FAQ: Weddings

How do you know this "crazy" idea will work?

Well...first hand experience! In just two weeks, I planned my own surprise 2007 Thanksgiving Day wedding to my now husband from a hotel room in Texas complete with a gorgeous dress from The White Dress in Corona del Mar, designer shoes, florals, seating, archway, mini cakes, and champagne. Our maid-of-honor and best man found out THAT DAY!
Since it was a surprise to my family, I also made Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, prime rib, and all the sides. Whew! It was one of the most fun moments of our lives and would do it again!

Who is your ideal couple to work with?

My ideal couple are fun and romantic, ones who want to capture and treasure the quality of their lives through their own intimate experiences. They have a solid group of family and/or friends who fully support their union and will be their confidants for many years to come. While they may miss some aspects of a traditional reception, their budget is dedicated to the luxurious quality in the details and experience from the location, dress, florals, cake, and paper goods.

What is the difference between an elopement and intimate wedding?

Traditionally, an elopement means a couple gets married in secret. An elopement is generally spur-of-the-moment and more ceremony-focused. You have the opportunity to elope at a historical courthouse or dream destination and can be as fancy or casual as you imagine. You also have the opportunity for an extended portrait session allowing you to explore your ceremony location without worrying about sticking to a wedding day timeline. You can also plan for a mini cake and champagne ceremony to celebrate!
An intimate wedding is a wedding with a very small guest list of about 20 people. Intimate weddings are generally booked in a private location, like a home, allowing the couple to celebrate with the most important supporters of their relationship. Couples usually want to focus on the "quality not the quantity" of their wedding day allowing you to splurge on the details like her dream dress and shoes, florals, table arrangements, and/or, if you're a foodie, a customized food and drink menu.
Ultimately, the focus remains on you instead of the complications and fuss of prolonged wedding planning.

Do you shoot larger, traditional weddings?

Absolutely! To preserve my quality of life, I open up a limited amount of dates for weddings lasting 6 or more hours.

What is included in your wedding packages?

Because of the flexible nature of elopements and intimate weddings, our photography packages include a special portrait session of just the couple capturing them in the details and location that make their day unique.
Additionally, if an intimate wedding is booked, candid photography of your guests and highlights of your reception will be captured. In about 4 weeks, you will receive a private gallery to download your images as well as access to shop timeless gifts and keepsakes.
A second photographer is highly recommended for larger weddings at "market rate" and will be chosen and employed by me.

Where are you based and do you travel?

I'm based in sunny San Clemente, California, located right in the middle of Los Angeles and San Diego. I'm within 10 miles of some of the most gorgeous coastline and open fields in Southern California.
However, with a good audio book or podcast, I don't mind a road trip!
Due to fuel costs and time, I do charge a travel fee of $100 if the location is 50 miles or more from 92672 one-way.
75 miles or more one-way from 92672 is $250. More than that will require the cost of a 1-night stay at a 3-star hotel room of my choice.

How do you photograph proposals if it's a surprise?

I love photographing proposals because it's one of the few times in the wedding process when only one in the couple creatively plans the surprise. I will work closely with you in location scouting and timing so it all goes smoothly. Afterward, we spend time in the first moments of your excitement with a portrait session, perfect for announcements!

Are you insured?

Yes. I have property and liability insurance with Hill & Usher.

Do you charge location fee and/or photography permits?

I do not. However, the city and/or location you chose may require a location fee and/or photography permit. I can assist you in inquiring about those fees and getting the application(s) started.

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Absolutely!
I planned my own surprise wedding while on a work trip in 2 weeks before GOOGLE was even a thing. So you can totally do this!
I can refer you to some wonderful local vendors who I've had the fortune of working with before.