a great group pic of all the guests.. A shot everyone would love to have:)

Right after that, Lauren and Dad rock a fun – of course – spin of the Father Daughter dance… followed by Mom leading the group with the electric slide!

A little newly-wed game was fun for everyone:)

They tossed the garter and bouquet from the balcony, gave EVERYONE (not just the singles) a chance to win a prize for catching the items up for grabs from above!

Above, Lauren and Jason look on during the anniversary dance and below everyone got in on the fun – even me!;) Yah – I got caught… but hey, photographers can have fun at weddings too!

Dance De Jour – Gangnam Style…

Lil’ Lily, Lauren and Jason’s niece and flowergirl havin’ fun with Grandma!

Last dance of the night!  Doesn’t it all go by soooo fast?!?

It was such a wonderful wedding day!  Thank you so much for having us there for your day:) Vaness and I love you two and will be praying for nothin but the best for your marriage!!!  God bless!

by Daniel

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- Josh and Ven || Wedding Day -

San Diego, CA

Josh and Ven – Vaness and I were honored to be there to capture the renewal of your vows and the celebration with your family and friends.. We are also very glad and happy for answered prayer as Josh has made his way back from his deployment in Afghanistan this summer…  We take nothing for granted and praise God for your safe return!  Well folks – hope you enjoy the images of the special day!

Josh told me, “Daniel, you’re gonna see a gift in a gift exchange like you’ve never seen or will ever see….”.  Now – when you tell a wedding photographer THAT, you HAVE to mean it… Because, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings and have seen quite a many gift exchanges – you know?  So, when Josh read his card from Ven – I waited anxiously – what could be happening?  He spoke a few words, opened his coat.. and I have to admit, at first, I had no idea what all the guys were seeing and hollering about… I kinda was looking inside the jacket and when your eye is inside of a viewfinder, sometimes tunnel vision sets in… I snapped of a bunch of shots -almost blindly and still unsure what the fuss was about  - and then scanned around more…  Sitting in Josh’s waist was – well – WOW.  Yes Josh – I can truly say I’ve never seen THAT before! Ven gave him a Springfield Armory, Model 1911-A1 .45 pistol…. Whoa, whoa, whoa.. I couldn’t prepare for it and I had NO idea what to do… Pretty slick my friend! And according to Josh – it is regarded as a bit of a gentlemen’s gun… I know nothing about guns so I’ll believe the U.S. Soldier himself… Of course – Josh told Ven what he was hoping to get for their wedding day and the ever supportive wife came through!   Wozuhs! Unique indeed…

Josh’s gifts for Ven were very sweet and had less shock factor – though thats not saying much because anything would have less shock factor after that!

Amongst the gifts that Ven gave her bridesmaids was an Amethyst gem for her Maid of honor that Josh shopped for in Afghanistan during his tour…  Beautiful!

Off to their first look!

Lots of little points of interest in the Hilton San Diego Bay Front Hotel – I could spend HOURS there!  But well, we have  a bit less time then that – but got some great stuff!

We took a brief break then headed over to the Rose Creek Cottage for the ceremony…  Great message by Pastor, and a joyous moment for Josh and Ven..

We got a great pic of all the guests right out front!

Love all the first dance shots we got…

Many wonderful words shared by many friends and family… as well as a few laughs in between to be sure:)

Josh and Ven – Vaness and I are so grateful to know you and are blessed by the example of love you show.. We felt like we family throughout your whole day and loved being able to capture it all – we hope you love it!  We love you both and will continue to pray for a strong, healthy, and happy marriage!  Congratulations!

by Daniel

2 comments

September 27, 2012 - 11:44 am

Ven - Thank you sooooooo very much Daniel and Vaness!!!! We crazy love them!!!! So blessed by you two! Thank you again!!

September 24, 2012 - 7:33 am

Thomas W - What a beautiful ceremony. They make such a lovely couple. I’m glad to see that Josh made it home safely from overseas and hope he enjoys his 1911.

You took some wonderful photos involving the setting. Thank you for sharing.