From our very first conversations, I fell in love with Michele & Ben! I knew that our associate, Brandon, would be a great fit for this amazing couple. They have such an incredible story of love & loss. A few months before their wedding, we met to discuss the day. Michele & Ben told me they had recently received news of Michele’s mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. I was so affected by Ben’s tenderness towards Michele. This is what makes a beautiful marriage, and I’m so happy these two have found each other. I just love the way Brandon captured the spirit of these two beautiful souls. Their ceremony took place at the gorgeous Trinity Episcopal Church, and reception at the Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara…it was a celebration of lives well lived and new beginnings. Congratulations, Michele & Ben! xo

A big thanks to Rebecca Gigandet of Imagine Weddings & Special Events for doing such a wonderful job coordinating this special day. Also, my ridiculously talented friends over at Shade Tree Films did an AMAZING job putting together a short film from the wedding for Michele’s mother to view before she passed away. It’s a MUST WATCH film. And be sure to read the Blog post before watching the film!

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From the first time I met Brooke and Damian, I knew that I was going to LOVE working with them!  It is always an amazing and intense experience for me when a couple lets down their guard and completely trusts me to capture their most intimate moments…it’s authentic and beautiful, and so fulfilling for me as an artist. I’m crazy about these two, and can’t wait to share their gorgeous Gainey Vineyard Wedding in Santa Ynez! I know it’s going to be spectacular! Brooke & Damian, it was so great spending the day with you in Santa Barbara, and can’t wait to do it again!…xo…joy

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I’m fresh off my trip to Vegas for the annual photography convention, WPPI, and a whirlwind travel schedule for several shoots! Dear Blog, You’ve been so patient with me…please forgive my neglect! I can’t think of a better way to get this party started again than with one of the CUTEST, kindest and most adorable couples I’ve met, Natalie & Curt! I had such an amazing & fun time with Natalie & Curt during their Santa Barbara Engagement session. I am crazy about these two…such beautiful people inside & out!! I am positive that their May wedding at the Montecito Country Club is going to be INCREDIBLE!!

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With my plate absolutely full with summer weddings, I was actually sort of bummed that I hadn’t yet had a chance to Blog Heather & Chad’s beautiful Bacara Resort Wedding in lovely Santa Barbara, but thank you Style Me Pretty for featuring it in your Little Black Book of favorite vendors, and allowing this gorgeous wedding to see the light of day! And thank you Jill LaFleur for doing such an amazing job, as always!

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I’ll have more to share about these two lovely people when I post their entire santa barbara wedding in a couple of weeks. For now, here’s a little sneaky peeky from Heather & Chad’s Bacara Resort wedding!

Two of my favorite people in the whole world, Shariyah & Cameron, whose Santa Barbara Wedding I shot a few weeks back, are finalists in The Knot’s “Beautiful Love Stories” Contest. They’ve made it to the Top 5 Finalists out of nearly 3,000 entries! WOW!! Shariyah & Cameron are incredible people, and after you read their love story, you’ll know why! Check out their story at this link to The Knot, and if you’re moved by it, show some love and VOTE! I know you will be. I sure was! Shariyah & Cameron can receive a new vote from you everyday between now and October 7th. Let’s help ‘em win!! Congrats, Shariyah & Cameron. You deserve to win! You’ve got my vote!

I love it when two genuine, kind-hearted people find each other, and decide to spend their lives together. Not only are Crystal & Keith two of the kindest people I’ve ever met, but they have a circle of family & friends who share that same spirit. I knew this was going to be a great wedding after I met up with Crystal & Keith for their engagement session. Many of you know that I LOVE Santa Barbara weddings, and this one was no different! The day began with a beautiful ceremony at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. I then had the opportunity to spend a little time with just Crystal & Keith. Santa Barbara has no shortage of great shooting spots, and we hit some of my faves! Their reception was held at the AMAZING Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. Thanks so much, Crystal & Keith, for a wonderful day and new friendships!

grandma's hanky...

Crystal is one GORGEOUS bride!

Be sure to let Crystal & Keith know what you think about their wedding pics!

Every wedding, I have the honor of shooting is another amazing opportunity to capture a new love story. Shariyah & Cameron have a very sweet, deeply spiritual love story, and their Santa Barbara wedding was a magnificent reflection of that. They traveled all the way from New Zealand to say their vows at the historic Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. It was a rich & beautiful day, and an incredible reminder to all present of what marriage is really all about. Thank you Shariyah & Cameron, and your loving families, for allowing me to be a part of such an AMAZING day! Be sure to check out their amazing wedding Slideshow!

one of my all-time favorites!

Shariyah and her sisters, who by the way were raised by an INCREDIBLE mother in an Amish community. Hard to believe, right!?!

there were a lot tears flowing, but something about this moment after Cameron seated his mother at the ceremony completely melted my heart!

I’m sure Shariyah & Cameron would love to hear what you think (and I would too!). Feel free to leave comments….

Can’t wait to share more from Shariyah & Cameron’s INCREDIBLE Santa Barbara wedding this past weekend!! Stay tuned…