Heidi Ryder Photography: The Blog » southern california wedding photography

Judy + Tom = Married!

Heidi — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:48:28 +0000

Judy and Tom was the last of my weddings before a break for several weeks. I was looking forward to some downtime and I was so pleased that my last wedding before the break was such a beautiful one! Judy had three outfit changes and looked absolutely radiant in each and every one. Tom wore a killer bow tie, so you already know how happy that made me. But, most importantly, Tom and Judy were obviously so excited to finally find themselves in the middle of the walnut grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch, on their wedding day.

The day couldn’t have turned out more perfect and I was so honored to be a part of it. Thank you, Judy and Tom – I’m so happy for the both of you!

I’m also pleased as punch to see this wedding featured on The Loveliest Day today! Head on over there to see more from this beautiful wedding:

Caterer: Command Performance //Event Planner: Mia Bella Weddings & Events // Floral Designer: LV Floral // Reception Venue: Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch // Dress Designer: Vera Wang // Shoes: Badgley Mischka// Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew// Photo Booth: The Original Traveling Photo Booth

Tracy + Jim = Married!

Heidi — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:11:56 +0000

When I first started shooting weddings, I set out with the goal of attracting clients who were unique and crafty and were creating a wedding day that was as unique as they were. Tracy and Jim are those clients, one hundred percent. Not only are they super fun, super cute and super in love, they are crazy creative and really talented. And their wedding was a direct reflection of all of this, which made my job of capturing their wedding day so much fun.

There are so many great handmade details and elements to show here that I couldn’t possible point them all out, but my favorite detail by far is Tracy’s purple ombre dress that she MADE HERSELF. I just loved it. Thanks so much, Tracy and Jim, for allowing for me to be a part of your amazing day. It was so fun watching you two enjoy every second!

I’ll let the rest of the photos tell the story here, but for full details, head on over to 100 Layer Cake, where the wedding is being featured today! Tracy dished to them all about the DIY elements and particular items that were most special to them.

Videography: Erin Yaeger //Catering, Rentals, Florals: Kitchen 12000 // Hair & Makeup (and cake!): Brittany Moody // Ceremony Music: Love, Resonate // Printing: 1 Up Graphics / /Calligraphy: Katrina Presto // Gown & Garter: made by the bride // Shoes: Steve Madden // Jewelry: from the bride and groom’s late grandmothers // Groom’s Suit & Shoes: Zara // Groom’s Bow Tie: Upper French

Jessica + Ryan = Married!

Heidi — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:54:36 +0000

I met Jes and Ryan several years ago through mutual friends. We were often at the same birthday parties and game nights and it felt like as soon as I learned their names they were moving to New Zealand. Thanks to the magic of Facebook and the Internet, my friendship with Jes continued to grow. After about a year they moved back to California and began planning their wedding. When Jessica first saw my work a couple of years ago she vowed that I would be their wedding photographer, and so when it was finally time for it to be so, I was super excited!

And then I heard about the kind of wedding they were planning, and my excitement level jumped through the roof. Seriously. These two put together a wedding day that was super fun, super cute and very much “them.” Jessica is a designer and so she of course handled their invitations and Save the Dates – the best ones I’ve ever seen aside from my own wedding invites. They’re 3D and come with monogrammed 3D glasses! Awesome!

And their reception? Their reception was at a bowling alley. But not your average neighborhood bowling alley. Montrose Bowl is only open for private parties and it’s completely retro. No electronic scoring and original decor and design from the 50s, which made it the perfect home for this 50s-inspired wedding. I’ll let the images tell the rest of the story. Enjoy!

And, I’m so pleased to see others appreciating this wedding as much as I do! Check out their feature on Ruffled!

Vendor Love: Ceremony location: Brand Art + Music Library // Reception location: Montrose Bowl // Invitations: Little Hinka // Bride’s bouquet: Made of brooches from bride’s friend and family, put together by bride’s mother // Bridesmaid’s bouquets, corsages and bouts: Made of paper, put together by bride // Catering: Seabirds truck // Cupcakes: Babycakes NYC // Bride’s Hair: Missy Lowe

Veronica + Jessie = Married

Heidi — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:15:51 +0000

I’ve been looking forward to Veronica and Jessie’s wedding day for what feels like years now. It was really more like a year and a half, but seeing as how I now only book a year in advance, those extra six months felt like a lifetime! Adding that to the fact that I was able to follow along with the planning process as Vee blogged along the way on the Wedding Bee boards and I was very excitedly waiting for their big day! These two worked very hard to create a wedding that very much reflected them as a couple and as individuals. They DIY’d the majority of the details and they did such an incredible job. I’m seriously in love with every detail.

Vee and Jessie, you two are amazing! I’m so glad I was part of your wedding day. Thanks for making me feel so welcome. And thanks to Amanda of In The Now for coordinating the day and helping Vee and Jessie pull all of their ideas together into one cohesive, beautiful event. As an example of just how great the wedding was, it’s been featured on Green Wedding Shoes today! Head on over to my favorite wedding blog and take a look-see at more of the incredible details!

A list of the vendors who made it all possible: Coordination: Amanda Aeur of In The Now Weddings// Graphic Design: Kristen Pon of In The Now Weddings // Venue: Riverside Art Museum // Catering: Soho Taco // DJ: John Suarez, After Dark Entertainment // Hair & Makeup: 1011 Makeup // Dress: David’s Bridal // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Custom // Veil: Tessa Kim // Shoes: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa // Groom’s Suit: Nautica // Flowers: Leslie Burgess // Linens: La Tavola Linen // Rentals: Signature Party Rentals // Cake and Cupcakes: Phood on Main

Sharon + Nick = Engaged!

Heidi — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:51:19 +0000

I met with Sharon some time last year to talk about her and Nick’s wedding. We were wrapping up our meeting and she told me she had just one more question for me.

“How do you feel about the font Comic Sans?” she asked.

“I hate it with a fiery passion,” I answered.

“Okay, good. Then we can be friends.”

I knew Sharon was right: we’d get along just fine. And so I was thrilled when she told me I was the photographer they chose for their wedding day. And I can take comfort in the fact that there will be absolutely zero threat of Comic Sans rearing its ugly head all day.

When I found out Sharon and Nick adore cooking together and wanted to do a cooking themed engagement session, I was beyond excited. As an avid Food Network watcher and lover of all things food, I immediately saw the potential of telling the story of a day in the kitchen through photos. When Sharon informed me of the menu and told me I’d actually get to eat the food they made, I was 2,000 percent on board. Naturally.

We started the session at the birth place of every good meal: the market. And then it was back to the kitchen where all of the magic happened before finally settling down at the table to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It was an amazing session with a delicious payoff in the end and I am so glad I got to spend the day with this very awesome couple. Thanks, Sharon and Nick for the fun and the grub! So very much looking forward to your wedding day.

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2010: A Year In Review

Heidi — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:52:30 +0000

I know I’ve said this already, but I honestly cannot believe 2010 is over already. This year has been one of the most exciting for me in terms of change. My business grew faster than I anticipated, I made several wonderful friends in the industry, I made several wonderful friends outside of the industry, and I met so many wonderful couples in love, which makes me incredibly giddy to think about.

I decided to reflect upon the year by browsing through the engagement sessions and weddings I shot through the course of 2010. I wanted to share a favorite shot from each here. These are the couples who chose me to document what is sure to be one of the most important days of their lives. These are the couples who made 2010 one of the best years of my life. I want to thank these couples from the bottom of my heart for letting me witness their love and document it for all to see. You all are simply wonderful.

Happy New Year, everyone! I can’t wait to see what 2011 has in store. xoxo.

And, a little sneak peak from two shoots that happened this year that I haven’t had a chance to blog yet:

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Kelly + Jeff = Married!

Heidi — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:47:51 +0000

On the morning of Kelly and Jeff’s wedding, I woke up to gloomy skies that poured seemingly endless buckets of water as far as the eye could see, with no sign of stopping. Everyone knows it’s good luck for rain to fall on your wedding day, and I absolutely love rainy days. I just hoped Kelly and Jeff would feel the same way. I was so excited when Kelly greeted me that morning with, “It’s raining, which is good luck!” She had a smile on her face and she was ready to get married, rain or shine. I knew we were in for an amazing day.

They were married at Longshadow Ranch Winery in Temecula. Everyone was equipped with umbrellas and Kelly and Jeff told me in no uncertain terms that they were more than willing to brave the rain in order to get beautiful images of the two of them. It turned out they didn’t need to, because after the ceremony, literally the very minute after family portraits were finished, I turned around to see watch the clouds part and the sun shine down through grey skies. I was going to get to photograph this lovely couple in some of the most amazing light I’d ever seen. I jumped up and down and squealed a little bit. I was very excited.

Kelly and Jeff took great care to create a homespun wedding that was as fun as it was charming. It was a wonderful wedding that my second shooter, Jen Grant, and I had so much fun shooting. I was so honored to be a part of it! Thanks, Kelly and Jeff! You two are awesome! Special thanks to Mieko and Claudia from Kelly Zhang for making Kelly and her girls look absolutely gorgeous.

Kelly wanted a shot of her ring, her grandmother’s ring and her mother’s ring together. Three generations of wedding rings! I loved that.

Instead of going the traditional guest book route, Kelly and Jeff provided circles of cardstock and asked their guests to write a message on one. The circles will be turned into a Christmas garland that the couple will use to decorate their home during the holidays. I adored this idea and wish I’d thought of it myself!

The florals were provided by Kimberly’s Flowers in San Clemente. Kelly’s bouquet had gardenias in it so it smelled wonderful. It was adorned with a brooch that belonged to Kelly’s grandmother.

Instead of the usual floral centerpieces, Kelly and Jeff made yummy jam and stacked gingham-wrapped jars on each table, enough for each guest to take some home. Burlap sacks lined each table, which tied in well with the rustic feel of the venue.

Instead of cake, Kelly and Jeff served their guests cookies and milk. Brilliant. Also, the night before the wedding, Kelly baked cupcakes especially for Jeff. Yeah, I know, Kelly is my hero now, too. They are armadillo cupcakes, inspired by the armadillo groom’s cake from the movie Steel Magnolias. They were adorable.

And, as if homemade jam and milk and cookies weren’t enough of a treat, Kelly and Jeff also had chocolate boot shooters filled with port wine for all of their guests. So cute and different and everyone got to eat their shot glass. Bonus!

I’d like to thank the rainy weather for this next shot. Those clouds? Amazing.

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Jennifer + Joe = Engaged!

Heidi — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:55:07 +0000

They met on the Metro headed towards Downtown LA. She caught it every morning from Riverside; he’d catch it in Diamond Bar. They’d transfer at the same place and take the train to the middle of Downtown before heading to their respective offices. Eventually, they began chatting during the commute. After time there was a date, and then the rest, as they say, is history.

For Jennifer and Joe’s engagement session we returned to the area where it all started. Downtown LA is home to many beautiful structures, but by far the most impressive is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. We began our shoot there and I did a happy dance more than once when stealing glances at the back of my camera. These two were a real treat to photograph – easy going, easy to laugh and up for just about anything. A perfect combo!

Thanks for hanging out with me, Jennifer and Joe! Can’t wait for your wedding in April!

This next shot is probably my favorite from the day. I just love the way Joe and Jennifer are having a moment together, sight unseen from the people and cars passing by on the other side of the wall.

Eventually we walked to the 2nd street tunnel. I already love me some light at the edge of an underground tunnel, but I really fell in love with the juxtaposition of the gritty tile walls paired with the prettiness and refinement of Jennifer and Joe in their dressed up attire.

I wanted to ask Joe and Jennifer if they were willing to stand in the middle of the street but I didn’t want to put them on the spot and feel pressure to do so. Turns out I needn’t worry because Jennifer asked ME if they could stand in the middle of the street. Heaven!

And, of course we had to hop on the Metro for a little something different.

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Sandra + Robert = Married at The Langham Pasadena!

Heidi — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:10:08 +0000

Sandra and Robert love life almost as much as they love each other. I’m friends with both of them on Facebook and so over the past six months I’ve been privy to the cute iPhone photos Sandra uploads of their date nights, or the sweet messages they post on each other’s walls when one is out of town and they’re missing each other. It’s actually quite adorable and made me excited for their wedding day. I knew from their Greystone Mansion engagement session that they loved to laugh, so I knew their wedding at The Langham Pasadena was going to be super fun, oh, I was right! Sandra and Robert, thank you for being so fun and so welcoming, I had a truly fantastic time capturing your wedding day. I hope you’re having a blast in Hawaii!

Center of Attention Events pulled the day together and the results were stunning. Big thanks to Candice for second shooting for me!

Click here to see more of their wedding day.

One of the first things Sandra told me about her wedding was that she would be wearing three different pairs of fabulous shoes. I was very excited about this and I’m very in love with the ruby red pair in the middle.

Robert had a little note sent to Sandra’s room while she was getting ready. Just a little ‘hello’ from her soon-to-be husband. It was very reminiscent of Facebook wall posts I’ve seen from him, but this was the analog version.

Sandra looked absolutely GORGEOUS. I wasn’t surprised because she’s gorgeous every day, but she was positively glowing.

Halfway through the portraits the ruby red shoes came out to play.

The wedding had a roses theme and the deep red hues found throughout the florals and other details provided a rich landscape for the reception.

Irish dancers and a flamenco guitarist and dancer performed at the reception. Such a great way to celebrate both Sandra and Robert’s cultures as well as inject huge amounts of fun into the party!

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Katie + Alex = Married!

Heidi — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:04:59 +0000

On the morning of Katie and Alex’s wedding at Rancho Diablo del Dormido, it rained. I happened to be outside right when the rain began to fall, and I immediately thought of Katie and Alex. I knew they were getting married outdoors with an amazing view and I hated the thought of them not being able to take advantage of such a gorgeous location because of rain. But, as I made my way up to the ranch, the clouds parted and the temperature grew warmer, and by the time the wedding day had officially begun, there was absolutely no sight of rain. It was perfect.

In fact, the entire day was beautiful, and it was lovely to witness Katie and Alex’s descent into wedded bliss. Katie and Alex, thanks for allowing me to be a part of your amazing day. It was an honor and a privilege! Here are a few of my favorites.

Click here to see more of Katie and Alex’s wedding.

My second shooter, Harmony Ayala-Ruiz, pointed out this adorable red heart chair and I immediately knew it would play a part in detail shots of Katie’s shoes. Good spotting, Harmony! Thanks for all your help.

Katie and Alex chose to do a First Look. This new wedding tradition is often times one of the more special moments of a wedding day.

Katie’s father passed away just a couple of months before the wedding, but he was honored and very present the entire day. Katie’s uncle stepped in to walk her down the aisle and the ceremony.

Rancho Diable del Dormido is now one of my favorite venues ever. Every nook and cranny was just gorgeous and the views were breathtaking.

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