As a wedding photographer, my appreciation for the wedding day has fluxed and changed over the years. Working with Helvin and Angela for a year and half was one of those client relationships that made this “job” special. They were gracious and eager to trust. They threw us the reigns and said “capture what you see, help us look our best, cover whatever you can and just have fun.” (If you wanted to see their engagement session on Coronado Island where they met in southern california, go HERE.) Below are some sweet highlights of H + A’s wedding weekend. Don’t miss the cinematic masterpiece of their wedding video by Gavyn Gates Cinema. He and Makayla were treasures. Also, shout out to Nikita Wolfe who was my second shooter and partner for this wedding story. She was everywhere i was not and her dance moves MAY have made me snort my orange juice. Super classy.
// VENDORS //
Venue: Tooth & Nail Winery // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Videography: Gavyn Gates Cinema // Bridal Gown: Bellasposa Bridal Boutique // Bridal Gown Designer: Martina Liana Designer // Makeup: Blue Bird Salon // Hair: MeggySue Does Hair // His Suit: Generation Tux // Bridesmaid’s Gown: Davids Bridal // Florist: Country Florist // Cake: Just Baked // DJ: Central Coast Premier & Entertainment
We arrived just in time for a rehearsal that had threatening skies and sunbeam rain. We met the family, shook a few hands and then were able to do a mini sweetheart session in the vineyard while the raindrops danced around….and yes, yes that is a castle winery.
A wedding day after rain means clean skies and greener grass. The morning was beautiful while the girls dressed and celebrated. Details were gathered and captured, the venue was explored and the wine and champagne began to pour. :)
Helvin + Angela’s first look was painfully precious. The kind of moment where — you know they were trying SO HARD NOT TO CRY. I am such a glutton for tears and real emotion. Taking a breath and helping them be away from the hubbub of everything—I got all goose-bumpy watching them fight back the emotions and try to settle the nerves together. :) Family soon joined and we took a handful of fun portraits with wedding party and family to avoid the bottle neck of portraits and making guests wait during the reception.
The ceremony was short, sweet and had several fun moments. A friend of the couple’s married them and you could tell there was an affectionate history for them and many of the guests. Post - ceremony we slipped away to grab some golden hour time with the couple. They relaxed and enjoyed the setting sun before joining the guests. They were EAGER to party!
Tooth and Nail Winery in Paso Robles was an awesome blend of funk and class. The wrought iron mixed with marble against the green vineyard and gothic art all staged in a modern castle brought a unique sense of energy to the aesthetic. A naked cake and favorite treats were a specific request of the couple and the dancing picked up quickly. Our favorite moments were when they kiddos joined the first dance. Some key heart tugs as the kiddos embraced their new step mom and the rest of the night dug in deep with fun and flury.
Q. Why did you initially hire Laura K Moore Photography?
A. I love Laura's energy and I know she works with equally vibrant and passionate professionals. Viewing LKM's previous work, seeing her shoot a friends wedding and having went to undergrad with Laura gave me more than enough trust and confidence that she would be a perfect match for us!
Q. What were some of the key highlights and memories of having LKM shoot your wedding?
A. Honestly, my favorite parts were when they stole us away to do bride and groom photos and sunset photos. Those moments soaking each other in really made us present in the moment. I enjoyed every minute of it!
Q. What other vendors particularly rocked your world? (we want to honor the good ones in our feature blog post!:)
A. I really loved how awesome the venue staff were, Megan Brady and her team at Tooth and Nail really went above and beyond to make everyone comfortable. Our hair and makeup artists were rockstars (Megan at salon gloss in Paso Robles and Jillian Gomez at Bluebird Salon in San Luis Obispo). I can just go on and on, I loved all the florals and greenery from Country Floral and Gifts in Paso Robles. Just Baked in Santa Margarita gave us the most yummy of cakes and treats, I wish I had ate more cake!
Everyone was so awesome!Q. What was the style/mood that you were going for from your wedding? What were your highest priorities?
A. Being that our wedding was at a winery that looks like a castle, I wanted to keep it elegant, fun and simple. I really love the natural elements Tooth and Nail has with the exposed beams moody artwork. Less really was more in this venue and we didn't want to over do it. Our highest priorities were to have a blast, be in a fun place and capture beautiful images. Oh, and how could I forget an epic first dance!
Q. If you were to refer LKM to future brides & grooms, what would you say?
A. If you want a high energy team that takes extra care in capturing all the amazing details of your day, then LKM is for you! LKM was so fun to work with, they kept the positive energy high and all our guests really enjoyed them.
And finally, as a climactic end to this feature — here is the magical wedding cinematic highlight reel by the one and only Gavyn Gates Cinema
We love you two and are so so honored that you chose the LKM media photography and cinema team to capture your wedding weekend Helvin & Angela! What a treasure your guys are! Happy One Year Anniversary! // LKM
