bride and groom celebrate with their bridal party

Amanda and Mitch’s wedding at Leo Carrillo Ranch was a day that radiated everything they are: fun, adventurous, and overflowing with love. When I stepped into the getting-ready suite at the Westin Carlsbad, I knew this was going to be one for the books. Amanda, the sweetest and most vibrant bride you could imagine, brought her infectious energy to every moment of the day. Mitch was smoking cigars and rocking a bow tie with his closest friends, too. Together, these two share a love for travel, adventure, and the kind of connection that makes everyone around them smile. Amanda’s friends brought big energy, laughter, and plenty of happy tears to the getting ready suite. One super sweet moment was when one of Amanda’s closest friends surprised her with a scrapbook of their friendship. Watching Amanda flip through and reminisce on years of memories, was one of my sweetest memories of the day.

Leo Carrillo Ranch was the perfect setting for a summer southern California wedding - its rustic charm, bougainvillea, and winding courtyards created the dreamiest backdrop for their vows. It was the kind of ceremony that felt so authentically them: deeply meaningful yet effortlessly fun.

Amanda and Mitch made their grand entrance to the reception through a fun tunnel of their cheering wedding party. It definitely set the tone for the rest of the evening! The photo bus was a massive hit with guests, capturing silly, candid moments all night long. But it wasn’t just the entertainment that made the reception memorable—it was the thoughtful touches sprinkled throughout. From the beautiful floral arrangements to the delicious dessert spread featuring not only a classic wedding cake but also churros and donuts (because why settle for just one?). Every detail reflected Amanda and Mitch’s personalities and the community of loved ones who came together to celebrate them and make their day so special. The dance floor was packed all night, Amanda and Mitch leading the charge with their best friends. They only paused for a few minutes to take golden hour photos by Leo Carrillo's iconic reflection pool.

When Amanda and Mitch shared their vision for their wedding gallery with me, they said they wanted it to be

“bursting with love, laughter, and just the best vibes.”

And honestly, that’s exactly what their day was! From the emotional moments—like Amanda's first look with her dad, or Mitch holding Amanda’s hand during their vows—to the moments of pure joy, like their fun-filled reception entrance and everyone digging into churros and donuts, their wedding was a reflection of who they are as a couple.

Amanda and Mitch, your wedding was a dream to document. It was a day filled with connection, joy, and the kind of love that leaves an impression on everyone lucky enough to witness it. Thank you for trusting me to capture these moments and for sharing your day with me. To any couple reading this who’s planning their big day, take a note from Amanda and Mitch: make it yours. Celebrate what makes you unique, honor the people who matter most, and don’t be afraid to fill your day with laughter, churros, and dancing under the stars. Here’s to the happy couple and their adventures ahead!