Laguna Beach Engagement: Bethany & Jack

It was a Tuesday night in the middle of January, and little did Bethany know, Jack had talked to some of her friends to help out with the big proposal so she would be completely surprised.  When Bethany’s friends asked her if she and Jack wanted to join them for dinner, Bethany did not have a big proposal on her mind for the night.  When Bethany and Jack walked into the Melting Pot, the host escorted them to a table for two, which her friends helped make romantic.  Jack waited a few minutes to ask the woman of his dreams to marry him, and after she said “yes!” and a delicious dinner that included fondue, Bethany’s friends arrived to enjoy desert with the happy couple!  Shortly after the proposal, Bethany contacted me to set up their engagement session.  Bethany is also a photographer, so I was excited to hear what she had in mind.  She wanted it to be a mix of city and nature/beach, so we met in downtown Laguna and then headed to Crystal Cove.  Also, I love when couples bring a prop or something special to them to incorporate into the photos.  Bethany and Jack are both passionate about music, so they brought Jack’s guitar along, which made the session even more special.  Bethany and Jack- I am so honored to be your photographer and I am looking forward to your wedding in June!  I hope you love the photos! Best, Allison

We started on Forest Avenue and found so many great spots within just a few blocks…

Bethany’s red heels added the perfect “pop” in the photos…

After a quick drive up PCH and change at Starbucks, we headed to Crystal Cove…

The next photo might be one of my favorites from the day… so in LOVE…

We trekked down a steep slope to get to the beach, but it was well worth it!

This set of images proves you can take gorgeous photos after the sun has set… I love the warmth of the sunset glow on the skin as well…

Thank you, Bethany and Jack!

 

Chad and Robin: Wedding at Hotel Maya

I had the honor of photographing part of Chad and Robin’s special day last weekend on January 21 at Hotel Maya in Long Beach.  Robin and Chad dreamed of a beautiful winter wedding and it turned out to be just perfect!  It was pouring the morning of the wedding and the skies cleared around 9:30am and the day was absolutely gorgeous.  I started photography with Chad and his groomsmen in the morning, and then we headed out on the boat for a 45 minute cruise to the hotel- talk about a grand entrance!  After we arrived, I headed to Robin’s to room to capture her with her bridesmaids and all the beautiful details, including a prayer and toast!  Robin’s brother was the officiant for their ceremony and did an incredible job- a perfect combination of love, tears, and laughs!  After the ceremony, we used the last bit of light left in the day to capture some intimate shots with the newlyweds and then we all headed to the reception!  Congrats, Chad and Robin, I am so excited for both of you and enjoy your honeymoon in the Dominican Republic!  With Love, Allison

Chad and Robin had an amazing team to make their day perfect!  Also, Robin is an amazing hair stylist and did her own hair as well as all of her bridesmaids (she did my hair for my wedding too!)  Here’s the line-up for the day:

Ceremony/Reception Venue: http://hotelmayalongbeach.com – Coordinator (Monique): www.asignaturewedding.com – DJ/Entertainment: www.merryweddings.com – Make-up (Stacey Craven): http://smokeandmirrorsmakeupspa.com  – Hair (Robin): www.robindunnhair.com – Florals: Jessica Carlson and Tiffany Dennis – Photography: www.allisonmaginnphotography.com and www.jnpstudios.com (Jeff is on of Robin’s close friends- I can’t wait to see his work from this wedding!)

First, the view from cocktail hour and the reception room- amazing!

Some candid moments from the morning…

Chad opening his gift from Robin…

Looking good!

Chad and his dad Jim- finishing touches before we headed to the boat

… and Evan gave himself a last minute hair cut…

Ready to to marry his dream girl!

Boys will be boys… glad I got “the” shot with the bird!

Arriving at Hotel Maya

Robin is an absolutely stunning bride…

Loved her details and colors…  one of her bridesmaids did all of the flowers with the help of her sister… amazing…

Robin is ready to be a Mrs!  She did her own hair and all of her bridesmaids up-dos…

A little note from her soon-to-be husband…

A prayer lead by her maid of honor…

Toast to Robin and Chad…

The moms were gorgeous and so proud of their children!

So “pumped”

Robin was so excited to be a Mrs!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart!

 

 

Adelaide’s Baptism: St. Paul the Apostle Church

Adelaide was baptized last week at St. Paul the Apostle Church.  This sweet girl is so fortunate to have an amazing family and great group of friends.  Adelaide’s grandparents and uncle flew across the country to be with her on the day of her baptism, so that makes the family photo of everyone even more special.  I was honored to document this special day! Enjoy the photos! -Allison

After the baptism, we headed to Napa Valley Grill for Adelaide’s reception filled with lots of love, laughs, and cupcakes…

 

Pasadena Engagement: Megan & Will

Megan and Will enjoy the outdoors, so they wanted to stick with what they love for their engagement session.  They recommended Millard Canyon in Pasadena.  I grew up in that area, but have never been to Millard, so it was great to explore and photograph a new area.  Since it was a Monday, there was no one in sight, which was perfect.  I love the intimacy between these two and I am looking forward to shooting their wedding next month at Cal Tech!  Enjoy!  -Allison

Congrats, Megan and Will!  I’m looking forward to coming back to Pasadena to shoot your wedding!

Stephy and Josh tie the knot in LA!

On a Friday morning, just two days before Christmas, Stephy prepared to marry the love of her life, Josh.  They flew from Tennessee to the city of Angels to marry each other, with both of their moms, Stephy’s dad and grandma, and a close friend by their side.  The morning was so intimate and special, and Stephy was so excited all morning to see her soon-t0-be-husband.  When Josh arrived, I was able to snap a few more photos before they headed off to officially become Mr. and Mrs.  On Christmas day, the newlyweds flew to Bora Bora for a private ceremony and honeymoon… how perfect!  I wish both of you all the love and happiness in the world and thank you for inviting me into your lives to capture your special day!  Enjoy the photos and I have more from the day on my facebook page!  -Allison

Congrats, Stephy and Josh!

F A C E B O O K