Brian & Gina
As a vintage lover myself I seem to get a lot of vintage inspired weddings. Brides that have a love for vintage also love classic photography. Gina and I were a great match because I too prefer to stay away from current trends and special effects to keep the photos timeless and not dated. Wedding photos are unlike pictures in a magazine that are only seen for the current month; they are heirlooms that are viewed for generations. They can be classic but still portray a sense of place and emotion.
When I photographed Gina & Brian’s wedding I used a mix of film and digital cameras to achieve a classic and up-to-date coverage. I also shot a lot of black & white images to interpret the retro styling that was the theme of her wedding.
Gina wore a short cocktail length dress reminiscent of the 50’s by Dolly Couture. Dolly Couture specializes in vintage style gowns for the bride that wants to be unique. She paired it with a black sash,black velvet platforms and a classic bird cage veil from Dolly Couture as well.
San Diego based makeup artist Tara Roller completed the look for all the girls with red lips,defined brows,and black liner. Not only did she have a true understanding of how to achieve an authentic 50s look, she was very professional,timely and an absolute doll.
For Brian’s look to compliment Gina’s non traditional gown he wore a black suit with flat front trousers and a skinny tie as opposed to the traditional tux. I think they look fabulous. Brian pulls off the classic mobster look well!! The suits were from Friar Tux.
Seeing each other prior to the wedding can be memorable. Pictured above is Brian on the way to see his bride for the first time that day while she anxiously awaits out of his view.
The wedding colors were a timeless black & white with dramatic splashes of red. Wine country florist Fifi from Finicky Flowers designed a dramatic bouquet with deep red roses. The roses where highlighted with crystals in the center and black ostrich feathers that added a modern flair.
Many California weddings go by so quickly that seeing each other prior gives the bride and groom more time to enjoy their day together along with friends and family.
Non traditional brides such as Gina understand that wedding planning doesn’t have rules, only traditions. The non traditional bride does what she believes suits her best and creates new traditions. Gina had her best friend/maid-of-honor walk her down the isle. I love the bff energy and excitement on their faces.
All the bridesmaids looked sexy and classic with their not-just-for-wedding mid length wiggle dresses from StopStaring.com. They were form fitting and super flattering making the wedding party photos so fun to shoot as each girl channeled her inner pin-up.
No extra stretch limos here! A vintage style wedding calls for a red 55 chevy!! Friends Laura and Todd Shobert that were in the wedding party brought theirs along for the day. We had a blast taking pictures with it! I behaved and didnt ask anyone to sit on the hood.
The wedding and reception was at the gorgeous Ponte Winery in Temecula, California. Ponte winery is super photogenic. Every corner provides a photo op. I love the cypress trees,hedges and rose gardens. The vine covered bridal room is also incredible for photos!!
The reception was held in the barrel room & coordinated by the fabulous DJ’s Steppin Out-In-Style. The DJ’s were a brides and photographers dream. I love DJ’s that keep the guests entertained and follow the pace of the crowd all the while keeping me posted of important events!
The cake,which I crave when not shooting weddings, was from Jodees Bakery . It was a beautiful classic style with no adornment except a crisp black ribbon,red flowers and a sparkly monogram P on top.
