I woke up this morning to the sound of rain outside, which made me VERY happy because I love rain. Sometimes I think that maybe I was meant to live in Seattle. Then again, I can’t complain, San Diego does provide beautiful weather that is ESPECIALLY ideal for photography. So I’m crossing my fingers that it won’t rain this weekend because we have several engagement sessions in San Francisco. COME ON SUN!

So, on another note…Monday blog post time! I’ve had my coffee and am fully recovered from all the holiday parties this weekend (KISSmas party ROCKED and we for sure got our dance on…although a little bummed because Rico totally BLEW AWAY the dance off, did the worm and everything and he SHOULD HAVE WON! anyways, that’s my expert opinion), and I’m ready to share with you the fabulous Trash the Dress session that we did with Amanda & Paul. Remember these two whose wedding we shot back in July? Well we met up with them again for their Trash the Dress session last month. We started out in downtown LA where we were able to take advantage of some of the graffiti there (LOVE graffiti). Then we headed over to the Santa Monica pier because every wedding dress needs to go in the ocean sometimes right? Amanda was as stunning as ever and totally rocked the pink boots (love them!) AND the camera….which I wasn’t surprised about because she’s seriously amazing, trust me, it’s true.  Ok, so I think perhaps the second pot of coffee is calling my name so I’ll leave you to the pictures, they’re MUCH  more exciting than I am FOR SURE. Enjoy the fabulousness that is Amanda and Paul!

Hello and happy Thursday to you all my friends! Despite the fact that I’m completely SWAMPED this week (sorry if my emails are delayed, I’ve had so many that I dream about them!), I’m in a particularly good mood. So since I’m in such a good mood, I thought I’d say hello to you all twice this week! This post is going to be kind of like two posts in one. I have a lot of brides asking me for tips on how to plan for the photography of their wedding day and I thought, “hey, why don’t I share this with all our readers!” Really FAQs, if you will. So, first I’m going to go over some FAQs about planning for your wedding day photography, and THEN I have a treat for you. I want to share with you some pictures of the ADORABLE couple, Jon & Rachel. More on them later because I like saving best for last, onto my FAQs/Tips:

What time should my ceremony start if it is taking place outdoors? I get this question a lot and I’m glad, because from a photography perspective this is VERY important. We photographers, we love light. We’d seriously eat it for dinner if we could, however, like most good things in life it’s nice to have a balance. This is why we generally schedule most of our shoots for the late afternoon, the sun isn’t so direct that it is overpowering and causes harsh shadows, but it’s high enough to provide the beautiful lighting that we all love. So, that being said, I would always suggest that if your ceremony is outdoors and you are doing your portraits after the ceremony, then you should schedule your ceremony to start 2.5 hours before sunset. That way your ceremony and your portraits will all have the best lighting conditions possible. Now, if you really really really want to have your ceremony take place at night under the stars, it is just good to keep in mind that your photographer will have to use flash, which is fine, they should be well trained in that area, however just remember that the pictures will not be naturally lit. If you are having a later ceremony then I suggest doing your portraits beforehand and having a first look.

What is a first look and is it important? SERIOUSLY LOVE the first look. This is when the bride and groom decide to see each other before the ceremony and have a special moment alone beforehand, followed by portraits and then the ceremony. Now, from a photographer’s standpoint this is ideal because it allows us more time for your portraits and brings the stress factor down a bit. This is because there are no guests waiting at the reception antsy to get the party started, and there is optimal light. From a non photographer standpoint I also think this is ideal because it’s seriously such a great and special moment for the bride and groom to connect before the ceremony. The look on a groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time is priceless, this still happens at the first look AND he has the ability to be alone with her and tell her right then and there how beautiful she looks. Seriously, some of the best moments for me to witness have been these first looks. Ok, so, I understand that it is the dream of many brides to have the first time her groom sees her to be when she’s walking down the aisle, and that is totally ok! The most important thing for you and your wedding is that you do what is more “you.” Your photogs should respect and support the priorities you have for your wedding and that first moment. I just wanted to give you our perspective on this topic all the while assuring you that we will stand by you whatever you decide! I would suggest however that if you do decide to wait to see each other that you make sure to schedule enough time for all the portraits afterwards…..

How much time should I schedule for portraits? Great question and very important! Scheduling enough time to do your portraits is key for optimal wedding photography results (and happy photogs, and we really are fun when we’re happy…I promise). My recommendations are 2.5 hours for all portraits if you are doing them before the ceremony (this includes bridal party shots, individual portraits, together, etc). This will give you enough time to get all desired shots and then have some down time just before the ceremony for any needed touch ups (make up is important to us ladies!!!!). If you are not seeing each other before the ceremony then I recommend scheduling an hour and fifteen minutes before the ceremony for your individual portraits and then shots with your groomsmen or bridesmaids. Then, I’d schedule another hour and fifteen minutes after the ceremony for your family group portraits, full bridal party, and those of the two of you. Any longer than this when guests are waiting can be too much, but any shorter than this might just not be enough (depending on the size of your bridal party and the number of family shots). Remember what i told you about light though, be sure to check in advance when the sun is going to set and then make sure you have enough time before sunset for these pictures for nice naturally lit shots.

oh man, it seems that I am writing a novel here! I’m a photographer though, and not a writer so I think I’ll stop for now. Don’t you worry, there are more tips to come like making a shot list etc, but I’ll let you chew on this for now. ALSO, if you have any other questions you’d like publicly answered, feel free to leave those in the comments section. You know what? You should comment anyways…in fact, I DARE YOU to comment. Now you have to, it’s the law and don’t make me call my lawyer (she’s tough)!

ok ok, and I know I keep going on and on but just a little fyi as to the happenings of STUDIOcastillero. I wanted to let you all know that we unfortunately will not be scheduling anymore portrait sessions this month. We adore them but we are maxed out people!!! January though, bring it! And on that note, we are quickly filling up for next year’s wedding bookings. So, if you’re planning on getting married next year and would like to book with us for your wedding photography, I strongly urge you to do that sooner than later since we’re booking all the way into 2011 (also, on the DL…you might want to secure our 2009 rates before the end of the year…just a hint). Thanks again and love you all!

JON rachel

Just a quick word about this sweet couple I’m sharing with you here. This is Rachel and Jon and I seriously can’t resisting smiling whenever I even THINK about them. She lives in Cali, he lives in Canada so when we did their engagement session in Balboa Park three days before the wedding, they were REALLY EXCITED to be with each other. Then the same for their wedding! It took place at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook and was one of the happiest weddings I’ve EVER shot (no joke). Imagine going from SUPER EXTREME OTHER COUNTRY long distance to married. Since I’ve talked your ear off already today, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Rachel and Jon (Jonah) we adore you and may you be completely blessed in your new marriage! Next time you’re back in Cali, it is a must that we hang out, yes, a must. So here you have it, the engagement session AND wedding of Rachel and Jon!