Ah the lovely Aileen and Elson, I have so much fun everytime I see them and their amazing group of friends. The day was gorgeous and we couldn’t have asked for anything more, I even got parking in La Jolla right away for their first look! We did the first look where Elson proposed to Aileen and the sneaky guy even had a hidden camera setup for the proposal for a special surprise video that played at the reception.
Love, its what we live for.
The ceremony was held at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala and the reception at the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla. A big thanks Kathrina of Joe+Kathrina for 2nd shooting and seeing how crazy I roll, haha and to Brandi of Skybox Event Productions for having the wedding run without a hitch. A full vendor list at the bottom of the post, so now enjoy my favorite photographs from the day.
Coordinator / Skybox Event Productions
Ceremony / Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
Reception / Scripps Seaside Forum
Makeup / Rita Nguyen
Hair / Model Call Salon (Lizbeth Hathorn)
Cake / Sumi’s Oven
Florist / Fancy That! Designs
Caterer / Peartrees Catering
Linens + Drapings / Fusion Linens
DJ + Lighting / Playtime Attractions
Transportation / Top Dog Limo
Invitations / Kalea Inviatations
Videography / NR3 Video Productions
Jelynna, AJ and I had been planning this underwater bridal session when we first booked their wedding, I was actually more excited for this shoot then going off to Hawaii for their wedding, haha. I loved that Jelynna used two dresses for the bridal session, so we can get some different pops of color, it definitely added a different dimension. A big big thanks to Marissa Rodriguez, who helped out as well as took shots 5 and 6 from way down in the pool, she is a way better swimmer than I am. Also to July Chanthamart for the hair and makeup.
Our bridal session also get a few spreads in Issue 16 of Utterly Engaged, check out a few more images as well as the awesome magazine by clicking on the photo below.
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Cool concepts Chaz! Never seen an underwater shoot like this before
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Hey Chaz!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the underwater bridals! Very kick @ss!
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I love love love this shoot! I’ve NEVER seen an underwater shoot before – what camera did you use to capture such great shots?
I jokingly asked if I should write the blog post for our family photos as a “guest blogger” and Chaz responded with a sure, whatever. Ummmm, I think I was just kidding? But he must have known that I have no problem chatting away during any chance I get. So here I am. In Chaz’ studio listening to cool music that I’m not hip enough to know about on my own surrounded by beautiful pieces of art while I try to find the words to explain how pleased, no, how thrilled I am with the result of these photos. *deep breath*
Here’s the short version of us, the Flores family…my older brother and his wife moved to Hawaii about a year and a half ago and had a baby. We are all completely in love with said baby and longed for their visit to San Diego this year. Perfect timing for updated family portraits to include baby Eliana since she wasn’t around last year. We wanted the photos to be completely out of this world amazing so we can show Eliana when she’s older that we were in fact, pretty cool at one point. We wanted to stay away from anything traditional. With lots of color. Lots of laughs. And as much realness as possible. Enter, Mr. Chaz Cruz.
Enjoy!
-M
Marissa writes too much. Enjoy. – Chaz
The next two shots are taken by my amazing assistant, Mr. Kim Marcelo.
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At first glance I was about to say…Wow this is the most Chaz has ever written. Enter Marissa
This ain’t no regular family session! Love it! -
Best family photos ever. Great job team!
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Love these photos!!! that is SUCH a fun idea for a family shoot and they turned out AMAZING!
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Best family photos EVER! without a doubt. These are INCREDIBLE.
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I love this concept!
Incredible work….you are a talented dude, Chaz. -
I love this set. I can’t even put it into words. I can’t wait to show my girl friend. She’s going to want to do one of her own like this! lol
I photographed Leigh and Steve’s engagement session up in Del Mar during an unusually overcast Summer day. I think its because they recently moved to Seattle that they had to have the beautiful and soft light that covers the city.
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What a gorgeous couple!
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Such beautiful portraits of a beautiful couple! Especially love the 5th one of them laying on the grass and the sweet giggly shot a couple below that
Great work Chaz! -
[...] year to go along with one of my favorite weddings. You might remember Leigh and Steve from their engagement session, well now I bring you their awesome wedding. It was all located in downtown San Diego, starting off [...]
Beautiful wedding with old friends of mine, I had actually done their beach service last year and this big wedding was their one year anniversary. Felix had mastered the art of the serious face and Clarisse was just gorgeous in her dress. A big thanks to Marissa Rodriguez for 2nd shooting with me and Pam Sirivong for the makeup and Rosa Howard for the hair.
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You have the coolest ring shots!
Gorgeous wedding in San Diego at the Prado in Balboa Park, love these two.
Before the wedding, we went to pay respects to Christian’s grandmother, a beautiful moment I was honored to share.
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Really cool walls in the background for the portraits of bride & groom and bridal party. And the first photo is like music to my ears, finally someone has a good taste in shoes!
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chaz, the cake shot with the light coming out is money!
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Where to start Chaz…great stuff as always. We really do find your work and your approach influential. It was a great day and a real pleasure to work with you. Christian and Sell are such cool people.
Before I get back into the mass engagement and wedding posts, I wanted to post a maternity session with one of my favorite wedding couples from last year, Katie and Nick. We started off their maternity session at their home, then went off to Torrey Pines State Beach to catch the San Diego sunset.
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Love the minimalistic style of the beach portraits!
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These are just stunning! Love love them.
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your work leaves me breathless. thank you so much for sharing.
I’ll be in Puerto Rico from May 5th through the 10th, so I’ll return all emails and calls when I return. Until then, here’s a pic of photographer James Law that I took a few days ago.
That parking spot was legit! And so is your photography! Seriously you’re awesome and it was great working alongside you–even if you’re crazy
Congrats to Elson+Aileen!!