Julie and David::Married in San Diego

Julie is my cousin and by the time she contacted me about shooting her wedding, I’m quite certain my mom had already volunteered me for the job (thanks, mom). Of course I was honored at the opportunity, but I quickly disclaimered with a life rule that I hold to firmly: “you get what you pay for.”

When photography became more than just a hobby for me, I decided I would always continue to shoot family stuff for free. This is partially because it’s family and I’m sure there is some unwritten etiquette rule out there against charging your own flesh and blood for your time…but it is also because it’s family and I have no desire to field complaints or criticism about pictures I missed, blurred or otherwise botched from people that are overly comfortable telling me how it is.

I didn’t make her sign in blood or anything but when I was certain she understood my disclaimer (i.e. “you get what you pay for” + free=you get what you get), I happily agreed to shoot her wedding…and I’m so glad I did.

I knew, when this was her reaction to seeing her bouquet for the first time, that it was going to be a fantabulous day.

Julie was absolutely stunning. From the first few moments of getting ready…

…to the donning of the dress…

…to the completed look.

Love me some fancy bride shoes (unfortunately these shoes did not love back and Julie spent most of the day barefoot 🙂 )

Can you say bride model?

The first look…

FYI, this is what “in love” looks like.

These two totally dig each other and they were a blast to spend the day with. Hands down, favorite series of pics…

Of the many reasons I was excited to shoot this wedding, the setting was definitely a big one 🙂 Ah-Mazing.

melt. my. heart.

Meet the ladies…

(beautiful flowers by Krissy McArthur (who doubles as a second shooter when needed 🙂 )

…and Da Boys.

…and the Ah-DorAble little ring bearer and flower girl.

It was nearly impossible to choose a fav, but this is hands down, without question, the one…please print this as a canvas gallery wrap.

…and while I was up above shooting that, my amazingly talented assistant was down below grabbing this. Priceless.

a few final pics from the unbelievably beautiful Balboa Park…

Onto the Ceremony. As much as these two adore each other, they are quick to point to Their God and Savior as the source of their love and life and hope.
Love this pic of them worshipping.

love this too.

David was invited by some very popular bands to go on tour this summer as their drummer, but turned down the opportunity to marry his love. His musical talent, however,  is not just limited to “beat” and he surprised Julie by writing a song for her. Not too many dry eyes in the place. It was the sweetest.

And then there was toasting…

…and dancing

…and a fantastic day was had by all.
David is the 47th member of our family (unfortunately not all we’re able to attend). Number 48 and 49 are already on the way and before the ink was even dry on the marriage license David was being harassed about producing #50. Welcome to the family buddy.

Dear Julie: I think we broke my life rule with this one thanks to your amazing beauty both inside and out.
Dear David: Welcome to our chaos, er, I mean, our family. We come with our fair share of dysfunction, but you’ll never meet a group of people more passionate about life, more committed to Jesus, more invested in family or more willing to serve (not to mention our mad eating skills…someday you should ask Megan about the first time she met our whole clan when we left lunch and went straight to in-n-out burger 🙂 ). 
Dear both of you: it was an honor to capture your day. Feel free to fly me out to Southern Cal to take pics when #50 arrives:)