Stephanie Ann Overstreet Photography: Wedding Photography

DIY Wedding Whispering Oaks Terrace Pala Temecula California

When someone tells you they wouldn't trust anyone else with capturing their wedding day, it's kind of a big deal! I was honored to be asked by Cassie and Justin to photograph their wedding. I've known Cassie many years, going back to our days in Girl Scouts (invisible log, anyone?!). The wedding took place on a beautiful day at Whispering Oaks Terrace, in Pala, California (just outside of Temecula). This venue, for those who are not familiar, is such a cute place, with so many different areas making for great variety in photos. Walk around, and you'll see a large gazebo, beautiful oak trees, wine barrels, hanging mason jars, cute buildings, and even a barn! The best part is they allow you to create your own event, which is really great! Cassie and Justin took advantage of this, worked hard to make all the awesome DIY details for the event, and everything came together so nicely. I also loved that everything from getting ready, to the ceremony and the reception, were all in one location!

You might remember Cassie and Justin from their "How I Met Your Mother" themed engagement session, also captured at Whispering Oaks Terrace (http://saophotography.blogspot.com/2014/06/engagement-photography-whispering-oaks-terrace-Cassie-Justin.html). That theme transferred over in little details at the wedding (notice the yellow umbrella?). To make the day a little more special for Justin, Cassie had a surprise for him to open before the ceremony! What soon-to-be husband wouldn't be excited about receiving a little black book, with some sexy photos of his soon-to-be wife?! Check out Justin's face... I'd say it was a success!

They opted for a first touch (as opposed to the first look), to keep things more traditional, and it was so beautiful capturing them have a moment to themselves before the ceremony. Seeing these two say their "I Do's" was sweet, and I loved being able to take the alternate view first kiss photo! Take a look at some of the images from the day, filled with a great looking bridal party, a celebration full of lots of fun people, and a couple of amazing kissers who are now wed! Thanks, so much, to my awesome 2nd and 3rd shooters for the day, Jaqueline and Heather!

DIY Wedding Whispering Oaks Terrace Pala Temecula California

Wedding Photography DIY Wedding Whispering Oaks Terrace Pala Temecula California

On April 28th, 2014, I attended a wedding photography workshop by the talented Jeremy Chou. Held in Orange County, CA, the day started out in a classroom setting. Jeremy shared with us some of his history (how he became a photographer, and his rise in success in a relatively short time), and then entered into a variety of topics ranging from establishing yourself in the market, to branding, to posing. I appreciated the workshop being limited to a small number of people, keeping it intimate and making it easy to ask questions and discuss topics amongst the attendees. The information shared was valuable, and would be beneficial for new photographers, as well as those looking for revitalization in their business.

After the instruction portion of the day, we moved over to the beautiful Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim, CA, for the hands-on portion of the day. Talk about a wonderful backdrop for photographs! On top of the great location, the stylized shoot was put together by Damaris Mia, the editor-in-chief of the popular wedding blog, Le Magnifique. From the lovely models, to the gorgeous flowers, to all the sweet details, everything about this styled session was beautiful. Listed below my images from the day are all the awesome vendors who took part in this workshop.

Thank you, to Jeremy, for being such a wealth of information and being so open with your knowledge! It's always great connecting with other photographers who have the philosophy that helping each other is best for everyone.

"Stay Calm and Create the Life you Love"
(Quote on the journal Jeremy gave to us attendees. Love it!)