Danielle & Travis Engagement Sitting at Paradise Beach in Malibu captures the fun and romance of this couple.

The weather can either be a friend or foe when you are an event photographer.  We are always carefully tuned in to the weather channel whenever we have location sessions.  The weather in Valencia could be beautiful, and an hour away at the beach, it could be raining.  We had to reschedule Danielle & Travis’s engagement session once due to wind and rain, so we were really hoping for good weather last Sunday.  We had made it through our wedding on Saturday without any drops falling (there was a 20% chance), so we felt confident to try it again with the same prediction on Sunday.

We left Valencia with rain imminent, but as we drove further south and through the San Fernando Valley and across the 101, the skies were blue and with puffy white clouds.  It was overcast again by the time we reached PCH.  Danielle and Travis were right on time for our meeting, although a little nervous.  Danielle was anxious to make sure we captured the fun, romantic couple they were.  We were sure it would be easy- just look at these two-and the girl is a dancer-just look at those legs!  Now that is what we calling jumping for joy.  We knew they were going to make us look good.

Within minutes they were warmed up-although the beach got pretty cool later…and having fun.  It was easy to capture this fun loving couple and their slide show is even more evidence of their playful personalities.  They really bring out the best in one another.  Don’t miss the shot Dave snapped of Danielle clowning in the background as I was showing her where to sit.

Luck really was on our side, because as we got to our cars to brush off the sand and change shoes- the rain started!  Thank goodness for the hot clam chowder at the Paradise Beach Cafe.  Now that is what I call perfect timing for a perfect couple!

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Debbie & Andrew’s Wedding Under Blue Skies at the Westlake Village Inn is a Perfect Day

Debbie & Andrew were referred to us over a year ago by our long time friend Carol Bloom (check out the last photo to see the redheads together-Jody & Carol).  Debbie’s mom Diane and I were convinced that we had in fact met each other several times over the past twenty-five years- at Bloom family events.  We really felt like this was a family affair – we saw so many people we knew at the wedding, but I will save that info for a later post.  Right now I want to get this post up so the non-Facebook family members can see some photos.

It seems crazy that we actually worried about the possibility of rain if you look at the amazing blue skies in these image…but you know how the weather forecast can be.  I guess they wouldn’t call it weather if it wasn’t for the fact that they don’t know whether or not it’s going to happen.  The day was picture perfect in every way and this romantic couple made us feel giddy with happiness for them. It just goes to show you that planning really pays off and you can’t beat the Tuscan Garden at the Westlake Village Inn for the perfect wedding ceremony location.  R & R Creative Photography is always happy to work at this amazing venue known for its beauty and the great service you receive.

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Kaiti and Jakes’s Wedding – Proud Marine and Loving Beauty Marry in Hyatt Valencia Rose Garden

We previously featured this loving couple with their puppy Tucker in their engagement portraits at Vasquez Rocks.  We knew their wedding would be a wonderful day surrounded with friends and family from all over the country.  The bridal party was filled with Marines celebrating with their brother and friend- and boy do they know how to party.  We could not fight the feeling all day long that Kaiti & Jake were meant to be- from the joy on both of their faces as they exchanged vows to the tender way they treated each other.

Considering how many times we have done getting ready shots of  brides in rooms at the Hyatt, it was amazing that on Kaiti & Jake’s wedding day their suite had a perfect view of the American flag in front of the Hyatt.  We were so excited to be able to capture the dress  with the flag flapping in the wind behind it.  The red Rolls Royce was the perfect color coordinated surprise for photos after the beautiful ceremony in the rose garden at the Hyatt Valencia.  R & R Creative Photography has enjoyed the pleasure of photographing events at the Hyatt since they opened.

We are dedicating this post today in honor of Memorial Day with Gratitude for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and appreciation to all those who continue to serve.  Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of meeting all of you and your wonderful families and the privilege of creating these memories for you.  We will not forget you.

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Amanda & Ryan’s Santa Barbara Courthouse and Leadbetter Beach Ultimate Engagement Session

We were looking forward to a Monday afternoon getaway from the studio to Santa Barbara for an engagement session.  We had not shot at the Santa Barbara Courthouse in several years and remembered it fondly and  Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara is one of our favorite beaches. So, we knew we were in for an awesome day!  We had diligently been checking the weather forcast to make sure it wasn’t too cold or windy and everything looked perfect. There was a great surprise at the end of the day that we could not have even imagined.

We met Mandi and Ryan downtown near the courthouse and they were ready to go with lots of great clothing options and changes.  We kept teasing this dedicated nurse and hunky paramedic that they were like Barbie & Ken- adorable, beautiful, handsome and ready to play!  So play we did- exploring every nook and cranny of the courthouse, capturing the incredible warm light at the end of the day on the beach, and climbing up and down the rocks to get just the right shots.  They were game for anything, and not afraid to get just a little wet.  The only thing that stopped us after hours of shooting was the setting sun and wet clothing.  Wow!  We could not wait to work on these images and we hope you like the creative effects we used on them.  We are sure they will end up on the R & R Creative Photography website in the near future.

Ryan casually asked us at the car what our plans were next.  We said we would probably get a bite to eat and head back across the 126 towards home.  Ryan asked if we would like to join them for dinner at a steakhouse nearby that they had reservations at.  Of course we accepted, who wouldn’t want to spend more time with this couple?  The surprise was that they were taking us to dinner at  the renowned  restaurant- The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch.  This nearby steakhouse is in fact (we later found out when we went home and googled this extraordinary delight) quite famous and has received the Diner’s Choice Award as one of the 50 best restaurants in the United States, as well as one of the most romantic restaurants by Travel & Leisure Magazine.  This was an amazingly generous surprise, from a very special couple that we will never forget.  Thank you again!

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Kelsey & Chris’s Fantasy Wedding at Ponte Vineyards in Temecula- The Ultimate Destination Wedding

Talk about it being a small world. We first met Kelsey Schmidt when she was a bridesmaid in Yesenia & Duane Miller’s Wedding In October, 2009. Yesenia is Myra Harbour from Celebrate’s daughter. Kelsey’s mom Cindy Schmidt was also our granddaughter Lilly’s kindergarten teacher at Old Orchard at the time. Cindy told me at Yesenia & Duane’s wedding that she thought a proposal was on the horizon and that we would be talking soon- because she knew only three things about Kelsey’s wedding for sure…1- that it would be to Christopher Yonan, 2-that we would be the photographers, and 3- that Myra from Celebrate would be doing the invitations and flowers. The where and when were unknown at this point. The proposal came soon thereafter and we had the pleasure of planning together for the next year.

We were thrilled when they selected Ponte Vineyards in Temecula as the venue for this destination wedding. We headed to Temecula on Friday to scout the location and get ready for the big day. It was everything you could possibly imagine; almost like a dream come true. From the beautiful suite of rooms at the South Coast Winery Resort next door to Ponte, to the details (check out the Mrs. Yonan custom hanger and the Mr. & Mrs. signs on the back of their chairs), to the spectacular flowers from Celebrate, along with two of the most appreciative, delighted families and one of the most outgoing, fun loving bridal parties we have seen; it was an amazing weekend. We ran into couples whose weddings we are doing in the upcoming year, lots of old friends and clients who we didn’t even realize knew Kelsey & Chris, and met lots of new friends. We hated to go home when it was over and look forward to sharing the memories with this wonderful group. The comments on the first Facebook image post we did were very touching to us. After thirty years of wedding photography we are thrilled to be so excited about what we do and have our client’s share their delight with us. Thank you all from all of us at R & R Creative Photography!

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Alison & Tony’s Fun Engagement Session at 3rd Street Promenade & Santa Monica Pier

You know it’s going to be a great engagement sitting when the couple is on time, in the right location, wearing coordinated clothing, and brings along with them a file folder full of ideas-including an ampersand that Alison custom-created and made-by-hand to execute a shot she had in mind.  What more can your photographers ask for?  It was a beautiful evening in Santa Monica and we got to window shop, listen to street music, people watch,  drink Starbucks, eat cotton candy, play on the beach, and create these incredible images.  That’s what we consider FUN!  We hope you enjoy these romantic images that captured Alison & Tony’s  personality along with the surroundings of one of their favorite places to hang out.

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Audrey & Jeff’s Fairytale Wedding Has San Fernando Valley Heads Turning

Audrey was one of the most organized and detail-oriented brides ever.  From her sparkly dancing shoes to the amazing orchid bouquet, she planned her wedding to Jeff meticulously for over a year.

What Audrey did not know was that her parents had listened to their only daughter very carefully over the years.  They knew that her perfect wedding would include a Cinderella-style horse-drawn carriage to carry her and her  Prince Charming away after a traditional church ceremony.

It was quite a feat to to pull off both the surprise to Audrey & Jeff and to find a carriage company willing to park in front of Our Lady of Grace on Ventura  Blvd. in Encino.  But her parents were determined.  They alerted us the day before the wedding and we were ready.

The look on Audrey’s face as she got a peek outside the church door during the recessional was priceless. What followed was overwhelming for everyone in attendance. Traffic stopped momentarily on Ventura Blvd., heads turned, horns honked, onlookers waved, and the couple was jubilant.  So were the photographers!

We want to give her parents Sandra and Victor a special thank you for letting us know this was going to happen…we know where your daughter got her planning skills.

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Rhiannon & Kevin’s Robinson Ranch Wedding Slide Show

Here is the slide show from Rhiannon & Kevin’s awesome wedding at beautiful Robinson Ranch Country Club in the Santa Clarita Valley.  Enjoy!

Shannon & Chris Engagement Portraits at Mentryville

Shannon & Chris and entourage (sister Rebecca and Boxer puppy Bear) were so much fun when we photographed their engagement session at Mentryville. It was tough not to take Bear home with us- he was so adorable and well behaved. We could never have done it without Rebecca’s help and we can’t wait to all work together again at their wedding this Memorial Day weekend.

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Jayme Lynch SDSU Graduation Portraits and Being Your Photographer for Life!

We have had the pleasure of knowing the Lynch family for over twenty years.  We first met when Jayme was three of four years old (scroll to the end) and we were photographing the family.  Over the past twenty years we have updated those portraits on an annual basis — a fact the Jan can attest to with her shoe box full of holiday cards and walls filled with portraits.  We were thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph Jayme for her upcoming graduation from SDSU.  This is exactly what we mean when we talk about lifecycle events and being your photographer for life.  It just depends on what point in your lives we meet you.  Thank you to Jay, Jan, Josh and Jayme for trusting us with your memories.  We look forward to what is to come in the future (Weddings?  Grandkids?  New puppies?)

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