The Julian wedding photography at Pine Hills Lodge, in the Laguna mountains east of San Diego near Julian, California, captured a splendid rustic, county wedding day for Christán and Beau. Though the weather brought rain and cool temperatures, it actually added a lovely contrast to the couple’s mountain, lodge wedding. The mist in the air outside combined with the firesides and cabin feel inside, made for a very intimate wedding far removed from the city. But along with that came this great collection of wedding photos in Julian, CA.
The couple’s Julian wedding photography took place entirely at Pine Hills Lodge. Located in Julian, California, Pine Hills Lodge is a destination wedding venue nestled in the mountains of Southern California, about an hour drive east of San Diego, CA. Pine Hills Lodge was the perfect location for Christán and Beau’s rustic, country wedding.
On account of the rain, the photography began with a dash from the car to a cabin with cameras covered. Once in the cabin I began shooting the finishing touches of bride Christán getting her hair and makeup done. Make up was performed by Emily of Emily Mejia Makeup and hair was done by Rochelle Sandberg. All of the bridesmaids and the moms were all in the cabin, which was near the main building of the lodge. With all of the girls’ dresses and accessories in the cabin I was able to create a series of rustic wedding photos, first without posing anyone and then with girls.
Our Julian wedding photography schedule had figured in time to photograph Beau and guys in between the time for shooting the girls’ getting ready and when Christán would be fitted in to her dress, which was actually a crop top and skirt. The rain had let up by now so it was less of a rush over to the guys’ cabin, where I met up with Beau and his three groomsmen. The five us created a quick set of wedding shots of the guys outside the lodge, and then we went into the woods for some more dramatic wedding photos of the groom and groomsmen amongst the trees which were shrouded in mist.
Now back over at the girls’ cabin, it was time to photography Christán being fitted into her wedding dress. This was followed by a series of photos of her with the moms, her alone, and with all of the bridesmaids. The cabin setting made for a nice series of rustic wedding photos, which was accented by the trees and mist in the background surrounding the cabin.
Next in the Julian wedding photography was to stage and shoot the first look between Christán and Beau. I was actually pretty thrilled with the weather because the mist in between the trees of this rustic wedding venue helped make for some unique and dramatic wedding photos for the couple. As Christán approached Beau, who was facing away from her, I shot from different angles in order to get photos from each of their perspectives. Then it was time for Beau to turn and see Christán in her wedding dress. Their complete series of first look wedding photos really captured the joy of the moment and setting.
The wedding party next gathered in the lobby of the main building at Pine Hills Lodge where we would create all of the family photos. Getting the family and other posed photos complete for the ceremony was a big help in the wedding day schedule because it meant that right after the ceremony the couple could immediate spend time with their guests to celebrate. The lobby of the Pine Hills Lodge was decorated with a wonderful array of flowers and plants and wedding day accessories, all created masterfully by Florist Holly Turville. Holly also decorated the tables and centerpieces for reception in the dining room, as well as lovely space for the ceremony. And the whole event was coordinated wonderfully by the couple’s Day of Coordinator Tricia Cole of Create an Event.
The ceremony took pace in a separate building that was actually a gym once used by famed boxer Jack Dempsey. The ceilings were decorated with white drapes and the archway featured more great floral creations and the near by area was featured with rustic, country wedding decorations. The couple’s ceremony, officiated by Beau’s father, was sweet and had the couple reading their hand written vows to one another, the placing of notes in a wine box, and of course the exchange of rings and their kiss.
After the ceremony we captured a few more photos of the wedding party outside, before heading indoors for drinks at the nice bar, then the start of the reception. The reception included a wonderfully catered meal by Pine Hills Lodge, toasts, and hours of dancing. Music for the evening really well done by DJ Troy Cook of TNT Entertainment. Complete with the great lighting and the occasional smoke to enhance the mood, too.
Featured in this article about the couple’s Julian wedding photography are a few of my favorite photos from their day. To see their complete collection of wedding photos, please visit my San Diego Wedding Photographer Client Galleries (password required).
With so many great shots in the couple’s collection of Julian wedding photography, the very best way for them to really enjoy so many of them will be in a beautiful, Italian-made wedding album. And when paired with a smaller book copy for each side of the family, everyone can have a timeless keepsake at their fingertips to all the lovely photos.
For more information about San Diego Wedding Photography please contact me at andrew@abounaphoto.com or 619-997-4707.
