This contemporary Millwick wedding was a perfect reflection of this super fun couple. Every last thing was meaningful to both the bride and the groom without any over-the-top wedding hoopla!

The Millwick is definitely one of my favorite venues of all time. Their plant wall is absolutely gorgeous and everyone adores the roll up garage doors that give an edgy industrial look to the whole venue.

I have to admit – I was slightly obsessed with Erin’s shoes. All the metallics and print were killer and combined with her simple yet elegant wedding dress was an amazing touch. She looks stunning!

Drew is looking just as good! I can’t believe how he matched his tie color so closely to the floral palette! They sure did make for a cute couple… and did I mention fun? That’s what I love about them they were laid back fun and really down for anything we asked.

How about these bridesmaids’ dresses? The green Maid of Honor dress AND the floral print for the other girls was totally rad! Those just might be dresses these ladies wear again!

These two are probably some of the coolest people I’ve ever met, maybe even too cool for me! I mean…they served craft beer during their ceremony! I think Aldo was more in love with them after that than anyone! I was so honored they chose me to photograph their amazing wedding!

You could tell they really love each other. They wanted to share their special moment of committing to each other with their friends and family, but also keep it simple while having a good time. While photos were important to them, they also wanted to not be overwhelmed or miss their party because of it. And that’s just what we did for them.

The Little Branch knocked it out of the park with her farm to table look. All the vibrant reds and purples really brought some life and a gorgeous color pop to this modern venue.

This venue was perfect for Erin and Drew and their edgy style. Their goal was to throw the best party ever for their friends and family. I think everyone can agree that is exactly what happened.

I asked Erin and Drew what their favorite part of the venue was. They both agreed it was this bar. I could definitely enjoy a cocktail sitting at this bar!

What Erin and Drew were looking for was a good party with photography that would capture all the emotion of their day without being over-posed. They wanted beautiful images and I believe that’s exactly what they got.

I am so excited to finally start catching up with all our wonderful shoots from this past year. Kicking off with sharing this editorial shoot with you! I thought it would be some fun inspiration for Valentine’s Day week with the bold mauves, purples and copper! The teams from Harmony Creative Studio and Shindig Chic totally rocked it with this one!

Geometric shapes were paired with a soft, romantic palette of mauve, copper and natural wood tones. They provide the perfect design inspiration for your early fall wedding or party. I absolutely adore the way the designers matched a fresh palette with some really fun ideas. It’s the perfect inspiration for those brides and grooms who are planning a stylish and unique day that tells their story.

OK, let’s take a look at some of my favorite images!

Margaux from Harmony Creative Studio had a great comment about our venue: “The ranch-like setting and open meadow of new venue Oak Canyon Ranch in Agoura Hills, California was the perfect ‘tranquil’ setting. With several different ceremony and reception locations to choose from, it allowed us so much creative freedom! We choose to have our ceremony under a fantastic natural arch in one of the many majestic oak trees on the property, draping ivory silk contrasted with a gorgeous purple vintage rug from Pretty Vintage Rentals (who also supplied our fabulous lounge set-up, how great is that lilac sofa!), for a dramatic yet romantic backdrop.”

Tulaloo Stationery Studio got things started off on the right foot with a pretty watercolor style stationery suite. The colors were absolutely perfect!

And I adore this pink, mauve and lilac bouquet Shindig Chic designed for the shoot. Ask your florist for peonies, ranunculus, anemones, lilac, roses, veronica + olive branch!

How gorgeous is this modern braided ponytail by Lauren Cory from KBGLAM? Love it!

You know I love my cocktails, so I was especially delighted with the signature drinks crafted for the shoot! His: ‘Raspberry Moscow Mule’ with Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Raspberries + Ginger Beer. Hers: ‘Blackberry Harmony’ with Blackberries, Lemon Gin + Tonic.

I am so in love the entire look of this shoot. I think the color story and a lot of the table top ideas would translate beautifully to home design or any kind of event.

The soft linen napkins and delicate silk hung behind the table were the perfect soft touch to the geometric terrariums, copper chargers and beautiful florals.

The floral team also played off the succulents in the floral design and used potted succulents as escort cards. This was a super easy DIY project using wood pots from the Target craft section, and painting patterns with copper paint.

I hope you’re inspired to design your day with a fun palette and some unique, geometric design elements! Here’s some more fun images from the shoot!

This time of year gets everybody talking about the coming trends for the New Year. What are the hottest colors for weddings? What will the bridesmaids be wearing? What will the florals look like? What will guests see when they walk into the venue?

If you know anything about us here at Krista Mason Photography, you’ll know that we are ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS!! Let’s talk about what all of the gorgeous brides-to-be will be pinning to their wedding Pinterest boards!

1. Greenery

So many wedding planning decisions are on hold until the bride-to-be decides on her color scheme. Top of the list for color choices? Why, the color of the year – Pantone 15-0343 – Greenery, of course!

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planning – Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane  // venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch

2. Bold and Bright

Wedding planners are also forecasting bright and bolder colors, like these featured in this colorful centerpiece!

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // venue: The Fig House // event design: Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane

3. Neutral tones with bright accents

Looking for something a little more subtle? How about dreamy palettes of greys, creams, and gold? How awesome are these pops of mustard yellow and rich plum as accent colors?

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planning: Elegant Ninja // floral design: Poppy Design Co

4. Black is chic

And one of the most chic of accent colors? Black – bet you didn’t see that one coming! Subtle black accents help round out the romantic florals and softer linens, adding the perfect balance between masculine and feminine.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planning: Elegant Ninja // floral design: Poppy Design Co

5. Garden theme

Since Greenery was chosen as this year’s color of the year, it only seems logical to incorporate more greenery into your wedding design. This garden inspired wedding is so elegant and goes a long way toward adding a touch of nature to your big day.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planning – Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane  // venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch

6. Lush florals

While we’re talking about floral inspiration, you’ll want to ask your floral designer to come up with something more dramatic and artistic this season – something like this lush bouquet! So many gorgeous colors and textures!!

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // venue: The Fig House // event design: Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane

7. Unique Escort Cards

As a modern bride, you might be looking to stepping away from some of the more traditional wedding ideas. How about getting a little more creative with your escort cards? Like this travel inspired wedding reception!

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planning – Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane  // venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch

8. Lounge areas

And while your guests are waiting to be seated, why not treat them to a cozy space that encourages your guests to mix and mingle, all the while creating a comfortable overall flow of your space.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planning – Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane  // venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch

9. Dessert displays

Dinner has been served, plates are being cleared, and now everyone’s sweet tooth is waking up. Guests can make their way over to your cleverly designed dessert stations and choose for themselves from any number of choices you may have waiting for them.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // venue name: Catalina View Gardens // event design: Nicole Alexandra Designs // florals: The Bloemist // paper goods: Jasmin Michelle Designs // cake: The Sugar Philosophers // desserts: The Sugar Philosophers

10. Art-inspired cakes

Considered to be the focal point of any wedding reception, the wedding cake is usually the pièces de ré·sis·tance. This year’s cakes promise to be almost too pretty to eat – well, almost! Like this geo inspired cake, just about anything can inspire your wedding cake design.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // venue: The Fig House // event design: Chic Celebrations // florals: Lauryl Lane // cake: Hey There Cupcake

11. White bridesmaids dresses

Probably one of the harder decisions for the bride-to-be is finding a bridesmaid dress that matches your color scheme AND looks gorgeous and flatters all of her bridesmaids. Stress no more! The trend of the bride being the only one in white is out! Elegant and eye-catching, you’ll find beautiful bridesmaid dresses in many different shades and tones of white and cream.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // event planner: Tara Bassi // venue: Sunstone Winery

12. Off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dresses

And the bride doesn’t have to be the only one with bare shoulders. Off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dresses add an element of elegance to everyone in the bridal party.

Vendors: photography: Krista Mason Photography // Dress: Joanna August

13. Boudoir sessions

Speaking of everyone in the bridal party, why not schedule a day of pampering for you and your girls and then end it with a boudoir shoot? It’s a super fun bonding experience with the bridesmaids and you have the added bonus of having beautiful, artistic, sexy photos to give your groom on your wedding day!

Vendors: Photography: Krista Mason Photography // Location: Colony House- Anaheim, CA // Makeup Artist: Kacee Geoffroy hair and makeup // Personal Stylist: Styled by Two’s Company // Female Model: Whitney Hoy

If you’re planning your 2017 wedding right now, we certainly hope you’ll keep us in mind for your wedding photography needs.  With our twelve plus years of experience, we are confident that we can help you tell your wedding story with beautiful, artistic images that you will cherish for years to come! Contact us today to schedule your engagement session so you can tell the whole world your wonderful news!

Already married and now basking in the glow of your love? Let us capture that glow in a private boudoir session. Feel beautiful, sexy, and alive when your significant other opens your gift of a custom album made just for them! Let’s get your scheduled soon before our calendar fills up!

You guys know I love my destination weddings and Key West is one on the top of my list.

I was so happy for Christina Cruz of Events Boutique when she told me she was eloping to Key West with 20 of her closest friends and family. Then … she told me she wanted me to photograph it! Well, I was all about that!!

I’ve always wanted to go to south Florida and I was super excited at the opportunity to shoot a wedding in Key West. It did not disappoint! The beautiful palms, the turquoise water, those white sand beaches … such a quaint little community! And the weather? Absolutely perfect!

I love the gorgeous little houses and eclectic shops!!

I even loved the “wild life” that roamed the island…I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere!

The character and charm of Key West really spoke to me. And the coffee … OMG, the coffee! I could have bathed in the coffee – it was sooo good! I loved walking around the island with the wedding party. The true essence of the island made the day just perfect. A laid back town, a laid back group of friends, and a couple up for almost anything!

But, most of all I fell in love with the light. The combination of overcast cloudy days with the warm weather made it the perfect soft box! Oh, and the 2 minute bursts of rain were fun too! It was the best of both worlds! The water was so incredibly warm, which turned out to be a good thing! Due to offshore tropical storms and the high tide, half of the wedding guests were standing in the ocean!

A boat ride out to a private island is just the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous ceremony.

It suited Christina and Keith and all their guests just fine! Oh, I cannot wait to go back!!

They wanted low key elopement with a fantastic dinner party after. Their goal was to relax and enjoy the day and that they did. Christina wanted so much to relax that she didn’t even want to talk to me about the schedule of her day, hah! (I did mention she is an event planner, right?) She didn’t want to work or lift a finger that day, so you know she worked hard ahead of time to make it all happen. I mean, who else put together this amazing backyard dinner party?

Christina went with a nautical theme with teals, navy and white. She worked with the local vendors for the rentals and catering. She brought it all together with her special design touch to make it totally hers!

And how fun is this cocktail bar? She’s so awesome!!

How cute is this ship’s wheel for all the guests to sign?

And what about these bouquets? I never would have thought to use a simple air plant as a bouquet! But, it totally works!

Christine made sure it was a wonderful time for everyone. She thought of everything to make her guests comfortable!

It was so much fun to see their precious fur baby participating! You know me, I go soft anytime someone with four legs comes into the room! This tutu was just adorable!

A wedding always a joyous occasion, but sometimes the most special people are missing.

This was one fun destination wedding! I can’t wait to go back! Thank you so much, Christine and Keith, for letting me be a part of your big day! Congratulations!

I remember my first conversation with Rose. I just fell in love with her right then.

It didn’t hurt that she was getting married at one of my favorite venues, Triunfo Creek Vineyards. OMG this venue is amazing! You’ll see what I mean when you scroll through the images. The adorable white rustic farmhouse, the gorgeous oak tree where the ceremony was held, the stunning vineyards and lush green grounds; I mean it’s like all my dream locations rolled into one!

I seriously could shoot here every weekend! Do you remember all the big talk about El Nino around that time? Many of our brides were concerned about contingency plans in case of rain, but especially Rose. Her wedding was in March. After talking to her and explaining our rain plan she was super excited. She even said, “Well, now I kinda wish it would rain, that sounds so cute!” This is when I fell in love with her. I knew we were a perfect fit! Fortunately, EL Nino didn’t happen! It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day with a few puffy clouds in the sky. It was even a little warm! We did have a fantastic time. We got some of the most adorable images from the wedding day!

You guys know how I always talk about being able to read my clients? How we are just awesome at guiding couples into the right poses and light to get the most beautiful images? Well, Rose and Dan are a perfect example of our amazing skills put to work!

After their most adorable first look (I mean really look how cute they are), they started talking quietly together as I was guiding them into position. All of a sudden I felt and saw some tension, so I paused and asked if everything was ok. She of course said, “Oh yes,” but I could tell something was a little off, so I gently asked again.

Rose laughed and replied, “Yeah we’re good, he just forgot to print out my vows, but of course remembered his.” I laughed with her and suggested he go ahead and take care of it quickly because I could see the slight tension. Afterwards, I assured both of them I wanted to make sure they were looking their best together. While Dan hurried off to print her vows, we got busy taking Rose’s portraits.

Doesn’t she look stunning?

I love her dress combo with the lace cover-up and the belt. We rolled with the punches and everyone was able to relax and be at ease. Exactly what we want…a happy, relaxed, smiling couple.

Rose’s wedding was a mix of blush pinks, and whites with some beautiful greens. It was the perfect pallet for Triunfo’s rustic vibe. And that beautiful oak tree is the perfect ceremony setting!

It was a pleasure to see Dan serenade Rose at the cocktail hour.

Can you get any cuter and more in love than that? All the guests gathered around watching and tearing up as Dan devotes his love to his new wife. I just love these authentic moments of love.

How adorable is  the first dance with all the guests surrounding the couple smiling and looking on as they adoringly swing each other around the floor under the beautiful awning on the cobble stone floor. It just makes for the most romantic setting, leading into a fun dance party to end the evening.

Along with being a gorgeous couple, Dan and Rose are some of the sweetest people. From the beautiful ceremony with teary eyed guests to Dan serenading Rose, to the first dance and on and on through to the speeches, it was evident these two are loved by everyone. They are easy to like and I am so thrilled to have been part of their day and to tell their story. It was such a pleasure to work with you both and I am so thrilled we had a beautiful stunning day for wedding.

Vendors:

Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards | Planner/Coordinator: Vita Bella Events | Photographer: Krista Mason Photography | Hair and Makeup: DeVenir Beauty | Caterer: Command Performance | DJ: VOX DJ’s | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Specialty Decor (Lanterns and Pastry Servers): Party Pleasers | Florist: Unique Floral Design | Beverage Caterer: Cocktail Concierge | Transportation: Getting Out Limos | Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Live Musicians: Ruled By Venus | Security: Sandman Security | Desserts: Frost It Cakery

So, ladies and gentlemen, this couple is proof it is never too late for love or to find the right match. The way they get each other and accommodate each other even in the smallest gesture – well, that’s what we all strive for in this game called love! I am so honored that Susan and Steve picked me to photograph the beginning of their new life together! And what a sweet wedding it was.

Susan and Steve are such a darling couple. I love how small and intimate their wedding was! While this was Susan’s second narrative and she didn’t want all the big wedding, this was Steve’s first. He was waiting for the perfect woman to settle down with and he found that in Susan – and you can see it in the way he looks at her.

Look at the love gleaming in his eyes and the tender way he folds her in his arms. They are just so cute with all their romantic gestures. It was such a pleasure to be able to capture the two of them.

I mentioned their wedding was small and intimate – they had only 20 guests. Yup! They limited their guest list to 20 members of their family. I’m not sure how, because Susan and Steve are some of the kindest people with the biggest hearts; you can’t help but want to be friends with them. To give you just a glimpse of who they are…Susan’s ex-husband was invited along with his new wife. Susan even mentioned how important it was to have a photo taken with the four of them. That takes a special group of people to be that open, loving, and welcoming. I couldn’t get enough of it!

Steve’s brother officiated the wedding on the beautiful beach near Terrenea Resort! It was the most beautiful day with just a touch of overcast. The perfect white clouds filling the sky made for some of the most beautiful and precious ceremony photos. The day was so chill; I mean, winging everything from time to walking down the aisle to the ceremony itself? It was the perfect fit for this laid back and deeply loving couple.

Susan in her stunning white beaded gown and sexy hot heels and Steve in his dapper suit…what a wonderful combination for a laid back, simple and elegant wedding! Just what Susan and Steve had dreamed of!

Spending the day with Susan, her sister and niece while they got ready…seeing Steve for the first time and then watching them devote their love to each other in front of 20 of their closest friends…follow it up with an intimate dinner in the Terrenea Resort’s Catalina room…this is how you do simple folks! Beautiful setting, elegant details and stunning photos filled with love, joy, and happiness to cherish forever! 

Thanks you, Susan and Steve, for inviting me into your circle and allowing me to capture your true love!