Santa Barbara Wedding: Melissa & Pete

This had to be one of the most memorable weddings we've had the privilege of capturing! Melissa and Pete are a lovely couple — inside and out — and their wedding site was stunning! The day began at the charming Inn of the Spanish Garden in Santa Barbara, where the bride and her bridesmaids prepared for the Big Day. Then, it was off to the ceremony site, the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse. The Spanish-Moorish architecture and details throughout made this site an amazing backdrop for a wedding. After a sweet champagne-and-cupcake reception surrounded by family and friends at a local park, the couple headed to one of their favorite hangouts, Dargan's, a fun Irish pub and restaurant near State Street. From beginning to end, it was a day full of love and laughter! What more could we ask for? Congratulations, Pete and Melissa! (To see the complete "sneak peek" gallery, click here. Yes, there's more!)

Los Angeles Wedding: Cathie & Richard

Congrats to Richard and Cathie! We had a great time capturing their special day — from the sentimental to the hilarious — at the classic Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. But first a little background (we love this story): Richard and Cathie met briefly in elementary school before Richard moved to another school. Flash forward a few years later (we won't say how many) when their mutual hairdresser re-introduced them to each other — and, as they say, the rest is history! We wish them much love and happiness. (To see the complete "sneak peek" gallery, click here.)

Engagement Session: Melissa & Pete

We had a blast photographing Melissa and Pete earlier this month. We couldn't have asked for a more picture-perfect scenario: a beautiful beach in Santa Barbara and a sweet couple in love. Plus, Pete and Melissa were game and didn't mind wading in the chilly Pacific for a few sunset photos! (Thanks for indulging us.) We look forward to capturing their Big Day in March!

Ashley & Jake

What a way to start 2010! We were delighted to (finally) photograph Ashley and Jake together on the first of the year. We've known Ashley since she was 10 or 11, and had the pleasure of watching her grow up into a beautiful young lady. We had the privilege of taking her high school senior portraits, and a few years later, when she met Jake, we hoped we'd have the privilege of photographing their wedding. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, we weren't able to be there for their big day. So we were thrilled when they came back from Oregon to visit a year later, and they asked us to take their "first anniversary" portraits. Happy anniversary ... and many more!

Pasadena Wedding: Janette & Zack

We had a great time photographing Zack and Janette's wedding at the captivating Maxwell House in sunny Pasadena, Calif. Originally built in 1929, the Maxwell House made an elegant backdrop for a beautiful wedding. Earlier in the day, we got to capture Janette and her bridesmaids as they prepared for the big day ahead. (And, may we say, Janette was one of the most gracious and calmest brides we've photographed so far!) After the ceremony, Zack and Janette led everyone to the dance floor for a night of awesome music and dancing. These two know how to have a good time, so we have no doubt their marriage will be filled with fun and laughter. Congrats!

Senior Portraits: Kaylee

We had so much fun taking Kaylee's senior portraits! She is a country girl at heart, so we thought it would be perfect to take some photos at the historic 1880's oil boom town of Mentryville in Newhall where you can still see a charming 13-bedroom mansion with a wrap-around porch (currently being renovated), a fire-engine red barn and a cute little school house! We also drove over to one of our favorite spots in Santa Clarita, CA, where majestic oaks served as a beautiful backdrop. Kaylee was such a natural in front of the camera that she made our job easy! Check out some of our favorite picks below. For more photos from this session, click here.

Don't Call It a Comeback...

No, this blog is not dead. Yes, we'll be posting new photos of our latest shoots. In the meantime, please join us on Facebook and become a "fan" of Dynamo Creative Photography! You'll see what we've been up to for the last few months...