In weddings, as in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Trying to balance budget and dreams can be a delicate balance. This year we were fortunate to go to many familiar locations, and quite a few new ones as well. These are several that didn’t make it to the blog, and we wanted to share them with you. Since engagement season is in full bloom, we know couples look to us for ideas on venues, and we try to share as many as we can both on our newly improved website, and on this blog.

Take a moment and reminisce with us as we remember these 2014 weddings and their venues. From the beach, to the vineyards, to the CBS Studios, we have so many wonderful memories from the past year.

The Bacara Resort & Spa in Goleta, just outside of Santa Barbara, was the setting for Ali & Graydon’s fun wedding. The day was perfect, with a brilliant blue sky and perfect temperatures to blend the outdoor and indoor settings that Ali had so carefully planned. It was so much fun to see Ali’s family again (we had done her brother Chris’s wedding to Shannon a few years back) and watch the gang party with Alan Reno‘s DJ skills.

Ashley & Steven’s wedding was country, vintage style all the way. The Lake Elizabeth Golf Course in Lake Hughes was the perfect spot for their fun, funky style. We just loved the mix of all the different shades of green for the bridesmaid’s dresses. The bride’s gown was perfect for the theme. As always, Cruz’s Bridal hit the nail on the head, and Acton Flowers provided the lovely country blooms for their special day.

We were at a familiar favorite for Atrina & James’ beautiful wedding, atop the hills of Burbank at The Castaway. The beautiful pink flowers and draping from Celebrate Flowers & Invitations looked lovely against the mountaintop background for their ceremony. As always it was fun working with Matthew Sutherland of Matrimony Films during the portraits and the lively reception.

Braemar Country Club is always elegant and a beautiful golf course location with a spectacular lake for dramatic wedding images. Jessica & Aaron really enjoyed their private time together with us after the ceremony on the course creating some magical shots. Special thanks to Tricia Dahlgren of Dahlgren Events for driving them around in the golf cart and helping out with all the details throughout the day. (DJ: Sean Lee of Masters of Ceremony)

Cruz’s Bridal provides more dresses for the brides we photograph than every other bridal shop combined! Adriana always take such great care at making sure every bride is stunning, comfortable and thrilled with her gown. Our friendship with Adriana and her wonderful family goes back over 25 years. It was indeed a special day when we photographed her son Andrew’s wedding to the beautiful Leah! We started at The Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara before heading over to the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara for the ceremony and reception. They tied the knot in perfect form and the day was just amazing from start to finish. Once again Tricia Dahlgren from Tricia Dahlgren Events, Matthew Sutherland from Matrimony Films, Charmaine’s Bouquet Canyon Florist, J & M Entertainment, By Invitation Only and of course the men were elegantly attired from Tuxedo Revue. It was a day filled with emotion and love and we can’t express in words how much it meant to us to share it with them.

Destiny brought together Maryanne & Jeff, and together with their children they celebrated their wedding at Knollwood Country Club. Maryanne was a stunning and playful bride — we just loved her sneak peek during the first look. We wish these two many years of happiness!

Another memorable wedding brought us to Leoness Cellars in Temecula Valley for Mikhaela & John’s storybook wedding. We’ve know Mikhaela and her sisters and family for over 20 years, and her wedding was an amazing day filled with tears and joy. All the searching they did to find the perfect spot to marry was worthwhile — the day was perfect and beautiful. Cruz’s Bridal helped Mikhaila find the perfect dress for this memorable day.

Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley is a hidden jewel — a beautiful venue for a garden wedding and elegant reception. Nicole & Eddie were so happy, it was contagious. Charmaine’s Bouquet Canyon Florist was with us once again to create the beautiful floral arrangements to match Nicole’s vision for her sunflower wedding. (DJ: Sean Lee of Masters of Ceremony)

We really don’t have favorites, but it was quite a nostalgic feeling for Jody to be on the CBS Backlot at CBS Studio Center for Ryan & Vinson’s magnificent wedding. Cruz’s Bridal helped Ryan, a costume designer, with the alterations on her stunning dress, and she was thrilled with the results. J & M provided the entertainment and the crowd rocked all night long. The day was awesome from start to finish.

Here’s to 2015, another year sure to be filled with amazing memories!