Danielle and Andrew’s wedding was our last Studio Z wedding for 2011. They got married the weekend before Thanksgiving at The Admiral Kidd Club in Point Loma. It was supposed to be an outdoor ceremony, with the stunning San Diego Skyline as their backdrop, but the weather did not want to cooperate with us and it started to rain; I mean it poured. That being said, the ceremony ended up being in the reception room at The Admiral Kidd CLub, which turned out to be amazing. The city skyline lit up brightly and the raindrops hitting the window, made for an even better backdrop. The best part is we did all of the photos before the ceremony and literally made it inside in the nick of time before the rain started. We were able to capture so much and we were all very happy. Everything turned out beautifully. Danielle and Andrew we enjoyed working with the two of you and we wish you all the best in your new adventure together. ~Michelle

Palm trees, a fall desert day, blue skies, equals, Kandee and Steve’s wedding day in Palm Springs.  They got married at a private home in Palm Springs, an exquisite, perfect spot for a small and quaint wedding.  Kandee, looked stunning in her gorgeous gown and her beautiful smile.  Kandee, being a professional photographer herself, did not miss a beat in the planning of her wedding day, tiny details and all.  I am not going to lie, it was a bit nerve wracking photographing another photographers wedding.  But, everything went better than expected and a little birdie already told us that Kandee & Steve love their photos.

Kandee and Steve are so adorable together, I adored the way they make one another laugh.  The look in their eyes when they talk and share their moment; it’s as if they are in their own little world. Kandee and Steve, Bill and I truly enjoyed capturing your day, through our vision and our passion.  Thank you for entrusting with us on this most intimate day in your lives.  ~Michelle

Morgan and Travis got married on a gorgeous fall afternoon, in Santa Monica at the ever so stunning and unique St. Monica Catholic Church.  The architecture was amazing and a perfect place for this perfect match to become one.  Morgan glowed as she walked down the aisle, with her dad by side to her future, a natural beauty.  I still remember, vividly, the look in Travis’s eyes and the tears falling down his cheeks as he watched his bride walk down the aisle.  The reception was at Loews Santa Monica, another perfect fit for Morgan and Travis’s celebration.  The toasts had the whole room laughing and in tears, including, myself.  Amazing family and friends.  The best part was the dancing, everyone was dancing, I LOVE it, when their isn’t one person sitting.  :)  Morgan and Travis, what an amazing day!!  Bill and I are honored to have been able to capture it.  CONGRATULATIONS!! ~Michelle

Today was a beautiful day for Kate and Charlie’s wedding at the gorgeous Admiral Kidd Club in San Diego. Having the beautiful San Diego skyline as your backdrop, as you say your vows and the perfect blue sky, I do not think it can get any better than that. Kate looked like an angel as she walked down the aisle in her wedding dress and her sweet smile. The ceremony was intimate and perfect. Congratulations Kate and Charlie! ~Michelle and Bill

Kate and Charlie’s Fabulous Vendors:

The Venue:  Admiral Kidd Club 

Event Coordinator: Julie of The Best Wedding For You 

Florist:  Elements of Style 

Officiant:  Pastor Mike  

Ceremony Musicians: Caprice Strings 

DJ: Mick of Elite British DJ 

Cake: Flour Power  

Magician:  Kevin Viner Magic  

Transportation:  Elite Image Limousine 

I have never had so much fun at a wedding in my life.  I saw relatives and friends that I haven’t seen face to face in over 15 years!  It was so much fun to catch up and reminisce about the past!  Also, my grandfather, who will be 93 this coming march was there for the wedding and even cut it up on the dance floor later that night!

The entire day couldn’t have been better.  I started out by eating about a half dozen of Dunkin’ Donuts and a giant coffee.  Yes, we do not have Dunkin’ in California and I tend to over-indulge when I visit the east coast!  Michelle and I met Jen in the bridal suite and photographed her getting ready before I left to meet the guys in a park over by the church.  The ceremony was beautiful and the church had some amazing natural light spilling in from all sides.  I’m stoked when I don’t need to use my tripod!!

After the ceremony, we photographed the romantics and bridal party at some various parks before finishing up at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington.  Perfect weather, perfect timing and everything went so smoothly!

Finally the reception came around and that’s kind of where Michelle took over.  I wanted to dance, drink, talk and catch up with all my family.  My partner grabbed the reigns and photographed most of the reception and let me play a bit.

Everyone had a great time and my sister never looked more beautiful.  Jen, I am so happy for you and Larry and I wish you two nothing but the best in your future together.  – Your Brother Bill

I LOVE Marisa and Dennis together. Talk about a perfect match. I LOVE how they make one another laugh and how their personalities compliment the other.  They planned their wedding day perfectly as well.  The ceremony was at  The Founders Chapel at USD.  After the ceremony we ventured over to The Corvette Diner in Point Loma to take some fun photos, then to Balboa Park for their formals, then we ended the photo session at Marissa and Dennis’ favorite bars in the Gaslamp to enjoy their favorite cocktail.  To top it off, Marisa and Dennis picked the perfect spot for the reception.  The unique and fun Culy Trucking Warehouse, located, right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.  This was our first time shooting here and it was awesome and truly the perfect spot for this amazing couple.  Congratulations Marissa and Dennis! ~Michelle

 If you would like to view ALL of Marisa and Dennis’s wedding photos. Please CLICK HERE.

Marisa and Dennis’s Fabulous Vendors:

Wedding Dress:  Here Comes the Bride  

Event and Lighting Coordinator:  Spangler Event Productions /Mike Spangler  

Ceremony:  Founders Chapel at USD 

Venue: Culy Warehouse 

Caterer: Culinary Concepts 

Cake: Extraordinary Desserts 

DJ Drew: Unity Sounds 

Bright Blue skies, crisp air, delicious wine, Napa Valley, the perfect location for Cassandra and Jason’s wedding. They got married at a quaint and unique vineyard called V. Sattui Winery. V. Sattui Winery, located in the heart of Napa Valley, is a small family winery founded in 1885. It is a romantic setting reminiscent of old age wineries of France and Italy and is surrounded by manicured gardens, lawns, giant oak trees and 35 acres of vineyards.

Cassandra was breathtaking in her dress, it looked like it was made just for her. Cassandra’s natural beauty and warm heart, there is no wonder Jason couldn’t keep his eyes off of her.

Cassandra & Jason, you made a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to photograph a wedding in Napa Valley and you trusted me to capture this most special day for you. I thank you and it was an honor to meet your family and friends.

Much Love,
Michelle

Last spring, Elyse’s mom called me to see if I was available in September to photograph her daughter Elyse’s wedding.  She had said to me, “you photographed my daughter Laura’s wedding a few years back and we do wouldn’t have anyone else capture this special day for us, we love your work.”  I was so excited and honored to once again work with this amazing family, so humble and kind.  I photographed Elyse and Phil’s engagement session at the beginning of the summer up in Captiola Beach, so I really got to know the two of them very well.  Completely, perfect for one another and so humble.  Today was pure magic, a beautiful southern California day in Carlsbad with a magical sunset.  The ceremony was like a fairy tale, they even had a dear friend of there’s sing in Italian; magical.  Elyse had a sparkle in her eyes the entire day, she was glowing and so pretty.  I think I have to say that today was PERFECT!!!!  Congratulations Elyse and Phil on this new journey together. ~Michelle

If you would like to view all of Elyse and Phil’s wedding photos when they are available | Click Here

Elyse and Phil’s Dream Team

Elyse’s Wedding Dress: Brides by Demetrios 

Elyse’s Bridesmaids: Bride by Demetrios 

Phil and Groomsmen: Friar Tux Shop  

Wedding & Reception: Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel 

Pastor: Dave Webber

Chair Covers: Duchess of Chairs

Caterer: Karl Straus Brewing Company 

Photography: Studio Z  

Videographer: Joe Park Wedding Cinematography 

DJ: Disc Go Round

Florist: Rae Florae 

Cake:  VG Donuts 

I have always loved this quote and I wanted to share it, with you, Stephanie and Jon.  As I was editing your wedding photos, I could not stop smiling. Stephanie’s smile is not only contagious, but it is so beautiful. Stephanie, you literally light up a room with your smile and Jon, the way she smiles, every time you speak to her, touch her or simply just look at her.  It’s almost as you fall in love with one another over and over again.  See, I am smiling right now!!!

Today was nothing less than perfect.  The stunning bright colors that Stephanie picked for the bouquet’s and the girls’ fun yellow dresses. The sun was shining and then there was that smile again!  Stephanie and Jon decided to see one another before the ceremony at The Hotel Del Coronado.  We did the first sighting in the courtyard at The Del. It was pretty funny, because I think Stephanie had more photos taken of her by the tourist’s that were visiting the hotel, than Bill and I had taken of her the whole day.  It was hilarious, but I am not going to lie, they were getting in my way and cramping my style (LOL). There is a definite reason why I am not a paparazzi photographer and I think Stephanie now knows what is must feel like to be a Pop Star. The look on Jon’s face when he saw his bride to be for the first time will forever, I am sure, be stamped in Stephanie’s heart and mind. A beautiful ceremony, into an unforgettable reception, which, once again made for a PERFECT day.

Bill and I are so very honored to be the ones to be able to capture this day through our vision and our passion.

Much Love,

Michelle

Stephanie and Jon’s Dream Team

Venue: Coronado Community Center  

Wedding Coordinator:  The Best Wedding For You, Julie Scrivener

Ceremony Music: Elite British DJ, Mick Scrivener

Officiant: Fr. Ben Bachmeier 

Florist:  KO Florals, Kristin

Caterer: Ranch Events  

Cake:  It’s A Piece of  Cake 

DJ: Elite British DJ, Mick Scrivener

Flip Books (These are AWESOME!!!): A Little Scene  

Transportation:  Rolls Livery  

Photographers: Studio Z, Bill Rice and Michelle Zuniga

Videographer: Jabtroine Pictures