Welcome to Gavin and Erin Wade's Wedding Photography Blog – A Husband and Wife Team Based out of Orange County, California

**Palm Event Center Wedding in Pleasanton, CA: Meredith and Godwin Wednesday, July 28, 2010 | Weddings | 0 comments**

Wow, two blogs in two days! We’re on a roll! haha.

Actually, I really just wanted to share with you the wedding of Meredith and Godwin. We had the pleasure of joining our dear photog friend Laura Parker for this Northern California wedding and a beautiful winery. I don’t know what it is about Napa Valley and the surrounding areas, they just seem to always produce such gorgeous weddings! Erin and I love to shoot up there and would be there every weekend if our brides wanted!

Meredith and Godwin were married at the beautiful Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, CA. Along with Christina Masters from North Carolina, we had such a great time with this awesome couple!

Here are just a few from our time in Wine Country

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**Newport Beach Engagement: Briana and Brandon Tuesday, July 27, 2010 | Engagements | 5 comments**

Briana and Brandon have quite a story…and it began in a sandbox! They’ve known one another since the 3rd grade, grew up together, and for the better part of a decade it has been leading up to these upcoming weeks. They are getting married next month and vowing to be one another’s “person” for the rest of their lives! It’s like the fairy-tale we all dream of… and in a few short weeks it will have become the prologue to a love story with limitless possibilities.

Even putting all of that aside, Briana and Brandon are genuinely just amazing people who look at one another as if they’ve found their better half…or rather…better 95%, haha. After two minutes into their engagement session, we found that all that needed to be said for Briana to smile her biggest, was just for her to glance at her soon-to-be husband. And when she did, you’d have thought we all got transported back into the hallways of high school the way she stared into Brandon’s eyes…her biggest crush…her deepest love…her future husband.

Erin and I consider it to be such an honor to be there as they continue their lives together. Getting married at Rose Drive Church, where they grew up attending, we can’t wait to see these two again and know that their wedding day is going to be so amazing!

For their engagement session, it wasn’t even an option…they knew we were going into the fields of Orange County, a place and atmosphere they felt truly represented who they were together. And in looking back at what we captured between these two, I’d have to agree 100% with their decision…it was so them.

Here are a few of our favorites…

P.S. Briana is an amazing hairstylist! She cut Erin’s hair today and even though I might be a little biased…my wife looks HOT!

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dognbird: ( 07.28.2010- 09:00 ) You have an awesome eye. These portraits are fantastic!

Gavin: ( 07.27.2010- 09:39 ) Thanks Megan!! You rock :)

Megan Hartley: ( 07.27.2010- 08:53 ) Absolutely gorgeous! Such a beautiful couple and GREAT pictures! Thanks for sharing!

Leo Druker: ( 07.27.2010- 08:29 ) Gorgeous shots. Love that second from the bottom flash shot - simply stunning.

Jove Yambot: ( 07.27.2010- 08:27 ) Great work guys...nice

**West Lake Village: The “Day After” with Stephanie and Ryan Saturday, July 24, 2010 | Weddings | 6 comments**

It was seven years ago to this day when Ryan asked Stephanie to be his girlfriend. They were at Spirit West Coast in Monterey, CA and have not left each other’s side since!

And now, fast forward to our time with these two. They wanted to do a “Day After” session in celebration of their first wedding anniversary and we could not have been more excited; this date had been on the books for over seven months, and we were ready!

Pulling up to the West Lake Village Inn, we started with some casual portrait of the two of them, as well as grabbing some more fierce shots of Stephanie’s dress and the the two of them together. I can’t tell you how nice it was to have all the time in the world with a bride and groom. We moved furniture, we brought lighting, and we had a great time seeing these two being transported back to memories of their wedding day as they held each other close and whispered sweet nothings into each other’s ears.

After the hotel, we took them out to a spot where they had their engagement photos done and our goal was simple…give them something they don’t already have! haha. We were on a mission…and thanks to Stephanie and Ryan bringing awesome props and to some absolutely breath-taking light coming through the hills, we knew we had an amazing opportunity! So we trudged through the brush, got stuck by thistles, and walked up a big ol’ hill to find what we photographers like to call “heaven!” We finished up our time with them laying in the fields, with them surrounded by some one of their favorite shared interests…music! They brought records (yes, actual records!) of their favorite artists both old and new; it was 100% THEM and it’s what we love to capture most…our couples as who they truly are together.

Stephanie and Ryan, your love for one another outshone the sun that day, and we feel so honored to be the ones you chose to capture such a memorable day. We absolutely loved the way you chose to remember your first year of marriage together and know without a shadow of a doubt that the next 7 seven years will be….well…”heaven.”

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Jeffrey Neal: ( 07.26.2010- 11:15 ) NIce work gavin. Hope you and your bride are doing well!

Vicki : ( 07.25.2010- 01:11 ) Love the pictures!

eitan bar: ( 07.25.2010- 02:34 ) I love the second B

Ryan Mayhew : ( 07.24.2010- 10:33 ) Let's try this again!!! :) Gavin

Ryan Mayhew : ( 07.24.2010- 02:31 ) Gavin

MarieSam Sanchez: ( 07.24.2010- 01:37 ) Holy cow, the pictures by that huge tree are incredible!! Well actually every single one of these images in fantastic. You two never fail to impress!!! Beautiful couple by the way :)

**Alex and Colin’s Engagement in Laguna Beach Friday, July 23, 2010 | Engagements | 3 comments**

It’d been a while since we’d seen Colin and Alex. They found us through a friend who sent them our way back in March (we love referrals from happy brides and bridesmaids) so it was so great to see them again! A lot has happened since March, and we were really looking forward to catching up with them and hearing how their wedding plans were going! They are getting married in June at the gorgeous Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa, in Dana Point and try as we must….it can’t get here soon enough! I wish we didn’t have to wait so long to photograph these two again, as we had the best time talking, laughing, and watching these two be in the most comfortable place on earth…each other’s arms

As our photography grows, Erin and I find our style leans towards the playful and romantic side of things…so when we found out that they wanted to do their engagement session at a playground and then move to a local beach…you’d think we’d died and gone to heaven! And if you scroll down and see the kind of sunset we had at the end…you’d think you were already there! It was so incredible, I ran back to the car to grab my flash because we could not pass up a chance to capture these two against such a breath-taking backdrop.

Alex and Colin, you both were amazing and we are so excited to share some of our favorites with you from our time together!

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Alex : ( 07.24.2010- 12:07 ) Thank you Al for recommending Erin and Gavin! You're the best! And Erin and Gavin thank you for such a fun day, The photo's are wonderful! I can't wait to see the rest of them!

Gavin: ( 07.23.2010- 03:39 ) Hi Allison! Yeah! We totally remember you! From Hilary and Brian's wedding :) Thank you SO much for sending Alex and Colin our way, it truly is the best compliment we could ever hope to receive! Plus we would have missed out on an amazing couple ;) You rock!

Allison : ( 07.23.2010- 01:00 ) Hi Gavin and Erin! I'm the bridesmaid that recommended this cute couple to you. I LOVE all of the pictures you posted! You guys did an incredible job of capturing the chemistry of Alex and Colin on film. Even someone who didn't know them as well as I do would be able to understand the cute, yet deeply loving nature of their relationship from your work. Well done guys!

**Occasions at Laguna Village: Sarah and Ryan’s Wedding! Monday, July 19, 2010 | Weddings | 5 comments**

What can we say about Sarah and Ryan’s wedding that these photos couldn’t depict to you about 1000000x better?? (And that is a testament to my writing skills more than our photography, haha)

Sarah and Ryan are two of the most fun-loving, outgoing people you will ever meet and even within moments of being around them you feel as though you’re a part of their dearest friends. When we walk into “bridesmaid central” on the wedding day and we see the bride running to us (veil and all) to give out a hug….we know it’s going to be an amazing day! Why? Because we are surrounded by amazing people!

And this day, let me tell you, did NOT disappoint! Even despite all of the guys (your’s truly included) getting trapped in an elevator for an hour *see photos below* on our way down to the limo! We had such an amazing day and are so happy for Sarah and Ryan and that they are finally married!

There are certain moments in every wedding that we especially love to capture. A father, pausing to look at his daughter one more time before walking her down the aisle is one of the most emotion-filled moments we can ever have the honor of photographing. Sarah’s moment with her father is one that can not help but get you a little misty-eyed. Absolutely precious…and it’s why we love what we do!

The beautiful and tear-filled ceremony took place at the Occasions at Laguna Village venue in Laguna Beach, CA. And despite the cloudy afternoon, the beautiful ocean was the backdrop for their heart-felt (and memorized!) vows to one another. Followed immediately with some rocking bridal portraits on the beach, and a party waiting for us when we got back!

Sarah and Ryan, you both are a treasure and it was such an honor to have witness the beginnings of your married life with one another! We hope you love these moments as much as we do!

P.S. If you didn’t have a chance to see their Engagement Session in Dana Point click HERE to see more of these two love-birds! We can’t get enough.

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Judy Barbe : ( 07.20.2010- 09:06 ) ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! Congratulations to the happy bride and groom.

Shauna Dauenhauer : ( 07.20.2010- 08:03 ) Absolutely stunning photos!

Nevine : ( 07.19.2010- 09:35 ) I love the pictures. Beautiful.

Mike Steelman: ( 07.19.2010- 07:51 ) Love it all! Oh, and the iphone in the elevator = epic. The emotion captured and the authenticity is what it's all about: father/daughter, laughter of the new couple and more... Good job!

Jeremy Chou: ( 07.19.2010- 06:28 ) the dress shot is AWESOME. Looks like a classical painting! Awesome set....again.

**San Juan Capistrano Mission: Brittanie and Tomas’ Engagement! Tuesday, July 13, 2010 | Engagements | 1 comments**

The lights dimmed atop the penthouse restaurant. All except the one chandelier above them. A maitre d’ appeared from the darkness, with a beautiful plate covered in strawberries. And there amongst them…there it was…a ring…and Tom took it from there.

Erin and I were grinning from ear to ear as we heard them describe the picture perfect proposal Tomas created for her, and we knew that this was a wedding we had to be at! We are so excited for their wedding coming up in October at the beautiful Chart House in Dana Point!

But I’m getting ahead of myself, because today we are anxious beyond words to share with you their engagement session at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Erin and I have been wanting to shoot there since…well…forever. It’s a photographer’s playground with incredible textures, gorgeous light, and such history around every corner. Having these two for our first venture into the mission was truly spectacular; they were so much fun and have such a presence in front of the camera. We literally felt as though half of the work was being done for us with these two in front of the lens. Not only did we aim to capture the love and playfulness of Brittanie and Tomas, but also the romance and beauty of who they are when they’re together. Enjoy!

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Brittanie : ( 07.13.2010- 07:16 ) WOW, thank you so much Gavin and Erin!! I love them!! You made this day an amazing experience for us. We are so excited to have you apart of our big day!

**Jennifer and Matt : Our Friends are Married! Monday, July 12, 2010 | Weddings | 2 comments**

Nothing like a crazy in love couple to end our blog silence over the past couple weeks, right?!

I feel like Erin and I had the best of both worlds when it came to everything about our time with Jen and Matt. First, they got married two weeks before our shoot with them (Erin was one of Jen’s bridesmaids), and I had the privilege of actually attending a wedding for once and loved every second of it. Although, since they had a little time before they left for their honeymoon, we could help but take them for a romantic afternoon in the fields of Orange County. Having spent hours upon hours looking through wedding blogs and magazines for her wedding, Jen wanted to carry over the theme she and Matt had for their wedding. Talk about perfect! We had the dress, we had the tux, we had the details, and we had all the time in the world. All we needed was some amazing California light! Jen and Matt had that newly-wedded glow, and we are so happy for them! It was an honor to not only be at their wedding, but also have the chance to get these two in front of our cameras…and I think you’ll see why. Individually they are amazing, and together they are just…perfect

After looking through some of our top favorites, click HERE to see their full slideshow!

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Derek Frenzel: ( 07.14.2010- 09:32 ) Guys, I really like this shoot! You know how to work a wheat field! Pics 1, 4, and 6 are my favs.

Jeremy Chou: ( 07.12.2010- 11:26 ) great stuff! Lighting is perfect.

**Agua Dulce, CA: Jessica and Nick’s Private Estate Wedding! Monday, June 28, 2010 | Weddings | 4 comments**

Nick and Jessica, how can we even begin to describe your amazing wedding day? Every moment was filled with such joy, excitement, and love. It was a celebration of two incredibly wonderful people who we know were meant to be together! Erin and I always enjoy listening to the speeches people give at weddings; many times you can take away so much about the couple and who they are individually and together as a whole. The words spoken by your closest friends and family are a true testimony to your character and to your loving hearts both for each other and for others. It was such a privilege to see first hand the joining of two wonderful people and two wonderful families. Your day was so beautiful!

Nick and Jessica, your love is infectious! May you always awake with joy as you move into the days and years as husband and wife! Thank you for allowing Erin and I to be a small part in your amazing story. We were so excited from your wedding that we literally rushed home to look through all of our images; and we can’t wait to show you just a handful of our favorite moments. We treasure you both and are SO happy for you!!

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Nicole: ( 07.15.2010- 08:52 ) Gavin and Erin, you guys are INCREDIBLE!!! I absolutely love each and ever shot... My favorite is the black and white shot of her hugging him (9th picture, prob right after the ceremony)... So much emotion!!! :)

Gavin: ( 06.29.2010- 05:09 ) Thanks Eitan! Shot a lot with my 50mm at f2.0...my absolute favorite.

Eitan Bar: ( 06.29.2010- 03:12 ) I love the Bokhe!(It's obvious I love the photos themselves);)

Christine Prange : ( 06.28.2010- 08:52 ) These pictures are fabulous! You guys did such a great job! You captured the day so perfectly! And Nick and Jess just look so unbelievably happy :) I couldn't be happier for the two of them!

**Kristianna and Bryan’s Engagement in Laguna Beach! Tuesday, June 22, 2010 | Engagements | 5 comments**

So this guy walks into a bar…

Now, I know what you’re thinking…and no I’m not about to delight you all with my humor. Rather, it’s the beginning to a story about an unlikely meeting between two amazing people. It all started when Bryan walked leisurely into Landmark Steakhouse in Corona del Mar to enjoy some food and drinks. Not even 15 feet in the door he spots her from across the room, and the rest just faded into the background as far as he was concerned. He knew he had to talk to her. And not too long ago, he realized he couldn’t spend the rest of his life without her!

So in preparing to write this blog I asked Erin, “Give me one word to describe Kristianna and Bryan”

Her reply….”They’re a hot couple!” HAHA, not quite one word, but I’d say that does a great job!

Both of them are just the nicest, most sincere people you’ll ever meet and when it comes to them being together in front of the camera, they are dynamite! We loved their style and attention to detail, Kristianna did her homework, and created such a fun and romantic atmosphere for their locations.

Erin and I LOVED that they chose their first spot to be the place where they first met, and thanks to the awesome manager at Landmark, we were able to take them back to the spot where they first locked eyes and began their journey.

Following our romantic time at the restaurant, we headed down to Laguna Beach to a private little cove that they love to visit. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, we had such a great time as the sun set behind the cliffs.

We are SO excited share some of our favorite images with them and cannot wait for their wedding at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point this coming February! We would have never met these two had it not been for the ever-fabulous Vanessa Vasquez of V3 Wedding and Events, one of our favorite coordinators!

Now, while we count down the days until February, here are a few of our favorite images to hold you over! Enjoy!

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Gavin: ( 06.23.2010- 09:18 ) Thanks Erin! Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!

Erin Melenbacker: ( 06.23.2010- 12:03 ) beautiful session!

Gavin: ( 06.22.2010- 11:59 ) Yes!! Going to be such a great day!

Vanessa * V3: ( 06.22.2010- 10:11 ) You guys killed it! And Kristianna and Brian are indeed DYNAMITE! :) Can't wait for their big day!!!!!

lauren : ( 06.22.2010- 08:30 ) Kristianna, I am so excited for you, Brian and your upcoming wedding! Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL!

**Sarah and Ryan’s Engagement Session in Dana Point! Monday, June 21, 2010 | Engagements | 2 comments**

Ah…it’s the first day of Summer, and love is in the air!

But we couldn’t start off our week without sharing with you a couple that can’t help but put a smile on our faces. Sarah and Ryan knew exactly where they wanted their engagement session to take place and were excited to say the least! They are getting married in less than a month, and in less than two seconds of seeing them together, you could tell how they can’t wait for their wedding day to hurry up and be here already!!

Well we can’t wait either, and we had such a great time with them walking around Old Town San Juan Capistrano and then heading down to their boat harbored at the Dana Point Marina. We’ve always wanted to photograph a couple on a boat, and we can’t get over how cute these two were together when they were just relaxing on the water; letting the cares of the world drift away. And as far as they’re concerned, all is right with the world when Sarah is in Ryan’s arms….and we have to agree. Perfection.