We aren’t in Kansas anymore Dorothy (haha I told you I would start with that Lindsey).  We first met Lindsey and Stefan in April when we shot their engagement photos at Cuvier Park in La Jolla, California. We knew right away it was a match made in heaven, Lindsey and Stefan are just the kind of couple that you meet and immediately want to be best friends. When planning their wedding Lindsey and Stefan couldn’t imagine a more perfect backdrop than the scenic beaches belonging to Coronado Island, the gem of southern California. So naturally Lindsey, Stefan and about one hundred of their closest friends and family packed their bags and flew from Shawnee, Kansas to San Diego, California to celebrate love. Their July wedding took place on Coronado Island in San Diego with the Coronado Bridge as a backdrop, this wedding was the type of destination wedding you want to be a guest at. Using the beach as their inspiration the couple went for a relaxed beach vibe complete with a shoe valet, surfboard guest book and boat house reception. The navy and burgundy details accented the nautical vibes but our favorite part was the ceremonial sawing of a log. This German tradition called Baumstamm Sagen was incorporated into the two’s ceremony to honor Stefan’s German roots. The log is representative of the first obstacle the couple will face as newlyweds in a long line of inevitable awaiting obstacles throughout life. With Lindsey on one end of the saw and Stefan on the other (and the crowd cheering them on) the two worked together (as is mandatory in any successful marriage) to saw the log in half. This was a first for team Emry and we loved the sentiment and symbolism behind it.

The day started at Loews Coronado Bay Resort on Coronado Island.  When I arrived the girls were already having a blast with Emily getting their hair and makeup done.  After some fun photos with the Emry glam squad working their magic it was time for the moment the girls have been waiting for, the DRESS!  Lindsey’s dress was a gorgeous lace form-fitting little number with a mesh and lace neckline and a keyhole back, Lindsey upped the wow factor even more after adding a beautiful cascading bridal back draping necklace. After some glamour shots with the dress on we headed down to the main lobby of the hotel where Stefan and his groomsmen were relaxing at the bar.  With Stefan at the base of the beautiful grand staircase, Lindsey approached from above for a memorable first look.  With the bridal party watching from a distance it was a truly emotional moment as Stefan saw his bride to be for the first time in her dress.

After exploring the hotel for fun photo spots with the bridal party, including a guest appearance by a snake out by the pool, it was time to head over to the ceremony site.  The decor was beautiful with all the floral arrangements done by one of their close friends Denise (Beautiful work Denise!).  With the background of the Coronado bridge the beach ceremony was gorgeous, and I got to photograph my first German Log Cutting that takes place at the end of the ceremony where the bride and groom cut through a log together, this was too cool!

One of the great things about Southern California weddings, especially on the beach is the hospitality of our locals.  As we walked through the park after the ceremony for some more photos of Lindsey and Stefan hundreds of people congratulated them and cheered.  It was like their own personal parade, complete with shots provided by a stranger just enjoying a picnic with his family.

The reception took place at The City of Coronado Clubroom and Boathouse, where the night was full of dancing and great music provided by DJ Dominiq from Bouquet Sound out of Los Angeles.

It was a true pleasure to get to know my favorite couple from Kansas.  We want to thank you for making memories with EMRY!