Plan Your California Wedding: Vendors, Inspiration, & Expert Advice

After discussing with my wife, we've decided apart from our small ceremony that hiring Will had to be the best choice we made for our wedding. He traveled from California to Alaska and was able to adapt his style to the challenges of snow, rain, and frozen gusts in the sun-- all while still making us look fantastic. He was very kind and helpful in planning. Even when we hit roadblocks or weren't sure of the next steps, Will was always throwing out collaborative ideas that matched our vision for the day. He took the time to make sure what we wanted was executed. His personality is a great presence on your wedding day. He is calm, positive, and if things change, adaptable. The photos were amazing, and that is an understatement. Although we originally hired him as a photographer, by the end of the wedding we felt we should have invited him as a friend instead. Nothing but positive things to say about our experience with Will. If you have the opportunity hire him, you will not regret it.

My partner and I were drawn to Vivian for her prior experience working with the venue and our wedding planner, and, most importantly, her vision. We were given curated referrals for a photographer from both the venue, Mister Jiu's, and our wedding planner, and something about Vivian's photos struck us as both intimate and purposeful, naturally capturing the best moments in her subjects and the moment. Vivian has a terrific eye for capturing everything from the planned and choreographed to the spontaneous. Many of our photos were taken at the venue and the surrounding area of San Francisco's Chinatown before and during our dinner celebration. We were always in good hands, experimenting with different poses, cameras, and film to achieve a varied look, which, upon reflection, my wife and I were so glad Vivian took the time to do everything she did. We also appreciated her ability to switch gears from serious to witty, perfectly capturing every moment our surroundings or guests placed us in. And importantly, Vivian captured every important moment, framing our loved ones and us perfectly, even when we didn't know she was doing so. Vivian always made us feel welcomed, was always kind, and appreciated the love and joy perfectly captured in our photos that day. Thank you, Vivian, for being there with us on our special day!

Having a destination wedding is no small endeavor. I found Karla ( Kape photography) on instagram and immediately fell in love with her style and her work. And wow did she even exceed my dreams for our wedding photos. We are SO happy with our wedding photos, over joyed that we will have these beautiful photos to remember our most favorite day. Thank you , Karla. You are truly so gifted!

Well, where do we start when it comes to Teri. She is an absolute treasure - from our first time getting together for an engagement shoot, to receiving our pics just a few weeks after the wedding, we could not have imagined a better wedding photographer. Teri is a true professional. She is responsive, articulate and prompt, and always has a clear plan for what she wants to do. The impressive thing was that even though she had such a clear vision, everything felt like a team decision, probably because of her kindness and joyful approach to her work. Teri is an artist. We knew Teri's pictures were beautiful from her website, but what we could never expect was her ability to capture the feeling of a moment and the emotional impact of a place. Looking back at our wedding pictures, we can feel what is was like to be in each moment at our venue - this is the priceless quality that you want when you get your wedding photos, and Teri nails it. Teri is a true friend. Have I mentioned how nice she is? Working with Teri was like having a close friend at your wedding taking pictures - its actually difficult to imagine our day without her. And yet she somehow makes you feel just as special to her. We certainly hope to stay in touch for years to come! --Katie and Alex

We can't say enough positive things about Ashley and her work! From the start, Ash was super responsive, reliable, and flexible with our multiple COVID date/location changes. Prior to our Wedding, we did not have any experience taking professional photos and were a bit nervous. Ash took all the nerves away, made us feel super comfortable, gave great direction and made the process fun. After our wedding, our family couldn't say enough positive things about Ash's friendly and bubbly personality and we also appreciated her ability to keep everything on schedule. She captured our day perfectly and it was such a fun surprise receiving sneak peaks so soon after. We can't wait to hire her again in the future. Thank you Ash!

Apollo did a fantastic job capturing our wedding in November in San Francisco. Andra and Melaina were with us every step of the way, capturing a full range of memories from posed portraits to candids with our guests to details of the venue. Our ceremony was indoors at night in low light, and Andra and Melaina worked with the lighting to create beautiful, dramatic pictures that we can’t wait to hang in our home. Apollo has tons of experience photographing weddings, and they have a very helpful structured process to follow in advance of the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly. As a couple, we aren’t super comfortable in front of a camera, but Andra and Melaina were helpful coaches and cheerleaders which made us much more at ease during the shoots. They also did a great job of planning for our venue and using their own artistic perspective to put us in locations that turned into amazing photos. If you’re looking for a great Bay Area wedding photographer, Apollo is an awesome choice!

Julia went above and beyond my wildest dreams for my special day. She was very professional leading up to the event finding out what my expectations were. She kept me posted about flights and logistics all in advance to help make the even run as smooth as possible. She was very flexible with the time making sure it was the right lighting for the perfect shots. She is creative and talented and you can tell she has a strong passion for photography. She felt just like a long time friend who made being in front of a camera enjoyable. Thank you so much! I would hire her again in a heart beat!

Danya has the vision for everything. She comes well prepared and has the timeline down to the minute. She had already photographed our wedding venue prior, so she knew all the spots that would really have us shine. We had an outfit change near the end of the session and she was so encouraging of it; she really got to capture the moment and the fun we had. Within three days, we had already gotten a sneak peek of some of the photos and they look amazing. Thank you so much Danya!

It’s very rare that someone checks every box, and exceeds expectations, but Nayza has done just that. She’s talented, artistic, expert at her craft, visionary, an excellent collaborator, and provides a supportive/safe energy space for your true self to shine through her photography. All of these characteristics translate through the final product. We’ve used her 3 times so far, each for important milestones in our lives (engagement, wedding, birthday), and couldn’t have found anyone better. Her ideas, her photography skills, her editing skills, her energy, her genuine excitement for the craft, all combine for her to produce something ethereal, something so magical, that we are forever touched by. All these years I thought I wasn’t “photogenic” but really, the person photographing me couldn’t “see” me. Nayza has the ability to do that. To bring out something special in each photo. Her photos encapsulate the not only the physical environment, but the emotions felt as well. I see our engagement and wedding photos, and immediately feel the feelings I felt on that day. And did I mention her own emotions while shooting? She’s so excited and the best “hype man” anyone could ask for. She makes us feel beautiful, and secure in knowing that she’s going to catch us in our best moment, in our best light. I could go on, but I’m hitting this website’s word limit! Just know that she hits the target every single time, and we can’t wait to use her over and over (and over) again!

Alison was an absolutely wonderful photographer and a pleasure to work with. She was super communicative and clear about what to expect and made the process stress-free for us. Anyone lucky enough to work with her is in for a treat and will not regret it. The photographs were beyond perfect.

Bruno is the kind of photographer you don’t only hire for his skill but for the vibes. You instantly feel the passion he has for his profession. Bruno told us, that he would not only accompany but be a part of our wedding - and he meant it. It feels as if you’re having a friend around. We were looking for a cinematic style for our wedding photos and were more than happy to have found Bruno. Don’t expect staged pictures with family and friends but authentic emotions captured in photographs. When looking through the pictures, we truly feel the magic of that special day again. Thank you, Bruno.

From the moment we first talked to Amanda, her relaxed, funny, and warm personality instantly put us at ease. She is the perfect blend of professional and personable. Amanda fit right in with our friends and family on the wedding day, and somehow was everywhere at once to capture all the little moments we didn't even get to see. The photos she delivered are honest, artful and beautifully document our special day. She has a very light touch with posing and really let us just enjoy our day. We couldn't be happier with our wedding photos, and highly recommend Amanda to any couple looking for a talented, personable wedding photographer who is really fun to hang out with!

You will be in good hands with Michael and his team. He made sure the day ran smoothly, showed up and did whatever was necessary to make sure we had beautiful photos to remember our wedding day. I love our portraits, but having so many additional photos of us enjoying the night with our loved ones and of friends and family enjoying themselves was an added bonus. Michael and Moi also brought fun energy and good vibes to the party, I am so happy they are a part of our memory forever! Michael has been amazing to work with. Michael and his team came highly recommended by many friends, and everyone that I know who have used Michael and his team have been blown away by their engagement, wedding and family photos. My fiancé and I felt so comfortable during our engagement shoot and had so much fun! We received an absolutely stunning photo gallery just a few days later! Michael really pays attention and listens to your needs to make sure the desired style and vibe of your photos come to life. Michael communicates well and provides resources and support to make sure every single detail of your wedding day will run smoothly and be captured accordingly. I cannot wait for our wedding day and would not trust anyone else to capture the memories on our special day!

From the moment we received our photos and wedding video, we were completely blown away. The quality of the photos is absolutely stunning—every image is beautifully captured, full of emotion, and tells the story of our day perfectly. Looking through our gallery brought us right back to every special moment, and we couldn’t stop smiling. Our wedding video exceeded every expectation we had. It truly feels like watching our own movie. The way everything was edited together, the attention to detail, the music, and the storytelling made it feel so cinematic and emotional. We have watched it countless times already and discover new little moments with each viewing. What impressed us most was how naturally and authentically our love, our family, and the joy of the day were captured. These aren’t just photos and videos—they are memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. We are beyond grateful for the time, talent, and care that went into creating something so beautiful for us. Thank you for giving us the gift of reliving the best day of our lives over and over again. We cannot recommend you highly enough!

Center Of Attention Events came in at the last minute and not only saved the day, but knocked it out of the park! They planned and executed the most beautiful and flawless wedding event for my son and new daughter in law at the last moment when things went south with a previous wedding event planner. They put us at ease immediately. Their skill and expertise was much appreciated especially in a Hail Mary moment. Their vendor recommendations spot on.

We recently had the pleasure of working with Pro Boda for our destination wedding in Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, Selene and her Team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. They took the time to understand our vision and turned it into a reality that exceeded our expectations. The planning process was seamless, thanks to Pro Boda's expertise and organization. They handled everything—from venue selection to coordinating with local vendors—with grace and efficiency. Their knowledge of the Baja region was invaluable, as they introduced us to stunning locations and unique touches that made our wedding truly amazing. On the big day, Selene, Aaron, and the rest of team ensured that everything ran smoothly. We were able to relax and enjoy every moment, knowing that we were in capable hands. Our guests were equally impressed by the flawless execution, attention to detail and the beautiful ambiance. If you're considering a wedding in Baja California, we wholeheartedly recommend Pro Boda. Their dedication and passion for creating unforgettable events are unmatched. Thank you for making our dream wedding a reality!

ERIA’s approach really highlights how much the guest experience depends on thoughtful details beyond the venue itself. I especially like the idea of treating a wedding as a complete experience, from the welcome dinner through the farewell brunch, rather than focusing only on the ceremony. For destination or winter weddings, the same attention to detail can extend to guest comfort and wardrobe. Layering options such as a well-made sweater for men winter can be a practical addition for outdoor arrivals, evening gatherings, or cooler-weather celebrations.

Kate did ALL the florals for my July 2023 wedding and I cannot tell you how many compliments I received about my florals. My vision was a timeless wedding with white florals, pops of blue, orchids and roses. Her and her team absolutely killed it. We had a mock trail at Terranea and she wow'd me there, so I was super excited for the actual wedding day. Her and her team showed up on time and all my flowers were super FRESH. She simply blew me away. Thank you, Kate. Every detail was perfect.

Truly hands down the BEST decision we made for our wedding was hiring Wild Light Films. I always knew video was something I wanted for our wedding, but with Covid making such an impact on our plans and so many of our friends and family no longer able to attend, it became that much more important. As a wedding planner, I've seen a lot of wedding videos, but nothing quite like the work that Steven creates. I knew I wanted something different from the majority of what I had seen before. I didn't want something sappy and slow. I wanted it to feel more like you were watching a movie trailer than a wedding video and he delivered! At the beginning, I was a tiny bit nervous about hiring a vendor I had never worked with and was even in a different state, but from our first conversation, I knew that he was amazing and that our wedding was in good hands! Somehow he was able to do all of this magic on his own. You would have assumed 3 videographers were there! He got every important shot, every beautiful moment all the while never being imposing. Half the time I didn't even notice him around! I constantly watch our wedding videos over and over. He got us all of our videos within weeks of the wedding. I cried happy tears every time I got an email from him because that meant I was about to watch something special.

Jenella and Mikey were the most perfect photographer/videographer duo we could have chosen to capture our special day! Choosing a wedding photographer/videographer is such a daunting task but we’re so glad we found Jenella and Mikey and they were available to shoot for us on our wedding day. When we were looking through their portfolio, we absolutely loved their style and knew that was what we wanted for our own wedding photos/video. Throughout the whole process they were so great at communicating with us and helping us with planning for our big day. We also really loved being able to do our engagement photoshoot with Jenella and Mikey. Especially because when they showed up with their team on our wedding day, they didn’t feel like strangers coming to shoot our special day but more like friends who already knew us. We completely trusted them to capture all the special moments and tell our story through their photos/videos. Not to mention, they delivered engagement photos that we absolutely adore and were so dreamy. On our wedding day, there was so much going on but we felt so taken care of by Jenella and her team. The day felt like a blur but I can recall Jenella always being somewhere close by and available, offering us water and making sure we were good to go. They were so patient with us and we felt so comfortable with them. Mikey did such an amazing job with both our wedding video trailer and wedding film. It’s so hard to describe with words but it was everything we wanted and even more. Just perfect. The wedding video so cohesive with our wedding photos but also so special in its own way. Each photo was so perfectly captured, in the most beautiful way. We loved reliving our special day through the photos and film and will cherish them for a lifetime. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

They filmed our Tahoe wedding, I was recommended them by a friend to book them. It came out perfect! Clean edits, great music, and they made the whole day amazing. I would definitely recommend them again, great guy. I left a review on google, but I'll also leave one here because they're killer!

Bruno is the kind of photographer you don’t only hire for his skill but for the vibes. You instantly feel the passion he has for his profession. Bruno told us, that he would not only accompany but be a part of our wedding - and he meant it. It feels as if you’re having a friend around. We were looking for a cinematic style for our wedding photos and were more than happy to have found Bruno. Don’t expect staged pictures with family and friends but authentic emotions captured in photographs. When looking through the pictures, we truly feel the magic of that special day again. Thank you, Bruno.