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Journal
Guides for SoCal couples
Light, locations and timelines from ten years of photographing weddings on the Southern California coast and beyond.
Light & timing
The best time of day for wedding photos in Southern California
When the light is best for wedding photos in Southern California: golden hour, blue hour, midday sun, plus a month-by-month Orange County sunset table.
Planning
An Orange County beach wedding timeline, built from sunset
Plan an Orange County beach or bluff wedding by working backward from sunset. A sample timeline, worked example and tips on wind, tides and permits.
Locations
The best engagement photo locations in Orange County
Nine Orange County engagement photo locations we love, from Crystal Cove to Old Towne Orange, with the best time of day and a practical tip for each.
Locations
The best engagement photo locations in Los Angeles
Nine Los Angeles engagement photo locations, from Griffith Park and El Matador to the Arts District, with the best time and a practical tip for each spot.
Locations
The best engagement photo locations in San Diego
Nine San Diego engagement photo locations, from La Jolla and Sunset Cliffs to Balboa Park and Coronado, with the best time and a practical tip for each.
Locations
Laguna Beach wedding photo spots, and when to go
Our guide to Laguna Beach wedding photo spots, from Heisler Park to Victoria Beach, plus how tides, crowds and sunset timing shape each location.
Light & timing
June Gloom and your wedding photos: why gray can be good
What May Gray and June Gloom mean for your Southern California wedding photos, why overcast light is so flattering, and how to plan a backup timeline.
Planning
The best month to get married in Southern California
A month by month look at the best time to get married in Southern California, comparing coast and desert weather, light, crowds, demand and winds.
Planning
Beach wedding photo tips from the sand up
Practical beach wedding photo tips for Southern California couples: tides, wind and veils, sun position, sand, footwear, guest comfort and vow audio.
Planning
Photo permits at Southern California beaches and parks
When wedding photo permits may be needed at Southern California state parks, city beaches and parks in OC, LA and San Diego, and what to ask first.
Style
What to wear for engagement photos in California
What to wear for engagement photos in California: outfits for beach, city, desert and mountain sessions, plus colors, textures, shoes and a two-outfit plan.
Planning
A wedding day timeline built for photos
A wedding day timeline for photos with sample 6, 8 and 10 hour schedules covering getting ready, first look, ceremony, family photos and golden hour.
Planning
First look vs aisle reveal: how to choose
First look vs aisle reveal: honest pros and cons, how each changes a winter or summer timeline in Southern California, and private alternatives to try.
Locations
Elopement ideas in Southern California
Elopement ideas in Southern California, from Laguna Beach coves to Joshua Tree and Big Bear Lake, plus marriage license basics and small-guest ideas.
Locations
Desert wedding photos in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree
Planning desert wedding photos in Palm Springs or Joshua Tree? Where to shoot, park permits, heat, the best seasons, sunset and stars, and what to bring.