If you have ever been at a wedding Geri and I have photographed, you might have seen us trying to take pictures of plants, the sky, and other small, random objects. We love being able to photograph the wedding rings in new, unique and sometimes unusual ways. I wanted to share one of the images that I captured on Saturday at Lori and Derrick’s wedding.

We were struggling to capture the clouds in the sky and weren’t able to capture our “vision”…however…! think like this more!

Enjoy!

I, (Donna) was telling a friend this morning how amazed I am, that at every wedding we shoot, all the details just come together on the big day. Yesterday was no exception. Every detail was gorgeous, well-thought out and reflected what an amazing couple Lori and Derrick are! They were married at Centennial Park in Coronado and the day could not have been a more picture-perfect San Diego Day.

Lori was incredibly calm and poised and you could tell Derrick was marrying the woman of his dreams. They both glowed throughout the day!

Here is a sneak peek of how perfect the beginning of their future was.

Enjoy!

Another weekend is nearly upon us, and Donna and I are all geared up for another wedding. This one is tomorrow, Friday, July 24th. Today, Lori is a Miss, and within 24 hours from now, she’ll be Derrick’s Mrs. It’s going to be a fabulous day.

I was lucky enough to deliver a beautiful guest book to them this morning, and I got a peek at Lori’s beautiful gown. What a treat!!! I LOVE weddings! I don’t care how many I’ve been to as a photographer or guest, I still just love them, and the excitement they bring. Just wait until you see Lori on her day, and in her gown. Until then, enjoy some images from their engagement session.

We captured some amazing photos at Andi & Wesley’s amazing wedding. I guess that’s what happens when you’re an amazing couple. Here are a few for you to feast your eyes on. Enjoy!

Andi and Wes's big day!

When I left Geri tonight, she was showing the wedding guests her superior dance moves. Okay…I promised her those wouldn’t get posted here. Of course she will be bribing me with all kinds of good things from now on so I won’t. Just teasing Geri! As Geri noted in the previous post…she is a friend of the bride so she wore her two hats…her photographer magnifico hat and her party hat tonight. She is amazing at both!

I wanted to share the group photo we shot after the ceremony. We had the greatest, sweetest, kindest group of people to work with today and I want to thank each and every one of them for making today such a blast to photograph. When we work with people as wonderful as the ones we did today…it reinforces how lucky we are to do what we do and have such a great time doing it! 

Everything about today, down to the last detail, showed how special these two people are to have found each other and fallen in love. Congratulations on your special day Andi and Wes! I can not wait for you to see the rest of the images!

I also wanted to thank Christi Ransom for photographing with us today. Andi wanted to share today with Geri as her guest so Christi came to “fill in” the gaps for us. Christi is a wonderful friend and photographer and someday will be booking weddings every single weekend once people start to see her work! Thanks Christi! You are the best!

I promise more details to follow in the coming days. 

Enjoy!

Why a few days without a post?  Because we live in the most beautiful city in the nation, and people come here to visit.  We  have had the pleasure of guests staying with us here at Casa Bella Vida (aka, the Goodale house), and the most recent guests have been in town for Andi & Wesley’s wedding. That’s right, not only are Donna and I the photographers, but I’m also a personal friend of the couple, and we share some amazing friends. Friends like Sarah and Matt Knapp who stayed here at our home a few days. There are many of us who can hardly wait until the day when Sarah & Matt move to San Diego!*

*Disclaimer: The Knapps have not said they are moving back here (yet). I’m just trying to manifest that idea into reality, and typing it out is bound to help, right? Still no pressure, Sarah. Ha ha.

Now on to the real and most wonderful reason Sarah & Matt, as well as many other friends and family have come together… Wes & Andi’s Wedding! The time has come. Saturday is the day. All the preparation and the planning is about to be revealed. And the very best part, the only part that truly matters, is that Andi and Wes will be saying their vows to each other. They found each other in this big world because they belong together. They are each other’s destiny, their forever.

Believe it or not…we got a lot done! Our associates kept themselves busy just long enough that we were able to create to-do lists that will allow us to continue working on business related things early in the morning or late at night…whenever we find the time! I have to say everyone should look into a job that you can stop and have three cake breaks whenever the need arises….can you imagine the happiness factor?

Here are a few images from our day!

Enjoy!

I love this image of these two!

Being moms as well as photographers, means that our kids are around our work all the time. I know that for me (Geri), I will often joke with clients saying something like, “my assistants and I will be delivering your portraits.” Which is just code for, my kids will be with me.

Our children have really been there through all of this growing we’re doing. They are truly the greatest blessings EVER, and they support and encourage us. True, there are times when they are just done with watching us work crazy hours or sticking a camera in their face, but overall, they like what we do and help however they can.

We are proud to announce  that from now on, our little helpers will no longer be referred to as Assistants, but have received the title they have worked hard for… Associates. Thank you guys for all that you do, and all that you bring to our lives. We love you so much more than words can say.

Meet our Associates, Charlie, Cassi & Colton.

At this time, I would like to give a very big thank you to Associate Cassi for being incredibly thoughtful. She baked a cake for us and covered it with homemade frosting to celebrate the launch of the website and blog. She even decorated the cake with colors to match our blog! We have had a lot of great feedback on the site and blog, but I don’t know of much that can top the thoughtfulness of a 10 year old going to such lengths to honor us. Thank you VERY much, Cassi!