Heidi Ryder Photography: The Blog » Southern California and Destination Wedding Photography

One of the biggest perks of my job is I get to hear real life love stories all the time. Not only that, but often I get to re-imagine things like a couple’s first date or marriage proposal, simply by photographing them at the location where it all happened. Jackqueline and Jeremy’s first date happened at the Griffith Observatory, so it was a natural choice for their engagement session. When Jackie and I were brainstorming ideas for their shoot, one things she was very clear about was she wanted to incorporate childhood elements. We debated using balloons, and even tried to think of a park with a great swing set, but it wasn’t until she brought up pinwheels that a light bulb went off and we both knew we had a winner!

The day before the shoot Jackqueline handmade adorable pinwheels and Jeremy constructed a matching kite. I just love when couples take the time to think about props to incorporate into their engagement sessions – it makes the entire shoot unique and personal! We rocked it out pinwheel-style and I am so in love with these photos!

Jackqueline and Jeremy, thanks so much for choosing me as your photographer – I am so excited for your wedding on a boat in May!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

Last week’s Wedding Inspiration Wednesday post was so much fun and got great feedback! Amanda over at Ruffled Blog saw my post and told me she’d been collecting birdcage photos all the while for a similar post. Check out her post on bird cage wedding décor – so many gorgeous finds!

I had a lot of fun putting together today’s inspiration post, too. I don’t know why the thought occurred to me, but I quickly decided that my second inspiration post had to be all about a Spanish fiesta! Maybe it’s because I’m such a big fan of bright, bold colors – or maybe it’s just my Latin heritage (25%!) trying to be heard. Either way, I am loving all of the fiesta-inspired wedding finds that are out there. What a great way to infuse color and personality into a wedding. The only thing missing is a piñata!

1. Papelitos Picados Banners by Aymujer on Etsy
2. Single stem flowers in old glass bottles via Country Living
3.  Fiesta Petal Holders by Francis-Dee Bespoke Wedding Stationery
4. Tissue-wrapped cactus ‘Besos’ favors via Better Homes and Gardens
5. Fiesta Inspired Hand Built Porcelain Tray Duo by Clayswan on Etsy
6. Talavera Mexican Tile Pressed Wedding Invitation by Letterpress Light on Etsy
7. Mexican Wedding Cookies via Epicurean Escapism

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

You probably remember Emily and Free from their Griffith Park Observatory engagement session. Well, now this cute couple is Mr. and Mrs.! They were married this weekend at the LDS Temple in Westwood with a reception at the Pasadena Masonic Temple. Their wedding day was casual, cool and fun – just like them. It was such a pleasure being there with their closest friends and family on such a special day. My lovely friend Heather was along for the ride that day and I couldn’t have done it without her!

We started the day off at the temple, waiting patiently for Emily and Free to exit as husband and wife. The smiles on their faces made it worth the wait!

During the week leading up the wedding there was a forecast for rain all day. I know Emily hoped we would have sunshine instead and when the forecast started turning around as the day got closer, I was so excited for them! We couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day. Would you look at that blue sky?!

Emily and Free’s wedding party was the funnest. They made a good looking bunch, I must say. Oh, and aren’t the bridesmaid’s dresses lovely? Emily’s grandma made them, and I was in awe. And Emily’s beautiful dress was custom made, too, and inspired by a dress Emily saw on Project Runway. Love it!

This next one is probably my favorite from the day…

We had some time before the reception to wander around Old Town Pasadena and take some lovely portraits. I love that time of the day when it’s just me and the couple – they get to relax and enjoy each other and I get to capture it. The best.

I call this next shot Free’s Real Estate Mogul Portrait. I made him promise that if he ever got into real estate, he needed to use this shot on the side of a bus bench.

From the very first meeting I had with Emily and Free they told me they definitely wanted their reception to be a bit of a dance party. It’s a good thing, too, because they had some friends with some moves. I threatened one in particular (hi, Kate!) with a blog post dedicated solely to photos of her on the dance floor, but I’ll refrain and post this fun collage instead.

Emily and Free, I hope you are having an amazing honeymoon in Hawaii! Thank you so much for letting me a part of your wedding day. I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about ways to keep my blog fresh, even when I don’t have shoots to share with you. I wanted to think of something that would be beneficial to my brides (and any that happened upon my blog) but I wasn’t sure what I could offer on a constant basis that would keep me and others interested.

But this weekend I was chatting with a friend and client about her upcoming wedding in June. Her venue is very beautiful and quaint and feels almost like a garden, and we were tossing around ideas of ways to make the wedding personal. This particular bride has a pet bird whom she adores and jokingly said something about incorporating bird cages somehow. I thought this was a brilliant idea and I knew she could easily find tons of beautiful and inspired ways to incorporate bird cages into her wedding. She almost laughed off the idea because she hasn’t been immersed in the world of weddings for years like I have. She didn’t think it would be possible. But I knew better. And then a light bulb literally went on over my head.

I realized that people like me are a wealth of information when it comes to wedding ideas because we have seen so much more than the average bride has. So, I’ve decided to start an ongoing section called “Wedding Inspiration Wednesdays” where I will pick a theme and then find several lovely things that a bride might pick to incorporate said theme into her wedding.

Now, between you and me, I am no wedding designer, nor do I claim to be. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun! Truth be told, I honestly believe it’s not the details that make a wedding, but I love to look at pretty things as much as the next gal, and chances are you do, too.

So, in honor of my friend, the first Wedding Inspiration Wednesday is all about bird cages. Most of these were found several days ago and I couldn’t find my source for a few of them, but I’ve listed links below for the ones I still had. If you recognize an un-sourced item from somewhere, please let me know.

Enjoy!

1. Birdcage Cake by Lark Cake Shop
2. Feathered Birdcage Veil by Unveiled Bridal Designs
3. Birdcage Ring Pillow by Llubav
4 and 5. Birdcage Flower Centerpieces by Mints Design
6. Birdcage Card Holder via Weddingbee

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

Heather and Mike’s Long Beach engagement session took place in the Belmont Shores area of town, which was a new location for me. Heather lived in Long Beach when she and Mike first started dating, so many of their early dates happened on the very same street a majority of the session was held on. I fell in love with this part of Long Beach instantly and can’t wait to go back and try out some of the awesome restaurants and shop in all of the amazing stores we saw.

Heather and Mike are very cute together and shooting a session with them was so much fun because they hardly ever stopped laughing. Like, seriously, I had to tell them to stop a couple of times just to get a different look from them! I, for one, think that’s the makings of a good marriage so I think these two found the right match in each other. Thanks for a fun day, Heather and Mike! Looking forward to more laughs at your wedding at Tivoli Terrace in June!

Some people might consider this next shot a blooper since Mike’s sticking out his tongue, but I just love Heather’s laugh in this one!

So while on our shoot I learned that heather LOVES cupcakes (and who doesn’t, really?), and since she knew we’d be passing by a cupcake shop during the shoot she had already made Mike promise they could get cupcakes at some point. When I heard this I said, “Let’s go right now!” So, we headed to Frosted Cupcakery, which proved to be the perfect setting for some yummy photos.

It turned out the Mexican restaurant where Heather and Mike had their first date (though neither of them were sure it was actually a date at the time) was just a block away! I had them grab a table for a couple of shots.

Then Heather showed me this delightful little shop, Romance Etc., and it immediately became my favorite because not only was the storefront super charming, but the light was glorious, too.

For Christmas this year I received an Instax 210 camera, which is basically a Polaroid camera, but made by Fuji. It is awesome! I decided to break it out for this session and have a little fun.

Eventually we headed back to the beach, and I feel I should probably explain these next couple of photos. You see, Heather and Mike really love playing this game called The Kingdom of Loathing, or KoL for short. It’s really nerdy, and from what I’ve heard it’s super hilarious. Oh, and in the game, Mike had his character gift a ring to Heather’s character, and that’s how he proposed! This stick figure guy – who is wielding a martini and a sword, if you can’t tell – is like the game mascot.

And here is the lovely couple in matching KoL t-shirts! Hooray!

The sunset was stellar that evening, as it has been the past couple of weeks. We took full advantage.

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

I can’t believe 2009 has come to an end. This has been quite a year for me, personally and business-wise, and when I sit and think about all I’ve had the privilege to see and do, I’m quite pleased. 2009 was the year I decided to focus solely on weddings. This time last year I wasn’t sure where this year would take me, but I was ready to hang on and enjoy the ride. And, oh, what a ride it’s been.

2010 already promises to be an even more exciting year and I honestly can’t wait. There’s something so refreshing about the start of a new year. I know technically nothing really changes, but there’s just something about seeing Jan. 1st on a calendar that sparks something inside me. I love feeling like I can change anything I put my mind to. Make things happen. Kick A$$ and take names. You know the drill.

I’ve already set wheels in motion for things that are sure to make my business better than ever, which means an even better experience for my clients. I am so looking forward to the weddings I have the honor of photographing next year and I can’t wait to share them all here.

In the spirit of reflection, I’ve chosen some of my favorite images, from both engagement sessions and weddings, from 2009. It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve posted a slideshow, but I figured why not let 2009 go out with a bang? Hope you enjoy.

A big, HUGE thank you to all of my clients – past and future – who chose me to capture their wedding day memories. I would also like to thank my photographer friends who have invited me along to shoot weddings with them and have also joined me at my clients’ weddings. The friendships I’ve made this year have proven invaluable.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a FANTASTIC 2010!

>>If you’re reading this post via an RSS feed or on Facebook, you’ll have to click through to my actual site to view the fun slideshow!<<

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography

Instead of calling this list The 20 Best Christmas Songs Ever, maybe I should call it 10 Great Christmas Songs, Plus 10 More That Are Kind Of About Christmas, but that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. You see, I happen to really love Christmas music. Even the most played out Christmas songs make me giddy with excitement when they come on the radio. There’s a station here in LA that plays ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALL THE TIME for the entire month of December. And I think it’s the greatest thing ever.

Chris, on the other hand, is not a fan. We suspect it’s because he grew up singing in childrens’ chorales and A Capella groups. Thus, he was forced to sing Christmas song after Christmas song over and over again every. single. December. I guess I can see why he’d grow a distaste for the genre, but I can’t see myself ever tiring of the holly, jolly tunes that I love so. Luckily, Chris is a good and patient husband and indulges me for at least 20 minutes when we’re in the car together. He’ll watch me hop and bop around in my seat while I sing along to all of the classics. And he’ll only roll his eyes once or twice.

This year Chris decided we should make a mixtape together. Chris loves making mixtapes. It’s the indie-rock college kid in him that will never die, I guess. We have done what we call “bounce mixes” from time to time where one of us will choose the first song and the other will choose the second song. We go like that until we have a full mix. It’s pretty fun! I chose 10 of my favorite Christmas songs and Chris alternated his “not-really-Christmas-music” Christmas songs. The result? The 20 Best Christmas Songs Ever!

We enjoyed making this mix so much that I wanted to share it with all of you! Have a listen and let me know what you think! It totally succeeded in getting me in the Christmas spirit and I hope it does the same for you! If you want to open a fancy flash version of the playlist in a new window, CLICK HERE. Or, you can just keep this window open and press play below (it’s a large file so it takes a while to start playing).

Here’s the playlist:

Christmas (Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
The Tip of the Iceberg – Owl City
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
Everything Is One Big Christmas Tree – The Magnetic Fields
Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
Donde Estas Santa Claus – Augie Rios
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – The Jackson 5
Winter Wooksie – Belle & Sebastian
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Holiday Road – Matt Pond PA
All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Put The Lights On The Tree – Sufjan Stevens
Last Christmas – Wham!
What the Snowman Learned About Love – Stars
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen
Santa’s Beard – They Might Be Giants
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes
Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Zooey Deschanel & Leon RedBone
Taking Down the Tree – Low

Happy Holidays!

Several months ago I received an email that was so positive and encouraging that it made me smile from ear to ear. It was from Mekala at Tie That Binds, a wedding design studio that does the most amazing stationery products—everything from invitation suites to personalized labels and custom wedding favors. She even does photo book design! I’m telling you, there seems to be no limit to Mekala’s creativeness.

Some of my favorite of her items includes these cute candy bags for personalizing your wedding candy buffet, and these unbelievable love story books – can you just imagine using favorite shots from your engagement session for this wedding favor, accompanied by the story of your love?  I just wish I had known about Mekala and Tie That Binds when Chris and I got married!

But without a doubt, Mekala’s talent truly shines with her glorious invitation suites. This design is called “Garden Love” and I think it’s got a romantic and timeless feel to it:

And I adore this design, called “Our Lucky Day.” The colors are refreshing and vibrant and the design had a darling vintage quality that I just love.

When Mekala asked if she could use some of my photos in the Color Inspiration section of her website, I was thrilled and honored! She paired up my photos with her designs seamlessly and I love seeing my work matched up with her design elements. Here are a couple of screen shots, click either one below to see the whole set:

If you’re in the market for wonderful stationery products, wedding favors or photo books – or if you just enjoy looking at pretty things for inspiration, do yourself a favor and head over to Tie That Binds and take in all of Mekala’s beautiful designs.

I am thankful for so many things: my family, my friends, my health, my job – just to name a few. Each day doesn’t always turn out how we want them to – they’re not all sunshine and flowers. But I’m thankful to have a partner by my side who gets me through the ugly days and basks in the warm glow of the sunshine days with me, as well.

Today is one of the many good days and I hope it’s good for all of you as well!

Here’s a picture of that husband of mine – he makes me most thankful. Especially when he makes this face. It’s his, “Aren’t I adorable?” face and it gets me every time. Because he is.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog

Melissa and BJ’s lovely Fall wedding at Temecula Under the Oaks was such a pleasure to witness. I was lucky enough to get another invite to shoot alongside the wonderful Heather Kincaid, who happened to go to college with the lovely bride. Neither of us had ever been to this venue, but we were pleasantly surprised at its beauty – the grounds are literally surrounded by massive oak trees so we felt like we were in the middle of a forest. It was amazing and so great for photos! Thanks so much, Heather for bringing me along!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

After they were dressed, the ladies toasted to Melissa with some sparkling cider. The flower girl threw a few back to loosen up.

I love the sunshine that’s raining on the girls in this one.

On the grounds there was this one tree that stood out. It was different than the rest – maybe Maple? All of the leaves had turned so it looked like it was on fire with reds, oranges and yellows emanating from its leaves. Loved it so much.

Melissa looked so gorgeous and she was so fun to photograph!

And BJ wasn’t looking so bad himself!

I loved all of the Fall elements of this wedding. Melissa, BJ and their families had been collecting these leaves for months leading up to the wedding. I thought that was such a cool touch!

I honestly will never get over the way a bride and groom look at each other during their ceremony. There is something so special about it. Gets me every time.

Melissa had this idea of their bridal party throwing leaves on them while they shared a kiss. Who doesn’t love playing in leaves!?

Heather and I got to spend tons of time with Melissa and BJ for portraits. We got to take full advantage of the beautiful grounds the venue provided.

Heather and I were shocked when the owner of the venue walked over while we were shooting and said that no other photographer had ever utilized the forest area for portraits. It was a MUST for us, we couldn’t believe we were the first!

There was an awesome tree swing (of course – with that many trees, how could there not be a tree swing!) and Melissa and BJ were totally down for some tree swinging action. It. Was. Awesome.

Congratulations to Melissa and BJ and a big thank you again to Heather for having me along!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography