Alyson & Morgan – San Diego Wedding

It was the perfect day for a celebration… The sun was shinning, a cool breeze wafted through the air, and an excited energy filled Bandy Canyon Ranch. Today was Alyson & Morgan’s wedding day!

The grounds were carefully garnished with personal touches. Rustic windows were hung above the ceremony alter, mason jars lined the tables for lemonade, and hand crafted wooden boxes held a bed of moss where the table cards were displayed. Everywhere you looked, the culmination of Morgan & Alyson’s efforts & love shown through. During the weeks leading up to the wedding, the happy couple and their family spent countless hours crafting the thoughtful details for the day. And after many long days & late nights of labor, it was time to get the show on the road!

Alyson was the picture of calmness. It was as if she had spent years dreaming of this day, and everything had finally fallen into place. Radiant and eager, she laid eyes on Morgan and a huge smile spread across her face. He was speechless. Morgan had spent years with Alyson, but it was as if he was seeing her for the first time… in a new light… as his bride.

The day seemed to pass in a blink of an eye, but you could feel these two were living in the moment. Looking out into a sea of family & friends, their eyes said it all. Appreciation. Commitment. Love.

Wishing you all the happiness in the world Alyson & Morgan! One of the most special days I have had the pleasure of capturing!

XO

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Hands down best bride reaction ever!

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Soft focus heaven! :)

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Handsome & hilarious ;)

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Nothing like a father daughter dance to summon up a few tears…

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Mr & Mrs Pinney!!!

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Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Alyson & Morgan – San Diego Engagement

Full disclosure, I may be a bit bias. I have known Alyson for… closing in on two decades now! But I would like to think, even if she had been a complete stranger, I would still find these images to be some of my absolute favorites :) I don’t know if it was my refreshed inspiration after the Winter break, the inviting San Diego vibe, or the fact that I was just ecstatic to photograph the lady I have known since our days on soph/frosh volleyball! Whatever the case, I gained a new perspective on all things seascape! :)

It’s all about the little things… It’s in the way he can’t seem to hide a grin after they share a quiet joke, the way she quickly scoops up his hand before he even has time to think about putting it in his pocket, and the way they can convey an entire conversation through a single glance. In the many years I have known Alyson, I don’t think I have ever seen her so at peace, so happy, so complete, as she is with Morgan.

Soul mates.

Alyson & Morgan, I am so happy to call you friends :) I cannot wait to see all of the details you have been planning for the big day! I have no doubt it will be anything short of breath taking. Counting the days until Mr & Mrs!!!

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BLING BLING!!!

Soft focus heaven…

About every other minute I questioned why I do not live in San Diego… Case in point:

When you are with your soul mate, sometimes it can feel like you are the only two people in the world…

If I could only photograph one thing for the rest of my life, you can bet it all on love.

Check back soon to see the happy couple’s San Diego wedding!!!

Posted in engagement photos, Engagements, Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice | 2 Comments

Anna & Brian – Loyola Marymount University Wedding

They arrived at the same church they had passed by countless times during their college years at Loyola Marymount. This is where it all began; the banter, the laughter, the bond. So when it came time to choose the location for their wedding ceremony, it was a piece of cake! Loyola was the perfect spot to start their lives together as husband & wife.

An air of anxious excitement flowed through the bridal rooms as Anna & Brian added the finishing touches for their big day. After months of preparation, they were ready to get this show on the road. Beautiful music wafted through the halls of chapel. Brian took his post to the right of the alter, and his gaze never seemed to leave the church entrance. He took a deep breath, willing her to appear… and finally there she was! His bride. His best friend. His soul mate. From that moment on, the happy pair appeared to be floating on cloud 9 :)

I can only describe the type of relationship that Anna & Brian share, as true soul mates. You can just tell, they are at their happiest when they are laughing, joking & dancing in each other’s arms.

Here are just a few of my favorites from their amazing celebration!

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Quite possibly my favorite church shot ever!

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This image says it all…

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One of my favorites from the day!

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LOVE :)

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Anna’s energy was intoxicating!

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If they hadn’t turned the music off & the lights on, I think they happy couple could have continued on until the break of dawn!

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Anna & Brian, thank you so much for inviting me to capture your beautiful wedding day! It was a delight :) I hope you are having the most amazing time on your honeymoon. I can’t wait to hear all about it!

XO
Christina

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Boho Pocahontas Inspired Shoot – Featured on Green Wedding Shoes

The other month I met up with a group of fabulously talented photographers from all across the country. I am deeply proud to call these amazing artists my friends :) While we do a great job of staying in touch, and talk pretty much on a weekly basis, it had been a few years since we had met and hung out in person. So when Bethann mentioned the word “reunion”, we jumped at the opportunity! From Arkansas, all the way to Connecticut, we traveled to finally catch up in person, and photograph a dreamy Boho Pocahontas inspired shoot!

After we got all of the squealing, hugging & laughter out of the way, we drove to a gorgeous location on the lake, and got down to business! Floral arrangements dripping with pastel roses & feathers were carried out, we pondered & pointed to where the best lit spots were at, and just when we approached the golden hour… she arrived. The most striking, green eyed, wild haired, Pocahontas model I had ever seen! I felt butterflies in my stomach. This was going to be one incredible photo session!

After posing, directing, and shooting our hearts out, the last sliver of light was gone. My heart could not have been more full. I thought to myself, what an amazing experience to share with the women who have supported & encouraged me to no end! And then it got better…

Bethann submitted our collective images, to a very well known wedding publication. And guess what??? They snatched it up in a heart beat! Incredibly honored to share our feature on Green Wedding Shoes today!

Here are just a few of my favorite images from the day!

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How gorgeous are these flowers by Splendid Sentiments!?!

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I adore a modern twist on an old classic! I think we did Pocahontas proud :)

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There is just something about a row boat…

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I could have photographed this spot all day!

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A HUGE thank you to Green Wedding Shoes for the feature!

Vendors:

Photographers: Christina Dely Photography, www.christinadelyphotography.com, Alisha Cryderman, http://alishacryderman.com/, Bethann Greenberg Photography, www.Bethanngreenberg.com, Brooke Allison Photography, www.brookeallisonphoto.com, Whitney Bower Imaging, www.whitneybower.com

Coordination & Styling: Couture Events,http://www.CoutureEventsSD.com

Florist: Splendid Sentiments,http://www.mysplendidsentiments.com/

Paper Products: Sweet Paper, http://www.sweet-paper.com/

Rentals: Powwow Vintage Rentals, http://www.powwowvintagerentals.com/

Desserts: Michele Coulon Dessertier , http://dessertier.com/

Gown: Bliss Bride, http://www.blissbride.com/

Make up: 3 Ways Beautiful,http://www.threewaysbeautiful.com/

Hair: Bethany, http://lotusdenhairstudio.com/

Dinnerware & Glassware: Anthropologie:http://www.anthropologie.com/

Jewlery: Anthropology http://www.anthropologie.com/ , Glamarella Junk,

http://glamarellajunk.blogspot.com/

Posted in featured, Green Wedding Shoes, San Diego, Southern California, Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, wedding gowns, Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photography, Weddings | 5 Comments

Another Year Older…

I honestly have no idea how it happened… It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating a milestone with my closest friends… And yet here it is again… The birthday. Sunday to be exact. How do I feel about my birthday this year as compared to last? Hmmmm less excited ;) Time is speeding up & my energy is beginning to slow down.

Over the course of the past year I pushed myself to accomplish the most extreme, intense & insane schedule EVER! I honestly look back and have no clue how I did it. So I ask myself, “Was it worth it?” In a word, NO. Did I learn a lot? Yes :) Here are just a few key takeaways:

1. I can function on VERY little sleep
2. Coffee & I are trying to make friends again. It gives me a boost, but eventually leaves me shaky & out of sorts. Not sure we can reconcile
3. I attended new conferences and traveled to states I never thought I would go to solo
4. I treasure completely free weekends with my husband
5. I have made the most amazing, feed-your-soul, life-long kind of friends
6. I have sacrificed my sanity… many, many times
7. I have stepped out of my comfort zone, stomped on the fears that once paralyzed me, and have lived to tell the tale
8. Mini vacays have become my savor! Give me a few nights in Mexico or a staycation at the Biltmore & I am one happy camper!
9. I realized that editing for zillions of hours & zillions of days in a row, brings back my wicked back pain
10. I need a new focus…

What is this new focus you ask? To enjoy a balanced life! Yes, booking a million jobs is great. Yes, networking and growing my business is wonderful. But what about feeling balanced? So this year, I vow to make a few changes. In fact, I have already begun to introduce them into my daily routine. They may seem very small, but they bring a new calm to my life…

1. Surround myself with music I love. I can remember being 16, sitting in my room & listening to the same song on repeat until my CD player began to smoke. For whatever reason, I have forgotten that I can turn on music whenever I like. It can match my mood, get me out of a funk, and yes, I can & will put on Madness by Muse on repeat for at least 800 times!
2. Take time to read amazing books. Reading used to be one of my favorite activities. I would read & read until I could barely keep my eyes open at night. Again, somewhere along the way books took a back seat in my day to day. So I am reconnecting with some old favs this month!
3. Enjoy a full night of sleep! Actually turn off the light & shut my eyes at 10pm. There is really nothing more glorious!
4. Not a day-to-day activity, but much needed… Plan a uber amazing vacation with the husband! Weekend staycations are nice & all, but there is nothing that can hold a candle to the 1 1/2 weeks we spent in Antigua a few years back. Not to mention it included a ton of reading & sleeping ;) I’m definitely all over the travel sites lately. It is going to be epic!

So that’s it. 2012 in a nutshell. It brought many joys, but I think it has become quite clear I need much more balance in my life. I’m definitely not getting any younger ;)

XO
Christina

And because every post deserves at least a photo or two… Here is our Antiguan beach! Ahhhh paradise!

Posted in Biltmore Hotel, birthday, Crudites, inspiration, photography, vacations | 3 Comments

Head Shots: Whitney

I thank my lucky stars for photography. It has brought me to the most beautiful locations and introduced me to the most amazing people.

Meet Whitney. Breath taking. Hilarious. All heart.

Oy yeah… And the camera LOVES her!!!

 

 

I adore images of laughter!

 

 

And my favorite from the day!

 

Posted in Crudites, headshots, Southern California | 4 Comments

Head Shots: Brooke

Such a treat to photograph the sweet & smokin’ Brooke!

She tried to tell me she was a stiff in front of the camera… I beg to differ!!!

Exhibit A.

Exhibit B.

Exhibit C.

Exhibit D.

Exhibit E.

I rest my case.

Love you Brookie! XO

Posted in Crudites, portraits, San Diego, Southern California, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Head Shots: Alisha

Someone needed new head shots!!!

There are some people who just light up in front of the camera. Their eyes invite you in; almost hypnotizing. Their smile make you smile. Even their skin, seems to soften in front of the lens. Alisha is one of these few. She is truly a natural in front of the camera.

Just a few of my favorites…

 

 

 

Sometimes there is just nothing better than soft focus. Love, love, love!

 

 

And my absolute favorite from the day! You are absolutely gorgeous my friend! Inside & out.

 
XO
Christina

Posted in Anytime Session, Crudites, Los Angeles, San Diego | Tagged | 6 Comments

Wedding Client Testimonial – Christina Dely Photography

The other week I received one of THE most uplifting, humbling & endearing letters of my photography career. My eyes quite literally welled with tears as I absorbed each & every word…

“I was thinking about you a ton yesterday and thinking about how amazing you are at your job… I don’t know how you do it!! It must be so stressful to be the one to capture someone’s wedding day and I just wanted to let you know, from the bottom of my heart, we couldn’t have been happier with EVERYTHING!!! You were amazing and so cool and calm and the locations and everything were just PERFECT! The shots I’ve seen are more than I could ever have imagined and it means so much to me that they came from you. Your whole process and the FB post the morning of our wedding day, the story of us on your blog, the sneek peaks and everything just show so much thought and attention and you make people feel so important and thought of… I know you are SO busy and I don’t know how you do so much. Please tell Mike thank you, you guys were absolutely awesome and it put me at such ease to have you photographing us. You don’t know the weight it took off me to feel at ease that you’d have it all covered and you did… more than I could have imagined! So thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” ~Mary (San Diego bride)

Mary & Eric,

I am blessed to know you, blessed to have photographed you & oh so blessed to have your support! I’ve said it before & I will say it again & again… Thank you for asking us to photograph one of the most important days of your lives!

XOXO Christina

To see the full post of Mary & Eric’s wedding, click here: Balboa Park, San Diego wedding

Posted in Crudites, San Diego, Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Wedding, Weddings | Tagged | 4 Comments

Ashley & Kevin – Mission Beach, San Diego Wedding

The room was shockingly quiet. You could hear only the faint sounds of an iPod shuffling across the room, and a few rumblings of hair & make up directions. Ashley sat in a chair facing the mirror; carefully inspecting her curls, cool as a cucumber. Not quite what you would expect from a room filled with 20 women… on the morning of a wedding! But that is just the way Ashley is. She sets the tone. She warms into the emotion of the day. And trust me, once she is warmed up, she is on FIRE!
 
Ashley & Kevin are the type of couple who you fall in love with. Immediately! They are the life of the party, and yet strive towards making a difference in the world each & every day. They drive green cars. They teach children. They appreciate the little things. They make an impact. …I miss them already :)
 

In true Ashley & Kevin fashion, their wedding overflowed with thoughtfulness, detail & celebration. There were glances that needed no words, and vows that painted the most vivid picture of their lives together.

I will stop there, and just let you see for yourself. After hours of internal debate, I forced myself to narrow it down to just these FEW favorites! Enjoy :)

 

While Ashley & her girls were downstairs getting ready, I set up this dress shot. The audible gasps that arose when they walked in the room… priceless!  I’d like to think that it was my staging talent that summoned the emotion, but let’s be honest here, the dress says it all…

 

 

Classic beauty, classic bride…

 

 

 

Love this candid expression!

 

 

 

 

There is something incredibly sweet and intimate about the first look. I absolutely LOVE when my couples request it. And the result? …Well, you capture images like these!

 

 

 

 

I like to take a step back & give my couples as long as they want, to take it ALL in.

 

 

 

 

I really could have photographed Kevin & Ashley in Mission Bay all day :)

 

 

 

I finally had to pry these two a part, so we could head back to the Hyatt Mission Bay, for the ceremony. Details everywhere!

 

 

Now you may think that doing the first look would take a bit of the emotion out of the ceremony. Nope! Not a chance.

 

 

 

 

Mr & Mrs!!!

 

 

Another favorite from the day :)

 

I truly had to hold back from including 325042854072 detail pictures :) Ashley & her mom did a phenomenal job with the wedding decor!

 

 

 

Time to get the party started!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley’s father delivered the most moving speech. His sentiments set the tone for the evening - Lots of laughter, loads of love!

 

 

There is probably nothing I enjoy more than a couple who knows how to let loose & just party the night away! Yes, there may have been fast pitch softball miming involved!  …But what perfect wedding reception doesn’t??? ;)

 

 

Ashley & Kevin… Honestly, where do I start? From the moment we met for brunch in San Diego, I knew this would be one of my all time favorite weddings. My intuition did not let me down! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for allowing us to capture the most beautiful & memorable day of your lives. I hope you are dancing the nights away on your honeymoon in Belize!

XO
Christina

 

Posted in San Diego, Southern California, Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Wedding, Weddings | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments