I recently took a trip to New York with some friends and had the opportunity to meet (in person) this lovely gal, Dawn Marie West. I've known and talked to her for 5 years now through the Academy of Art's online classes. After 5 years of online/long-distance friendship, we finally got to hang out in person and it was magnificent. We took the opportunity to do a quick session - and what a fun one it was! We spent about an hour chasing after the sunset. Here are some of favorites!

P.S. You might noticed I used her full name - Dawn Marie West. I don't usually do this, but I've done it here because she is also a photographer and everyone should go check out her work: http://dawnmariewest.net/.

This semester is my last semester of school (YAY!) and I am required to take the Senior Portfolio class. This gives me freedom to go out and create the kind of images I want to be creating. This was my first shoot strictly for my portfolio, so here are a few of my favorites with the lovely Anna!

P.S. Thank you to Adriana Herrera for being the make-up artist and hair stylist for the day!

 

I’d like to start of this post by saying Melissa was one of the most energetic and fun loving brides that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Her energy and enthusiasm throughout the entire day was truly inspirational to me as I worked alongside them for our entire weekend together! Melissa and Ivan's personalities are a perfect compliment to each other and their love for each other was sooo apparent thru the entire day.  There were many laughs and quite a few kisses and it was truly a magical night for all to remember.

This was such a fun wedding to shoot. The day began at a beach house in San Diego, where the ladies prepped with hair and makeup in the master suite while the guys got ready in the pool house. We then headed to Balboa Park for the first look and portraits. The ceremony took place in the beautiful Alcazar Garden. After the ceremony, their 28 guests were escorted from the ceremony site to the private dinner location at The Prado. The couple and their guests then enjoyed a low key night back at the beach house!

 Melissa & Ivan – I wish you nothing but love and happiness, it was truly an honor and privilege to share this special day with you guys! Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

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And I'm sharing that last photo because I think it sums up pretty good how all newlyweds feel by the end of their wedding day. ;)