Michael Svoboda Photography: Blog

La Costa Resort Wedding Photography

Wed, 24 May 2023 21:09:25 GMT

La Costa Resort, located in Carlsbad, California, is a stunning venue for weddings. Nestled along the picturesque coastline, this luxury resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other wedding-related events. Today was time for Molly and Garret to seal the deal at La Costa Resort:

La Costa Resort provides a picturesque setting, luxurious amenities, and professional services that can contribute to creating a memorable and magical wedding experience.

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San Diego Engagement Photography - Paradise Point Resort Wedding Photography

Thu, 18 May 2023 22:24:06 GMT

Paradise Point is a beautiful location for an engagement shoot! Located in San Diego, California, it offers stunning views of the bay, lush greenery, and a relaxing atmosphere. Jenny and Martin have been together for 14 years and they are finally, sealing the deal, in the summer of 2024 in Kauai. They reached out to me and asked if I knew of a Hawaii feel engagement location where they could also include their Chocolate Lab, STOUT.

San Diego offers a plethora of beautiful locations for engagement photography, and Paradise Point is certainly one of them. Here are some specific details to consider for your engagement shoot at Paradise Point in San Diego:
Scenic Beaches: Paradise Point has its own private beach, which provides a stunning backdrop for your photos. Capture romantic moments with the sparkling ocean in the background or take a walk along the shoreline hand-in-hand.
Palm Tree Groves: The resort features beautiful palm tree groves, adding a tropical touch to your engagement photos. Utilize the symmetry and lush greenery of these groves to create captivating images.
Waterfront Areas: Paradise Point is surrounded by water, with picturesque views of Mission Bay. Utilize the waterfront areas to capture romantic shots with sailboats, jet skis, or kayaks in the background.
Iconic Bridge: The resort has a charming wooden bridge that can serve as a unique element in your engagement photos. The bridge adds a touch of character and provides an opportunity for creative compositions.
Resort Architecture: Explore the architecture and structures within Paradise Point for interesting photo opportunities. The resort has charming cottages, a lagoon-style pool, and beautiful walkways that can enhance the visual appeal of your images.
Lush Gardens: Take a stroll through the resort's lush gardens, filled with vibrant flowers, greenery, and well-maintained landscapes. These areas offer a more intimate and romantic setting for your engagement photos.
Sunset Shots: San Diego is known for its breathtaking sunsets, and Paradise Point provides an ideal location to capture the golden hues and soft light. Plan your engagement shoot during sunset to capture the magical ambiance of the resort.
Candid Moments: While posed shots are beautiful, don't forget to capture candid moments that reflect the joy and love between you and your partner. Enjoy the natural beauty of Paradise Point while interacting with each other, laughing, or sharing a tender moment.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Paradise Point offers a picturesque setting, so make the most of it to create lasting memories of your engagement.

Book Your Shoot Now!

San Diego North County Product Photography

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:39:12 GMT

E-COMMERCE PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

E-commerce product photography for online stores and Amazon product listings is our most popular service. Professional e-commerce photos with sharp image quality and proper lighting highlight your product’s features, make your product stand out among competitors, and bring an established and professional look to your online store or product listing. By better communicating your product’s features, you can reduce product returns and increase customer conversions. We’re familiar with Amazon’s product photography requirements and provide you with Amazon optimized images ready for upload.

HERO SHOTS

Hero shots are first impression attention grabbing product photos. These are normally minimally styled solo product photos with creative lighting and low angle camera techniques along with creative editing designed to create a mood, capture attention, and establish interest in your product. Hero shots are perfect for print or web advertisements like publications, billboards, trade shows, social media ads, and website home page banners.

Oceanside Real Estate Airbnb Photography

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:39:10 GMT

Real estate photography is essential since it has a big impact on how people perceive and can sell a home. A home might look more pleasant, roomy, and welcoming with high-quality photos while looking unattractive and amateurish with low-quality photos.

A Real estate photographer is crucial for the real estate sector for the following reasons:

First Impression: Real estate photography gives prospective purchasers an initial view of the property.
Buyers may be turned off and less inclined to pursue the property further if the images are grainy, poorly lighted, or badly arranged.
Many buyers are drawn to a property because of high-quality real estate photography. People frequently begin their hunt for a new home online.
Increased Value: A property’s perceived worth may rise as a result of professional real estate photography. Even if the price stays the same, professionally lit and composed images can give the impression that the property is more valuable.
High-quality photography can provide a home a competitive edge over comparable properties with poorer quality photographs in a congested real estate market. A house can stand out and attract potential buyers with the aid of professional images.

Ultimately, professional photographers are worth hiring to guarantee that your properties are presented in the best possible light because real estate photography is a crucial component of the real estate industry.

San Diego Wedding Photographer Point Loma Sunset Cliffs Engagement Photos

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:49:52 GMT

Wow, the wild flowers in the San Diego spring time are beautiful. For their engagement photography, we went to Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, which is one of the most gorgeous spots along the coast! They danced around in the wild flowers until the sunset and we captured these amazing photos. I can't wait for their wedding at Green Gables Wedding Venue

San Diego Proposal Photography // Carlsbad Engagement Photographer

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 20:13:58 GMT

For your San Diego proposal, local photographer Michael Svoboda will photograph your proposal capturing her reaction of surprise! For Audrey and Drew I set up on The Ponto Beach Jetty posing as a regular beach goer. They walked past me to the end of the jetty and then that is when Drew dropped to his knee to pop the question. I had the camera ready in hand and captured Audrey's utter surprise.

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San Diego Event Photography - San Diego Corporate Event

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:15:00 GMT

Check out this Park Hyatt Aviara Corporate Event. By Michael Svoboda Elite Photography

Family Photographer in San Diego | Jack's Pond San Marcos

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:06:25 GMT

One of the best family portrait locations, Jack’s Pond Park in San Marcos for family photo sessions! There are a of variety in a unique small area, and it’s a really fun place to explore for the kids!

There is a classic bright red barn, rustic trails, & the wood bridge during this family photo shoot. Check out this fun shoot below!

Book a session

2022 WESTGATE HOTEL SAN DIEGO WEDDINGS / Ashley and Kevin

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:14:17 GMT

About Michael

Creative. Clean. Different. I live in San Diego with a passion for storytelling. Founded in 2010, our studio has been recognized as the best wedding photographer in San Diego by various publications, websites, and groups. We can also provide more information on our Wedding Videography and introduce you to our team!

Interested In Us? Get a quote here!

Wedding Planner: https://gbinderweddings.com/

Venue: Westagte Hotel San Diego

Flowers: Tularosa Flowers

DJ: Vox DJ's

Cake: Jenny Wenny Cakes

Make Up: Elizabeth Root

2022 Romantic Los Willows Wedding

Wed, 12 May 2021 16:40:55 GMT

LOS WILLOWS

Nestled among rolling hills of Fallbrook in San Diego County, the Los Willows Wedding Estate offers luxury & elegance in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. If you are searching for the perfect outdoor San Diego area wedding location, you will absolutely love Los Willows. Over 50 acres of sprawling lawns, colorful flora, a private lake, a lavishly draped tented pavilion, private salon cottage and our luxury Villa for overnight stays, we promise you an unforgettable wedding experience. For the elegant wedding you have always dreamed of, why not choose Los Willows?

Private Estate
Our 55-acre estate is located in a private canyon in Fallbrook, California. Our estate is private, only hosting one wedding per day so that we can focus all of our attention on you.

Beautiful Natural Surroundings
We have our very own natural spring fed lake surrounded by manicured lawns and blooming gardens. Our grounds make for an amazing backdrop for every occasion, year round.

Your choice of Three ceremony sites
We have three ceremony sites, all of which are available to you so you can customize for the perfect location! Unseen anywhere else, we offer ancient oak trees surrounding a grassy meadow and rustic arbor with vintage chandelier. We also have two amazing lake front sites, both unique and beautiful back drops of your ceremony.

Large, Climate Controlled Pavilion
Elegantly draped with a 6’ Swarovski crystal chandelier awarding you the romance of a tent but with the security of a rain proof, heated structure. Our pavilion has an amazing dance floor, plenty of space for hosting your dream reception and to dance the night away.

Bridal Cottage & Salon
Such a popular attraction! Enjoy the special time before your ceremony with your bridesmaids and the moms in a private cottage complete with a professionally designed salon giving you the opportunity to get your hair and makeup done conveniently on site. Bring in your own stylist and makeup artist and you will never have to worry about being late to your wedding.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast Villa with Vineyard and Canyon Views
Perched high above the wedding estate is our European style B&B designed for friends and family to enjoy the memorable moments before and after the wedding.

Exclusive Wedding Boat
Los Willows signature grand entrance for the ceremony. Surprise your guests with this one of a kind approach, and don’t forget about the “just married” champagne cruise!

Red Roadster
We never overlook the groom and how he can make his own statement as he enters the ceremony in a mini roadster playing his favorite sounds

No Busy Street Noise
You will not have to worry about covering the sound of traffic at Los Willows during those intimate moments while taking your vows.

Situated in Fallbrook, Los Willows is far enough inland from the coast to escape the “May Gray” and “June Gloom” experienced by those on the coast. Conversely, Los Willows is close enough to the coast to enjoy prevailing ocean breezes keeping our summers pleasant and averaging close to 15 degrees cooler than Temecula Wine Country.
Rainfall is not a big factor any time of the year but especially for those weddings May through October. At Los Willows, you never have to worry about rain anytime of the year because we have a large pavilion that will keep you dry on the rare occasion it does rain. We also have forced air heating in our pavilion, eliminating the need for unsightly heaters.

Los Willows

Click here to view our on-site accommodations, Vineyard Hills Villa.

530 Stewart Canyon Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028 • (760) 731-9400 • [email protected]

Balboa Park Engagement Photos | Destiny and Jason

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 22:37:14 GMT

BALBOA PARK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS | DESTINY AND JASON

I hope you are ready for some beautiful Balboa Park Engagement photos on the blog today, cause this is one of my favs!

SAN DIEGO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Destiny and Jason’s engagement session was one that I was so excited for. From our first phone meeting I knew we would connect and have a great time photographing.

BALBOA PARK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

We started their engagement session at the Rose Garden at Balboa Park! I really wish these images were a scratch and sniff, because OMG, the smell of ALL OF THESE roses was just enticing!!!

One things I love is that Destiny and Jason told me they were fun and did not want any serious photos but capture the energy that was them. FUN!!! We started in the casual outfit. I always tell my couples to try and bring two outfits! One dressed down and one dressed up, or both dressed up! These are your engagement photos and I want you guys to feel your best!

2021 La Jolla Cove Engagement Photography

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 21:05:58 GMT

ENGAGEMENT photos: La Jolla Cove, San Diego

ENGAGEMENT photos: La Jolla Cove

I love shooting engagement photography! It’s such a fun way to get to know your wedding clients before their big day! For these San Diego engagement photos: La Jolla Cove provided us with the most epic views and backdrops!! I had so much fun with my future San Diego bride and groom! Very excited to capture their San Diego wedding photography at Tom Ham's Lighthouse.

We started shooting probably after 10 minutes of meeting in person for the first time. Sometimes it’s like jumping into the ocean, you gotta just go and do it fast. Plus, it was super overcast and I wanted to get as much bright light as possible before the dark gray clouds would roll in!

You could just feel the love in the air. With La Jolla Cove being so popular it can be tricky finding areas to shoot. I found this little nook next to the La Jolla Bridge Club with had beautiful twisting trees that made for the perfect background. We did some candids, romantics and some family portraits.

La Jolla Family Portrait Photography

I like to give my clients a mix of photography from fun, romantic, and stunning portraits. After the beach we did an outfit change and headed up to La Valencia Hotel. Check out a La Valencia Wedding Photography here.

An Iconic Destination Since 1926

Discover the luxury of La Valencia Hotel, an unforgettable destination that has welcomed guests, including the Hollywood elite, for more than 90 years. With her signature pink exterior and iconic tower, the elegant "Pink Lady" remains a renowned landmark on La Jolla's distinctive Prospect Street commanding the village bluffs with panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and beautiful La Jolla Cove. 114 pet-friendly rooms, suites and villas offer a cast of options from cozy boudoirs to a captivating penthouse or exclusive villas.

Torrey Pines Engagement Shoot

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:22:12 GMT

TORREY PINES ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

What better choice for a romantic beach engagement shoot for Sinthia and Jose. We began at the top of the trail by the Torrey Pines State Reserve office. Making our way west, we stopped here and there at the prettiest places. Almost nobody was hiking on the trails. Having a gorgeous location all to yourselves for engagement photos is such a dream! We got so lucky for their shoot. That’s also a perk of scheduling engagement sessions during the week instead of weekend. This spot would have been packed on a Saturday!

TORREY PINES STATE BEACH

Eventually we drove down to the beach. Again, it was so empty from the weather and it made our shoot so easy. Sinthia and Jose were happy to oblige my requests for playful engagement photos. I joke that my couples get in a mini workout during their session, especially on a beach where I ask them to run. Don’t they look so adorable together? We shot until the light disappeared and made so much magic together. Stay tuned for their wedding photos next July. I can’t wait to see how they design their day!

They are going to tie the knot at Paradise Point this September, so stay tuned. State Natural Reserves have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic values. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a wilderness island in an urban sea. This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall and winter. Torrey Pines State Reserve

2020 Elfin Forest Romantic Engagement Shoot

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:48:48 GMT

Morgan and Eric's Elfin Forest Engagement in Carlsbad was sweet and romantic. One if my favorite San Diego Engagement locations. The reserve is one of North County’s best kept secrets and a great place for portrait photography. For you photographers make sure to get your permit here!

The Elfin Forest Reserve runs along a Escondido creek tucked away near San Elijo hills. Spring time here is magical with the babbling creek flowing and the forest a palette of luminescent red, yellows and greens.

Morgan and Eric wanted a forest for their engagement photography and this location was perfect. These two were so cute togother and we got some many amazing photos.

We spent the late afternoon scrambling over rocks, finding waterfalls and chasing the sun as it poked through the tree tops. And no shoot in the forest is complete until we busted out the champagne for some fun and romantic photos.

Can’t wait for their Leo Carrillo Ranch wedding later this year!

Andaz San Diego - US Grant - St. Joseph Cathedral - El Cortez Wedding

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 20:07:29 GMT

A SWANKY WEDDING IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO / ANNIE AND MARK

Boys and girls, this swanky wedding has the market cornered on gorge. Married at St. Joseph Cathedral in San Diego, Annie and Mark’s big day’s killer style has everything to do with our gorgeous bride.

Our stunning bride slayed in her curve-hugging Elise wedding dress, and her groom rocked a grey tux. So sharp, just like the rest of their day. The best part of their whole day? The sweetness between these two. Check out the captures of them loving each other below and you’ll see exactly what we mean!

The boys got ready in the historic Andaz San Diego

Plan your idyllic wedding in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, with 17,000 square feet of venue space. Choose the sunset over the surrounding cityscape as your backdrop, or opt for one of our stunning indoor venues like the opulent Gallery.

Meawhile, Annie was getting dressed at the luxurious The US Grant

An iconic wedding destination, THE US GRANT provides the ideal setting for a timeless celebration
Regal and refined, Crystal Ballroom is an elegant banquet hall in the center of downtown San Diego
One-of-a-kind weddings occur in our Bivouac Ballroom, featuring stunning architectural details
Enjoy the anticipatory services of our wedding planners, who will ensure your celebration's success
Dazzle guests with creative catering; our culinary team can craft a sumptuous wedding menu
Inquire about our wedding room blocks and accommodate your guests at our five-star historic hotel

The ceremony was held at the magnificent St Joseph Cathedral.

The overall purpose of marriage preparation with the community of the Church is to assist you in evaluating your readiness to live the married life, which, between two baptized persons, is a Sacrament. The primary purpose of the Church’s efforts is not to teach you how to be married, but rather, to help you better understand yourselves, as well as your commitment to living this vocation. Likewise, the Church needs to emphasize how important you as a married couple are to the life of the church. In order to assist you in making the best possible decisions regarding your marriage and to help you prepare well for this Sacrament, the Church provides guidelines and instructions. What follows are the pertinent guidelines and other items of information that will be helpful to you as you prepare for your marriage. (These guidelines follow the norms that have been established through the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego).

The beautiful thing about about our small downtown, here in San Diego, is that the best locations are right around the corner. After ceremony we headed over to Balboa Park.

After about 45min at Balboa Park it was time to head to the reception at El Cortez. The esteemed Don Room and Terrace is the perfect choice for your special event. The classic and stunningly beautiful octagon shaped Don Room with 24k gold leafed ceiling, is an ideal setting for events and flexible to most any format. Adjoining the Don Room is a 10,000 square foot outdoor Terrace. The area comes alive with exquisite lighting, and our first class bar service offers drinks to delight and warm the spirits. Whatever the occasion our pre-determined layouts offer ease when planning your special event!

ANNIE AND MARK’S SWANKY WEDDING VENDORS

2019 Holiday Family Portraits - Leo Carillo Ranch - Michael Svoboda Elite Photography

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 23:16:32 GMT

Leo Carrillo Ranch Park Family Portraits, Carlsbad CA

Michael Svoboda Elite Photography

San Diego Family Portrait Photographer

Krystal, Andrew and their two daughters are always a delight to photograph. This relationship started many years ago when Krystal and Andrew hired me as their wedding photographer. Since then I have captured key moments in their lives, from the arrival of their girls and now a family portrait session every year. Every year we choose a new location and this year, Leo Carillo Ranch, which was amazing.

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park offers scenic landscapes and vintage hand-crafted adobe buildings, making the once private retreat of actor Leo Carrillo the ideal setting for family photography. With majestic peafowl frequenting the park and the California sunset rolling across the hillsides in the evening, there are countless picture-perfect locations throughout the grounds. Located in Carlsbad California .

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A cute family portrait session at the rustic Leo Carillo Ranch.

We love the phone so call us at 619-309-6316

More pages you might like: CLICK ON LINK

LAST YEAR'S PORTRAIT SESSION

SCRIPPS PIER FAMILY BEACH SESSION

PORTRAIT GALLERY

Serving Families in San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Oceanside, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Eastlake, Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Santa Fe, Fallbrook, Temecula, San Clemente, Orange County, Ladera Ranch, Dana Point California.

Airbnb - VRBO - Vacation Rental - Photography

Thu, 16 May 2019 18:43:15 GMT

You could increase bookings with amazing photos! A small investment with great return. Serving San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside and the Inland Empire
Interior and exterior photography of a beautiful beach rental house in Oceanside California

Examples

Beautiful photos can lead to more bookings. Create a memorable first impression of your property with pictures that pop.

Staging your photos

Photos can help foster an emotional connection with potential travelers. Stage rooms to create an overall atmosphere that shines through.

I Go room-by-room

Bedroom photos — Make sure the bed is well made and open blinds or curtains to let in plenty of natural light.
Bathroom photos — Show off your sparklingly clean bathroom, specifically with shots of the shower and sink. If you have anything unique you’d like to highlight, such as an antique bathtub, be sure to include that.
Living space photos — Travelers unwind with each other and create lasting memories here. Showcase connected rooms and help them visualize the flow of your floor plan.
Exterior photos — The outside of your property is the first thing travelers see at check-in, so highlight any landscaping or patio and deck seating. Try your best to make it look like a vacation destination.
Amenities photos — Showcase recent upgrades and special touches such as that amazing new hot tub or outdoor bocce ball court.

Contact me

Air BNB - Joshua Tree - Graham House - Real Estate Photography

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 19:54:44 GMT

OVERVIEW \ MODERN DESERT HOME STARTING AT $299

This modern, 2 bedroom home is located in Rock Reach, a private community of 320 acres near Joshua Tree characterized by expanses of heavily weathered boulders, along with ancient junipers, stunted desert oaks and resilient piñon pines. The extensive use of glass in the beautiful home is ideal for taking in the panoramic views of the untouched surrounding high desert. The main area is open concept, allowing guests to share the living space, dining area and kitchen that opens via a wall of sliding glass doors onto the large deck. Beautifully furnished in Mid-Century decor, it is the ultimate space to relax and take in the expansive views. The unique design of the Blue Sky Building Systems Prefab home allows the steel and glass home to be "placed" within the boulder valley, creating a unique hideaway that absolutely must be experienced.

Amazing Rancho Santa Fe Home - San Diego's Best Real Estate Photography

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 00:56:32 GMT

Amazing Rancho Santa Fe Home - San Diego's Best Real Estate Photography

Why should you use a high end real estate photographer for your multi million dollar, Rancho Santa Fe home? A real estate broker in Rancho Santa Fe has clients with unrivaled success and, in some cases, fame and fortune. Notable people who have called Rancho Santa Fe home include weight loss guru Jenny Craig, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and famous entrepreneur Howard Hughes.

Even your less famous clients have high expectations. They may not have a thoroughbred ranch like Jenny Craig owned, but the roughly 6,000 acres of luxury properties in the Covenant of Rancho Santa Fe draw from the polo riding community, boating aficionados, and golfers taken by The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe.

It’s a whole different ballgame with clientele of this caliber, and your marketing has to be first-rate in order to find those unique individuals able to handle a mortgage in the area.

The homes you sell are in the 7- and 8-digit range, so they deserve more than the average effort. You can’t offer that without a real estate photography in Rancho Santa Fe that is comprehensive and cutting-edge.

Young and old – home sellers and buyers are tech savvy, and meeting their expectations is important. Did you know that 90% of shoppers search the internet when researching new homes on the market? The bar is set high for a real estate agent in Rancho Santa Fe.

The value of the land has evolved over time. First a Mexican land grant belonging to Juan Maria Osuna in 1840, the Santa Fe Railroad thought the eucalyptus forests contained wood that was useful for railroad ties. The trees in Rancho Santa Fe weren’t strong enough after all, but slowly, the area’s definition came into view, particularly after architect Lillian Rice designed a horse-oriented community in 1922.

Real estate companies in Rancho Santa Fe aren’t all alike. And likewise, neither are real estate photographers. You want to be sure your real estate photography for marketing are the best.

What is the best use for real estate photos?

Capturing the shoppers’ attention is the goal. And realtors increasingly turn to posting photos to publicize their listings. With the growing popularity of Instagram and Pinterest, social media as a marketing tool has made even more headway.

Best San Diego Real Estate Photography 2019 - CALL, TEXT (619) 309-6316 or Book Online

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 22:08:21 GMT

Michael Svoboda Elite Photography serves Southern California's Top-Selling agents and is the leading provider of real estate photography. Let's be real here!

Buyers want to see listings with great photos.
Sellers want to list with agents that understand that.

Some properties deserve a spectacular presentation. Does yours? We'd love to help. Pricing

Book now!

All photo shoots include high resolution images (for print marketing material), low resolution images for web (for fast upload) and a Virtual Tour of the property (includes property address and music for high impact).

Encinitas Real Estate Photography. Here is a cute beach home.

I treat every home as if it has a personality. I am trying to create the feel of the home for potential clients to be able to connect to. As they view the images I want your potential clients to feel like they are living in the home. Combining a lifestyle edge in documenting the property is very effective. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, or San Diego Real Estate Photographer.

I am a formally trained Airbnb Photographer, over 100 homes photographed.

Please check out all my real estate photography here.

Book now!

2022 Best San Diego Wedding - The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Photographer

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 19:37:05 GMT

The Best San Diego Wedding of 2022 - The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Wedding.

The votes are in for the my best wedding of 2020. It was a tough race with all the amazing weddings I photographed but this one takes the cake. It was a luxurious wedding to say the least and the love between Naomi and Josh just amplified the beauty. There were so many beautiful moment to capture.

The getting ready photos was a wedding photographer's dream come true. And highlighting it was the gorgeous Ines Di Santos wedding dress. Just look at how elegant it is.

And the sophisticated groomsmen were no slacks for the getting ready photography

We utilized the upper entrance of the hotel by the classic water fountain before ceremony to get portraits and bridal party photographs. I got some bonus shots of Naomi along the way.

We shot early before guests arrived because Naomi and Josh wanted most of the the photography finished before ceremony so they could just enjoy their party after ceremony. The water fountain at the entrance of the hotel is iconic of The Grand Del Mar Wedding Venue. I took advantage to the large area to get formal group portraits of this large Bridal Party.

It is also a great location for the romantics and solo portraits.

Off to the Ketubah signing. In a Jewish wedding, there is a ketubah signing ceremony before the actual wedding where two witnesses sign the marriage contract. It usually takes place in a private room attended by the officiant, the wedding couple, the witnesses, close family and possibly a few dear friends. It’s considered a honor to be included in the ketubah signing ceremony. This can get very emotional!

The ceremony took place on the Aria Lawn. Celebrate during Southern California's sundrenched days or starlit nights on this sweeping open-air locale of close to 8,200 square feet, accentuated by a dramatic pavilion and views of the resort’s golf course and canyon preserve.

After ceremony we used the stairs of the pavillion to do the family formals. And then it was time for my favorite part, The Couple's Romantic Photographs.

The Reception was held at the Capella Chapel and it was chic.

Please contact me if you want your luxurious wedding photographed. My team is ready to travel anywhere!

ABOUT FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR

Basking in San Diego’s endless sunshine, Fairmont Grand Del Mar welcomes guests to a warm Mediterranean estate, replete with signature charm and Southern California style. Unrivaled Five-Star/Five Diamond service delivers every indulgence, including a championship Tom Fazio golf course, Five-Star spa, and exquisite dining.

Set amidst the breathtaking Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, this 249-room luxury San Diego resort captures the elegance and comfort of an old-world Mediterranean estate with an enviable Southern California locale. Its design honors the indelible style of visionary architect Addison Mizner (1872 – 1933) who drew his inspiration from Spain’s palaces, France’s sun-washed coastal retreats and Florence’s decorative arts to define the revered communities of Palm Beach and Boca Raton.

Mizner’s aesthetic is especially well suited, given San Diego’s warm climate and the community’s affinity for outdoor living. Combined with the resort’s impeccable service and unrivaled amenities – including an award-winning spa, championship golf course, acclaimed restaurants and boutique shopping – it’s really no surprise Fairmont Grand Del Mar is TripAdvisor's #1 Luxury Hotel in California.

2019 - Best Family Photography - Balboa Park

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 21:47:57 GMT

Starting 2019 with an amazing family portrait session in the cactus garden of Balboa Park. As a San Diego Family Photographer, Balboa Park never gets old. There is so many diverse locations for amazing portrait, engagement, and wedding photography. To check out some of my other photo shoots in Balboa Park click the links! WEDDING

Then you add a beautiful and fun family and you got yourself some beautiful portraits. My goal is not only to get the classic portraits but capture the energy and love of the shoot through out the session. Those candid moments in between the formal portraits are PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY. We had three generations and we photographed every possible combination. We had four sisters, two of which had kids, and one soon to be getting married. And mom and dad who created all this. What a gorgeous family. Seriously, they made it easy for me to getting stunning portraits.

Please check out some other family portrait sessions here.

Book your family session NOW!

Old Cactus GardenFour hot blondes

Best San Diego Real Estate Photography - Architectural Photographer

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 21:50:40 GMT

This is a beautiful ocean view beach rental on the Strand, Oceanside California. The property manager, also the owner of this beautiful rental reached out to me needing an update of the photography on the property. I shoot in a classical style that will never become dated so the images can be used to represent the property longer. My philosophy is to create a feeling of the property so potential renters can connect through the imagery and be more apt to book your property.

I have been doing Rental Property Photography here in San Diego for over 8 years now. Also an Airbnb Plus photographer. This is Airbnb's premiere collection of rentals. Please check out more of my work at: More real estate photography

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51 Best La Valencia Wedding Photographs - San Diego Wedding Photographer

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:28:25 GMT

Here are my 51 Best La Valencia Wedding Photographs of Kelsey and Kevin. I don't think we could of got a bad photo of this fun and very, "in love" couple!

The photos started with my 2nd Shooter, Kristin (not an assistant but a 2nd first shooter) splitting up. Kristin with the girls to get all the details, candids, and getting into the dress shots. I like to use a women 2nd shooter because I feel it's more natural for the women getting ready and gives a good balance to the day's creativity.

And me with the guys. To make sure the guys and girls did not see each other, I decided to shoot the guys pre ceremony formals in the front of the hotel and even crossed the street to get some bonus shots.

The La Valencia Hotel is spectacular La Jolla wedding venue.

Up above the La Jolla Cove cliffs along the scenic Pacific Ocean, La Valencia is one of the most romantic settings for California weddings, celebrations and social events. One of SoCal's most beautiful coastlines, this is an iconic destination with its classic glamour and coastal charm from the palm lined garden to the ballroom and terrace.

The ceremony took place on the garden terrace and with the mastery planning and design from Amy,of First Comes Love Wedding Planning and Concepts Event Design. And can't forget the amazing flowers of Flora Glamor. The ceremony was full and love and joy and after we kept all family members there and did the group family formals.

And now for my favorite part of a wedding photography, we headed down to Ellen Browning Scripps Park walking distance, right below the hotel. Here we did some shots on the grass and down by the water.

We headed back to the hotel and had a couple extra minutes to spare so we did some shots in the hotel.

For the reception it was held at the Veranda Ballroom and wow what a party it was! Thanks to Pacific Entertainment for keeping the party going strong!

Kelsey and Kevin, thank you so much for letting us be part of your wedding day and I know these meaningful photos will be cherished for years to come!

To check out other La Valencia wedding follow this link: La Valencia

The Best San Diego Engagement Location - Del Mar Wedding Photographer

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:15:41 GMT

OMG! Could Abbey and Matt be any cuter. Abbey reached out to me with a specific image/background in mind. We spoke on the phone to discuss the different locations and she said, "You are the San Diego wedding photographer, I trust you". Well thank you for your trust and this location most definitely did not disappoint. I was leaning towards doing their engagement shoot at Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve but considering crowds and restrictions due to nature conservancy we would of been limited.

Del Mar is an incredible area for engagement photography and wedding photography. As a wedding photographer I've captured the love from from the elegant Fairmont Grand Del Mar, to the classic Le Auberge Hotel, Seagrove Park and the picturesque beach weddings of The Del Mar Power Plant. Beauty abounds!

Matt is a Marine and with any military wedding I am very flexible with scheduling and understanding considering deployments and will do whatever it takes to capture your moments

We scheduled the shoot for 9am because this was best for the direction of light. And as with any new couple I spent the 1st couple minutes figuring out how you how they interacted in front of the camera and from this feedback I can focus on your strengths. The warm morning light set the tone for this loving couple. The location ended being a trail down to the water I used to take when I surfed in Del Mar. These are the hidden gems overlooked by most but best for your shoot because you are not dealing with crowds.

Check out more amazing engagement shoots in North County San Diego: More Engagement Shoots

Cape Rey Carlsbad - Event Photography - San Diego Wedding Planners

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:43:50 GMT

Sip and Savor By The Sea, an event celebrating the finest wedding planning in San Diego at the oceanfront Cape Rey Carlsbad, San Diego's Premier Ocean Wedding Venue.

It was a beautiful event with florals by: Jennifer Cole Florals

Invitations by: Whimsique a one-of-a-kind San Diego wedding invitations, stationery and other unique paper goods.

San Diego Furniture Rental by: Folklore

Music by: Anthony Garcia

And photography by Michael Svoboda, a San Diego Wedding Photographer.

Nestled along the sunny Pacific Coast in northern San Diego and named one of the Top 15 Best San Diego Hotels, Cape Rey Carlsbad is a top choice for the California resort traveler who seeks the unique. Our Carlsbad resort is only 150 steps to the surf and features balcony rooms with ocean views, on-site dining on at Chandler’s, and our very own Travel & Escape Top 5-Rated Spa, Ocean Crest Spa.

Cape Rey Carlsbad resort places you minutes from LEGOLAND® California Resort and the historic Del Mar Race Track, while a short drive will bring you to SeaWorld® San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, famous regional wineries, and award-winning craft breweries. For adventurous types, we have plenty to offer you, including local deep-sea fishing, sailboat cruises, horseback riding, paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing lessons, and kayak explorations.

Take in the views, adventure, delectable eats, and pure relaxation at our ocean-view hotel in Carlsbad.

Cape Rey Carlsbad - Hilton - 50th Birthday Party

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 23:13:04 GMT

For Tim and Tom's surprise 50th Birthday, the Cape Rey Carlsbad was the perfect venue for a private party. Cape Rey Hilton is nestled on the coast of Northern San Diego with beautiful ocean views.

Orchestrate a business meeting, corporate event or wedding and reception at Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort. This Carlsbad, CA meeting and special event venue offers more than 25,000 sq. ft. of versatile indoor and outdoor event space, on-site professional planners and coordinators with catering services. Host a private dining event for up to 40 Guests on an outside terrace with gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, or invite colleagues together for a secluded brainstorming session away from the office. Relax and let attentive Team Members oversee every detail, from catering menus to A/V set up and more, for a perfectly productive event.

Meeting and Event Highlights

25,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor event space
Shearwater Ballroom seats 650 Guests
4,000 sq. ft. pool courtyard
In-house A/V and banquet services
Beach and bay ceremony sites with panoramas of the Pacific Beach

Here at Michael Svoboda Elite Photography we offer a full range of photographic services from with over 20 years of experience:

Wedding Photography

Event Photography

Portrait Photography

Product Photography

Advertising Photography

Commercial Photography

Editorial Photography

Real Estate Photography

Lifestyle Photography

Stock Photography

San Diego Event Photography - Orfila Winery Events

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 18:12:18 GMT

Here at Michael Svoboda Elite Photography we love people and what we do. We photograph your event with the goal of capturing the feel of the event in a storytelling format. In addition we capture all the details and beautiful portraits of the people attending. This particular event for Nationwide Insurance took place at one of my favorite San Diego wedding venues and Corporate Event venue, Orfila Winery in Escondido, California.

Corporate Event Photography BOOK NOW!

Whether you are searching for a meeting site with an exceptional view, an intimate congratulatory dinner under the Grape Arbor or a fun, casual team building presentation, Orfila can help you create an unforgettable event. They focus on an experience for your co-workers instead of just a meeting. What better way to up attendance to a sales conference than hold it at such a distinctive venue. “Vineyards and Winery” grabs the attention of your employees as well as helps them remember the ideas you are trying to get across to them. Motivate your employees to perform to their best potential. Educate clients on the best your company has to offer. Celebrate the exceptional work your co-workers have put in for your company.

America - Corporate Event - San Diego Event Photography

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:49:25 GMT

Well it's event photography like this that reminds me of how much I love my profession. Today we were in the San Diego Bay on the "America" (the first vessel to win the America's Cup) with sailing champion, Dennis Conner who has won the America's Cup four times.

The 139-foot America is a replica of the low black schooner famous for winning the historic Royal Yacht Squadron’s “100 Guinea Cup” race around the Isle of Wight. That trophy was donated to the New York Yacht Club to be held as a challenge trophy, and it came to be known as the America’s Cup. The America can host up to 80 guests and is available for sunset sails, whale watching, dinners, corporate events and even ocean-going overnight sails.

Set sail on this classic sailing vessel who’s bow slices cleanly through the ocean swells. You’ll enjoy one of the smoothest boat rides you’ll ever experience! A classically designed, spacious, grand lady, this huge schooner will take you on an unparalleled adventure.

Conner has won the America's Cup four times, successfully defending the Cup in 1974, 1980, and 1988 and winning as the challenger in 1987. He was the skipper of the first defender to be defeated in the 132-year history of the cup, also ending 132 years of successful defense by the New York Yacht Club with their loss in 1983 to Alan Bond's wing-keeled challenger Australia II 4 races to 3. Following the loss Conner formed his own syndicate, the Sail America Foundation, through which he raised funds to mount a challenge culminating with winning the Cup back from Australia in 1987.

360 Destination was looking for the best San Diego Event Photography to cover 6 days of events. Stay tuned for the other events which were a BLAST!

The America can be booked through Maritime Museum.

9 Best San Diego Wedding Venues and Wedding Photography 2018

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 18:34:35 GMT

9 Top Wedding Venues in San Diego, California

We all know that San Diego is a premiere wedding destination. With our temperate climate, average summer temps of 77 degrees and winter temps of 66 it makes San Diego Wedding season year round.

In my 11 years as a San Diego Wedding Photographer here are my 9 favorite wedding venues along with wedding photographs I've taken at the specific venue.

1. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar

I've been fortunate enough to shoot this venue many times and I know the grounds very well. Discover unparalleled romance for your special day at San Diego's premier wedding venue. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean estate and nestled in the storybook setting of the breathtaking Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the perfect venue to take your first steps toward forever.

2. The Lodge At Torrey Pines

Situated on La Jolla’s coastline with panoramic views of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a setting unlike any other. Historical Craftsman architecture complements an elegant selection of wedding venues to accommodate everything from intimate dinners for 10 to lavish celebrations for 220 guests. Exquisite dining and our legendary AAA Five Diamond service ensure your wedding day will be unforgettable.

3. Hotel Del Coronado

WEDDING AND EVENT VENUES AT HOTEL DEL CORONADO

This venue will always have a place in my heart because this is where I married the love of my life, Jacqueline. The magic is in the details and each of our venues is teeming with them: glistening beachfronts that highlight the grand Pacific, wood-domed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, stunning ocean views and lush tropical gardens. See the incomparable venues that make our resort legendary — 128 years and counting.

4. Cal-a-vie Spa

Creating your dream wedding means discovering the most perfect and magical venue!

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa has become a premier location for the ultimate destination wedding, providing an experience like no other. Family and friends come together to share in our award-winning spa program while experiencing invaluable time together. Planning an elopement? We have a minister that can provide a license.

Leave the details to us! Our team will create an intimate and luxurious setting for one of the most important days of your life. Time spent before and after this special event with those you love is priceless. Cal-a-Vie will help to ensure that every detail of your wedding is just as you dreamed! We offer a unique, "once-in-a-lifetime" setting for your distinctive occasion.

Contact our Group Sales Manager - Email

760 945-2466 | Fax 760 630-4368

Cal-a-Vie Wedding Brochure

5. Estancia Hotel

With award-winning gardens and hacienda-style architecture, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is celebrated for its personalized service and unparalleled beauty. Choose one of La Jolla’s best wedding venues for both the day you say “I do” and all the special celebrations in the weeks leading up to it.

VIEW WEDDING BROCHURE

You can request a proposal for your wedding below or if you would like more information on Estancia La Jolla’s San Diego wedding venues, please contact 858-964-6615 or [email protected].

6. L Auberge Del Mar

At L'Auberge Del Mar we love love, so trust us when we say that we want to make your day as special as we can. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a big blow out, our specialists will help to make your wedding truly unforgettable. In addition to romantic seaside accommodations, a relaxing spa, and a breathtaking selection of San Diego wedding reception venues overlooking the Pacific Ocean, we have an experienced staff ready to help bring your beach wedding vision to life.

7. L a Valencia Hotel

An Exquisite Destination For La Jolla Weddings

Towering above La Jolla Cove, along California's most spectacular stretch of Pacific coastline, La Valencia is a magical place. With its breathtaking location, iconic style and creative cuisine, La V has become a tradition for couples in love. The distinctive Mediterranean silhouette with its pink exterior, lush foliage, and idyllic ocean views create an atmosphere of elegance and romance. Celebrate in exquisite indoor and outdoor venues, including our intimate El Jardin and Veranda Ballroom and Terraza overlooking the sparking ocean. From glamorous receptions to cocktail parties and rehearsal dinners, La V is the most enchanting wedding destination in Southern California.

Each La V wedding receives the personal attention of a dedicated wedding specialist who will work with you to oversee every detail. Please call our Catering Department at (888) 831-9015 to start your wedding planning, or fill out a request for proposal.

8. Rancho Valencia

Ensuring your wedding day is as perfect as you dreamed.

As you prepare for the most memorable day of your life, decisions abound. Guest lists. Music. Venues. Dining. One simple choice you can make to ensure a truly flawless wedding  is Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Whether you're having an intimate event for 10 people or a lavish wedding for 250 guests, the 45 acres at Rancho Valencia create an elegant and remarkable setting for unforgettable year-round weddings and wedding receptions.

Intimate courtyards privately tucked away, trickling fountains, pristine lawns, dramatic views, and award-winning cuisine set the stage for your perfect wedding celebration and reception. And your dedicated wedding specialist will work closely with you so that every detail is anticipated and every luxury arranged - from the planning and reception to hot air balloon landings and a horse-and-carriage sendoff. And, after the celebration, you and your guests can easily escape to the comfort and relaxation of our spacious casitas.

Rancho Valencia offers numerous venues, including the perfect spot for your wedding reception. Choose from ballrooms, intimate courtyards, lush gardens and pristine lawns all located at our Rancho Santa Fe sanctuary just north of San Diego.

The Croquet Lawn

Surrounded by beds of hibiscus and bougainvillea and shaded by towering palms and California Live Oaks, the 8,400-square-foot croquet lawn has played host to social events and weddings from simply elegant to stunningly lavish for up to 500 guests. You can choose to have the lawn tented to your exact specifications or have your wedding and reception in an open-air setting under the stars.

The Sunrise Room & Terrace

This private courtyard and adjoining room offer the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies. The bleached-wood trellis adorned with climbing white roses is picture perfect for exchanging vows. Flowerbeds overflowing with roses, bougainvillea and hibiscus, a bubbling fountain and Saltillo tiles underfoot create a magical setting in which to gather family and friends. For wedding ceremonies of up to 240 guests.

The Rose Garden

Overlooking the olive grove and flanked by Century Palm trees, the Rose Garden offers an intimate wedding venue accommodating up to 30 guests for your private wedding ceremony. The space also doubles as a gorgeous backdrop for your engagement or wedding day photography.

The Terrace Ballroom & Patio

The Terrace Ballroom offers intimacy and versatility, with French doors that open onto a covered terrace framed by a series of arches and set off by vibrant bougainvillea. This 2,000-square-foot wedding venue can accommodate up to 200 when joined with the Terrace Patio and features expansive lighting options and versatile seating arrangements, as well as a foyer for greeting wedding guests.

The Valencia Lawn

Situated in one of the most beautiful gardens at Rancho Valencia, this expanse of gently rolling lawn, surrounded by our Mediterranean casitas and beautiful coral trees, makes for a magical wedding venue. For social events and wedding receptions up to 500 guests.

9. Scripps Seaside Forum

Tucked along the Pacific coast on Kennel Way in La Jolla, the Scripps Seaside Forum is a remarkable wedding and reception venue for brides and grooms seeking a premier space in southern California. Modern and inviting, this venue presents award winning architecture and a free flowing interior design. From floor to ceiling glass windows to cozy seating arrangements, every detail is carefully considered at the Forum. Equipped with a tile veranda and access to sandy shores, this venue exudes pure coastal class and sophistication. Imagine sharing your first kiss of matrimony as the ocean breeze surrounds you and all of your family and friends look on. No matter if you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony space, the Forum provides an elegant mixture of romantic meeting spaces to share your vows. If you crave exquisite shoreline views, nearly lined with palm trees, and ample sunny spaces, the Scripps Seaside Forum is ready to delight you on your wedding day.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have on these or any additional wedding venues I did not mention. Contact Us!

Also I'm running a 2019 Wedding Booking Special. Receive 10% off your wedding package if booked in 2018!

Book now!!!

101 Most Important Wedding Photos You Must Have - Downloadable PDF - 2018

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 04:00:59 GMT

A list of 101 Most Important Wedding Photos You Must Have 2018

A Downloadable Wedding Photographer’s Checklist

The Pre-Ceremony Photos

The pre-ceremony photos are a very important part of the day. This is where we get, getting ready photos, details, bridal party photos, immediate family portraits, ceremony details. During this time, I typically split up from my 2nd shooter. One with the girls and one with the guys.

Bride's shoes.
Bride and bridesmaids getting ready (candid)
Bride's jewelry.

Bride's dress.
Bride getting in dress
Bride Portraits
Any sentimental items (handkerchiefs, family rings, and such).
Groom's getting ready (candid).

Groom and groomsmen ties and boutonniere.
Groom portraits
Bride with Bridesmaids Formal Portraits, individual and group.
Groom with Groomsmen Formal Portraits, individual and group*.
Bride with immediate family Formal Portraits, individual and group*.

While doing Bridal Party/Family Formals, 2nd Shooter is getting Ceremony Details (before guests arrive)

*If you choose to see each other before ceremony we set up a first look and are able to get photos of both bridal parties together and this frees up time post ceremony for couples who may want to join cocktail or just want more photos*

Examples

The Ceremony Photos

This part of the wedding is the most critical and we shoot in a photojournalistic style capturing all the emotions as it unfolds. My goal is for the images to tell the story of the day.

Ceremony Details

Guests socializing/mingling awaiting the bride's arrival
Groom, family, best man, and minister walking into venue.
Bridal party walking down aisle.
Bride and father interactions waiting for processional (2nd Shooter).
Bride and father walking down aisle (front and back).

The groom’s reaction.
Father of the bride “giving her away”.
Any ceremonial specifics as mentioned by your client (depending on what type of ceremony).
Any speakers during the ceremony.
The exchange of rings.

The kiss.
Recessional (I stop the bride and groom at the end of the aisle for a kiss).
Recessional of all bridal party and family (other photographer capturing the celebration of the couple)

Wedding Ceremony Examples

Post-Ceremony Photos

After celebration shots and guests have left to cocktail, family and bridal party head back to the ceremony site. (note before ceremony we got the smaller individual immediate family shots)

Bride and groom plus officiant.
Bride and groom plus groom’s entire family (if too large we break down the extended families, dad's side and mom's side)
Bride and groom plus bride’s entire family (if too large we break down the extended families, dad's side and mom's side)
Bride and groom plus both immediate families.
Bride and groom plus both sets of parents

Full bridal party (at ceremony site and some of other locations at the venue. Formal, stylized and candid shots)
Bride w/Groomsmen
Groom w/Bridesmaids
Bride and groom alone (at ceremony site and different locations around the venue. Formal, stylized and candid shots).
2nd shooter all Reception detail photos (we photograph everything that pertains to your wedding)
Cocktail Party - Details, Candid and Informal Group Photos

Post Ceremony Photos

Reception Photos

We basically cover anything that happens in the room. We always have a photographer with the couple and this is a good time to get photos with your guests (we'll be getting candid shots as you walk around and greet your guests so at any moment signal us to get a group or individual photo with friends).

Grand Entrance.
Bride and groom’s first dance.

Bride and dad’s first dance.
Family members and Guests.
Groom and mom’s first dance.
Bridal parties dance.
Toasts.

Cake cutting.
Garter toss.
Groom with whomever caught the garter.
Bouquet toss.
Bride with whomever caught the bouquet.

Candid photos of people dancing, talking, eating, etc.
Night Photo (Step out of the reception momentarily to capture a dramatic night shot).

Check out their entire wedding here!

This is the basic coverage of a wedding day. Each wedding varies and not every shot on this list may pertain. For each wedding, I consult with my clients and customize this list to meet their expectations, traditions and needs. Thank you and I look forward to capturing your Special Day:)

A Downloadable Wedding Photographer’s Checklist

www.michaelsvobodaweddings.com

619.309.6316

[email protected]

@michaelsvobodaweddings

@SvobodaWeddings

North County San Diego - Cedros Avenue Design District - Engagement Shoot

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 11:25:53 GMT

For couples looking for a little bit of everything in their engagement photo shoot, we highly recommend Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach. Also referred to as the Cedros Design District, this street is a dream photo shoot location. A quick stroll down the sidewalk will take you by an assortment of boutiques, quirky sculptures, beautiful galleries, and fine jewelry shops. While you’re in the area, you can also enjoy a chic cafe, a local brewery, an urban winery, or the infamous Belly Up Tavern, all of which are within walking distance. There’s even a pop-up Farmers Market on Sundays.

Because Cedros Avenue runs parallel to Highway 101 along the coast, the beach is just steps away! If you want to walk along the sand, share a romantic moment, or splash in the waves, the beach at Fletcher Cove is a perfect spot. And there are lots of other natural settings nearby, such as a hidden grassy field, which is a great place to relax and unwind.

To arrange your own Cedros Avenue engagement shoot, feel free to contact us. Check out some engagement shoots here in San Diego

If you are looking for a lot of variety in a small area, Cedros Avenue in the perfect location for your engagement photography.

Solana Beach - Train Station - Cedros - Best Engagement Photography

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 19:34:19 GMT

If you are looking for an engagement shoot location. Look no further!!! The Cedros Avenue Design District has so much to offer for photography. We started off at the Solana Beach Train Station where we could of honestly stayed and done the entire shoot there. The architectural elements make it out of this world for an engagement shoot. Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station

Then we headed over to Culture Brewing Co. where they were more than welcoming of this cut couple to get a handful of engagement photos. And the beer is AMAZING! (dog friendly too)...

And what better way to compliment an Urban Engagement Shoot than throwing in some nature engagement photos . And the kicker here? This is all with in walking distance of each other. So in this 90 min engagement session we were able to get an incredible amount of amount and variety of incredible photography. Fletcher Cove is amazing for photography. Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station Solana Beach Train Station

I had a blast photographing Kellyn and Tim's engagement session! They are deeply in love and you can feel it in their photographs. I look forward to the wedding day! Please check out some other engagement shoots I've done on Cedros and Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach .

Carlsbad Engagement Shoot - Ponto State Beach

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 22:52:19 GMT

We chose PONTO BEACH, Carlsbad because this is the beach Molly spent her time growing up and one of Josh's surf spots and made for the perfect location for their Carlsbad Engagement Shoot. This is also a great place to get married and you can inquire here for more information. I assessed the location and really wanted to give them a variety, more than just beach shots. I found several key features within that location that made for some stunning imagery. They did the rest, having fun and loving each other. I look forward to the big day at Twin Oaks House! We stated right off La Costa Ave and HWY 101. There is a gorgeous pine tree right on Batiquitos Lagoon, one of my favorite Carlsbad portrait locations.

There are fields of wild flowers in the springtime which made for a magical backdrop for these two love birds. These fields would be amazing for wedding photos.

Mother nature was kind to us on this stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. They naturally fell into a romantic mood. Ponto BeachCApturing the love

As a San Diego wedding photographer, we are so fortunate with all the beautiful locations form the coastline and inland to the mountains. Please contact me to BOOK your San Diego Engagement Shoot here.

Balboa Park - San Diego - Best Wedding Photography 2018

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 19:32:51 GMT

Here are my favorite images from Balboa Park Wedding Photography and Event Photography. I've been a San Diego Wedding Photographer for over 10 years now and I have to say Balboa Park is like a playground to me. From the Japanese Friendship Gardens, The Prado, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Cactus and Rose Gardens, and Lily Pond, there always seems like something new to photograph.

The most frequent venue is The Prado. The Prado, an award-winning, full-service restaurant located in the House of Hospitality, offers charming indoor and outdoor dining. The unique décor blends the historical aspects of the House of Hospitality and whimsical accessories inspired by the Park museum collections. The diverse cuisine includes an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and imaginative entrées. The lounge combines a lighter menu with a wide variety of margaritas, sangria, beer, wine and other beverages.
Reservations are accepted and recommended.

The Prado, located in the House of Hospitality at Balboa Park-where our experienced, professional staff will blend the grace and splendor of yesterday with the traditions of today to create the wedding of your dreams. We offer the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Our Catering Team will be happy to assist you with any additional questions.

Please contact us them for a tour of our unique venue and event sites.

The Organ Pavilion has some many options for amazing wedding photography.

The Cactus gardens off of Park Avenue make for the perfect backdrop for those couple who like natural backgrounds.

A bonus of this area is that you also have the rose gardens and a canyon to compliment the arid desert look.

And most probably the most Iconic Photographs is the famous tree of roots.

And right next to the tree is this beautiful garden with limitless photography shots.

The architecture is out of this world for a very classical portrait photography.

And the San Diego Museum of Art is a dream venue. Check out Sara and Nima's luxury wedding!

For information about the House of Hospitality or the Casa Del Rey Moro Garden, please contact The Prado Restaurant or call (619) 557-9441 x 501.

To learn more about City of San Diego buildings and outdoor areas in Balboa Park (identified below as requiring reservations through the Park and Recreation Permit Center), call 619-235-1169 for reservation details.

Email [email protected] for information about holding large corporate events at multiple venues at the same time.

27 Fun Engagement Photographs With Jessica and Jeff on Cedros Ave Solana Beach 2018

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 18:57:56 GMT

27 Fun Engagement Photographs on Cedros Ave. Nothing was more fun than starting an engagement session in Solana Beach, and then walking around Cedros Design District and photographing these lovebirds. We began the shoot in the buildings utilizing architectural elements to create interesting compositions. To make it even better, Jessica and Jeff, have so much fun together and are so natural in front of the camera. It was so easy to capture their happiness, sweetness and crazy love for each other.

Discover original Fashions, Furniture, Home Décor, Collectibles and Art. Happen across that perfect gift from around the globe, treasured antiques, hand woven tapestry or exquisite handmade jewelry.

Take your time, explore the enchanting 2 ½ blocks of Cedros Avenue with more than 85 one of a kind shops, boutiques and galleries, plus, unique Home and Garden stores, that have made Cedros “the Avenue with Everything”. The Cedros Avenue Design District in North County is also home to many renowned architects, builders, designers and interior decorators.

Enjoy the fabulous Solana Beach Farmers Market every Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

After the outfit change we headed down to Fletcher Cove and did a mix of romantic and fun shots on the beach. The sunset was spectacular to top it off!

So, keep an eye out for wedding when I document their wedding story at the The Scripps Seaside Forum this August. Can’t wait guys:)

15 Best Torrey Pines Engagement Photographs - San Diego Wedding Photographer

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 17:41:32 GMT

Here are my 15 Best Torrey Pines Engagement Photographs of Dan and Allison. We started off the shoot in the Solana Beach neighborhood, there were tons of places for Dan and Allison to play, have fun, and show off their love!

The photo shoot started with a relaxed stroll on Cedros Avenue, which led us to colorful benches, street crossings, staircases, and a walkway bridge. After photographing a few candid moments between the two, we made our way to the Torrey Pines in Del Mar to capture some stunning Torrey Pine trees with sunset backdrop. As the sun sunk beneath the horizon, we did some dramatic silhouette shots using their hands to create the heart. We know these meaningful photos will be cherished for years to come!

We had a blast photographing Dan and Allison, and can’t wait to meet up with them again later this year when they tie the knot at The Scripps Seaside Forum wedding. Best Torrey Pines Engagement Photographer.

Family Portrait - Scripps Pier - La Jolla

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 18:59:02 GMT

Well when little Evelyn turns 1 year old and her Aunt, Uncle and Cousin are in town from Portland, Oregon it's a great time for family photography. Jenna wanted to do something different from her family portraits at Jack's Pond 6 months ago and saw some portraits done by Scripps Pier. This is a great location but I wanted to give them some variety, more than just ocean, beach and pier backgrounds. So we started off the shoot at Scripps Seaside Forum. This area has a great variety of backgrounds.

From the rose garden: This area has benches and makes for the most magical background and of course little Evelyn was drawn to the beautiful flowers.

Right across the way is a well manicured mini amphitheater where I utilized the concrete steps to arrange the family. This area is great for large family group shots.

What's nice about this is everything thus far has been photographed within 50 yards of each other. Plus the beach access is right there as well. We got to the beach and I started off by getting all the combinations of family members.

Even the great grand parents came along for the fun. So much LOVE!

And for the grand finale we stepped underneath the pier for the classic Scripps Pier Portrait.

And as we were wrapping the shoot up because we thought we lost Evelyn's attention she started playing with balloons and I got these GEMS!

Jennifer and Anthony - Vista Valley Country Club - Wedding - Escondido

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 16:21:18 GMT

WEDDINGS AT VISTA VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Among the enchanted tree lined community of Vista Valley and overlooking the golf course, Vista Valley Country Club combines breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine, and old world charm to create a picture perfect ceremony and reception venue. A great place for Weddings & Private Events.

This was one of those days where everything lined up just perfectly for a wedding photographer. The best team of vendors, great weather, a gorgeous venue (I mean, those gates!) and the most amazing couple.

Vista Valley Country Club is the perfect private meeting location for inspiring a company team, working on confidential meetings topics or simple building and forging lasting business relationships with colleagues. Our unique property features beautifully appointed small business meeting rooms to hosting large corporate events and company golf tournaments

Jennifer and Anthony sure do know how to pick a beautiful wedding venue for their special day. It was a great contrast from their beach engagement shoot, at the L'Auberge in Del Mar.

Venue: Vista Valley Country Club

Planning & Coordination: Tre-Media

Florist: Holly Flora

Wedding Dress: Panache Bridals

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Cake: Flour Power

Video: Joe Park Films

DJ: Promotion Entertainment

Wedding and Portrait Photographer | San Diego, Carlsbad, Southern California

Park Hyatt Resort Aviara - Wedding Photography - Sara and Robert

Wed, 23 May 2018 20:23:29 GMT

I am in love with Sara and Robert's intimate wedding at the Park Hyatt Resort Aviara. We had so much fun capturing images for this adorable couple. They were so full and love and joy. It's apparent in their photos. Congrats guys!!! Oh and thank you for all the amazing vendors that made this day happen.

Coordination - A Diamond Celebration

Floral Design - Jenny B Floral Design

DJ - San Diego DJ

Musician - Innocenti Strings

Linens and Rentals - Concepts Event Designs

Make up - Flawless Faces

Venue - Park Hyatt Resort Aviara

On California’s sun-drenched Pacific coast, in the seaside community of Carlsbad, Park Hyatt Resort Aviara lies on the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon (a great place for a engagement shoot) – a vast protected wildlife sanctuary and an enclave of natural beauty. From atop the highest ridge, overlooking the ocean and the lagoon, the San Diego resort provides a respite from the ordinary.

Secluded amid 200 acres of verdant hillsides and rolling valleys, within the master-planned community of Aviara, our San Diego luxury hotel and resort provides an appealing setting for any function. The resort’s Spanish colonial architecture welcomes with a sense of casual elegance. Each of the 329 spacious guest rooms – including 44 suites – features a private balcony or landscaped terrace offering magnificent views. Expansive facilities for meetings and special events are enhanced by complete resort amenities, from acclaimed dining to a full-service spa, swimming, tennis, a fitness center and an Arnold Palmer designed 18-hole championship golf course.

Calamingos Ranch - Malibu - Wedding Photography

Tue, 15 May 2018 23:23:50 GMT

FOR A RUSTIC, ELEGANT WEDDING AT CALAMIGOS RANCH IN MALIBU

If you’re looking for the best alternative to wedding experiences offered by five-star hotels in the Los Angeles area, choose to tour Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Find out why this spectacular event venue is the number one choice of couples who embrace an elegantly rustic style.

Stretching on 130 acres of land in the Malibu Wine Country, Calamigos Ranch will steal your heart from the very first second with its warm ambiance, enchanting rural touches, impeccable service and excellent attention to detail. As one of the most desirable event spaces in Southern California, this superb ranch ensures easy access to four sites for laidback ceremonies and receptions.

We are particularly fond of The Redwood Room, a lovely space featuring a stone wall fireplace, merry go round, Ferris Wheel, flagstone pathways, soothing waterfalls and old oak trees that create the ideal backdrop for stunning photos

We also love the Pavilion at North Point, a breathtaking site that can accommodate up to 500 guests. This tranquil environment gives you the chance to hold a romantic ceremony under a century-old oak tree with a cascade of twinkling lights hanging from its branches. While leaving the ceremony site to get to the reception hall, you and your guests will enjoy a nice stroll on a sycamore-lined pathway bordered by a plethora of lit candles. Hidden Garden Floral Designs did an amazing job with the flowers

A white tent lined with shimmering lights and white drapery will complete this pretty picture, allowing our Michael Svoboda Elite Photography to take advantage of the ideal backdrop for your photos. Rely on our affordable services to capture scenic views of local vineyards and meadows, and rely on Calamigos Ranch to turn your wedding into the most acclaimed event of the year.

Check out Calamingos Ranch on Weddingwire and YELP,

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

CALAMIGOS RANCH

Calamigos Ranch

327 Latigo Canyon Road
Malibu, CA 90265

(818) 889-6280 ‎

Estancia - La Jolla - Wedding Photographer

Tue, 08 May 2018 17:01:55 GMT

Nestled in the heart of Torrey Pines and sprawling across ten acres of award-winning gardens and Spanish-style architecture is Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, one of San Diego’s top wedding venues, celebrated for its personalized service and unparalleled beauty. Brilliant bougainvillea and olive trees, winding pathways, and water fountains set an enchanting stage for romantic outdoor wedding ceremonies. Inside, elegant ballrooms and world-class resort accommodations are designed to host the most memorable of celebrations as Estancia staff attend to every last thoughtful detail. Exchange your vows in the Garden Courtyard, where you can walk down a grand staircase to meet your adoring guests amidst over 100 different flowers and plants. A perfect complement to the Garden Courtyard, the La Jolla Ballroom offers earthy tones and wrought iron chandeliers that crest the perfect ambiance for the reception. For a more intimate ceremony, say “I do” while surrounded by olive trees at the Olive Lawn, and choose to have your reception in the newly enhanced Grande Room or in Adobe El Restaurant's intimate dining room overlooking the gardens. For details on current packages and promotions, including how you can earn a Hawaii honeymoon at Estancia's sister property, visit www.EstanciaLaJolla.com.

Today was Erin and Scheafer's wedding and don't they look incredible! They were such a sweet couple, it was our pleasure to capture their day. Melissa of Sweet Blossom Weddings made sure the day went smoothly.

Outdoor Rancho Valencia Wedding with First Comes Love - Catherine and Paul

Wed, 02 May 2018 20:50:01 GMT

I love this couple and love Rancho Valencia. Catherine and Paul’s sweetly intimate wedding at Rancho Valencia was my last wedding of the year, and there was no better way to end a beautiful season than with a gorgeous couple, a stunning location, and the best vendors in the industry. AMY ULKUTEKIN of First Comes Love is a rockstar consultant that kept this day flowing with ease and precision, and classy florals by Flora Glamour that took my breath away. This was a dream team for them. You can see it in the photographs!

Hair and makeup by: Glam Dolls Makeup

Music by: Positive Energy

Party rental and decor by: Concept Event Design

Cake by the amazing: Sweet Cheeks Bakery

Catherine and Paul: We are so thankful for the two of you and enjoyed every second of sharing in your special day. You welcomed us into your celebration wholeheartedly, and we felt like instant friends! Thank you for everything, and here’s to many blessings for your family!

Sincerely,,
Michael

San Diego - Corporate - Team Building - Event Photography

Tue, 01 May 2018 16:22:41 GMT

This was a two day corporate team building event at the Bahia Hotel, Mission Beach, San Diego. All the top sales reps for a medical device company, Bemer which manufactures a device that can boost the blood flow, thus benefiting the body’s cardiac system, regenerative abilities and even mental acuity. The day started in the Mission Bay Ballroom. The next day we started off with a lunch cruise on the Bahia Belle. and then headed down to the beach for some fun team building exercises coordinated by Out of Ordinary Group Adventures. They create various team building opportunities and group adventures. With over 40 specially design programs for your corporate group, class or friends. Book your event now!

2021 The Best Real Estate Photography

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 17:28:29 GMT

Serving the greater San Diego area with beautiful Real Estate photography. Ready to take your listings into orbit? We are an FAA-approved, registered and insured drone operator. Ideal for estate homes and waterfront properties, drone photos and video give buyers a whole new perspective on your listings! We create stunning photos covering all features of the property, interior and exterior. Typically 25-50 photos. We provide the photos in both MLS resolution and print resolution. Pricing is based on the property square footage. Schedule your photoshoot today. Book now! Primo

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Immaculata - Balboa Park - US Grant - Wedding - Photography

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:55:46 GMT

Are you kidding me? Sandy and Apollo were a photographers dream come true. They quite possibly love photography more than me and you will see it in there photos. We started off with getting ready at the classic, US Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. Hair and makeup by Brides By Brittany.

Then it was off the magnificent, Immaculata nestled in the University of San Diego's campus. They chose not to see each other before the ceremony so we took turns and utilized the nearby and interesting architectural elements around the church for some very classical style portrait photography.

The Ceremony was full of love and stunning candids.

After ceremony is my favorite part of the weddings photography, where the nervousness and gone and the magically energy of the day takes over. We started off at the church and then cruised over to Balboa Park.

Seriously, how stunning is this couple? It was hard to put the camera down with these guys but we had a reception party at the Crystal Ballroom, US Grant. The day was coordinated by Diamond Celebration. Flowers by Organic Elements

La Costa Resort - Golf Tournament - Event Photography

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 17:58:40 GMT

This was the 3rd annual Taylormade Golf European Ambassadors Cup held at La Costa Resort, Champions Course. The Tournament of Champions was hosted at La Costa since 1969 and ended its final round in 1998. Long considered the Super Bowl of Golf, players had to win a PGA Tour event the preceding year in order to qualify. Champions included some of the greatest players in history like Gary Player, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods ...

Golf - Sport - Photography - San Diego

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 19:17:45 GMT

I find when you combine your passions the results can be incredible. Growing up playing basketball is where my interest in being active was born. It taught me that with discipline, sacrifice and hard work you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. So when basketball was finished I had to find other things to be training toward and progressing. This was the same philosophy I applied to my photography and to golf. Now combining the two gives me such a condensed sense of accomplishment and joy.

The assignment: Capturing the lifestyle and overall reason why so many love golf!

Ponto Beach - Family Portrait - Session

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:49:51 GMT

We chose this location, Ponto Beach in the springtime in hopes for wild flowers. I photographed Krystal and Andrews wedding at the Estancia Hotel in La Jolla over 8 years ago and have been shooting their family portraits every year since then.

Carlsbad has so many great locations for family photography but this place is one of my favorites. There is so much to choose from in a small area so you get a lot of variety in your photographs.

We started in the flower field and just let the kids be kids and let them explore and have a great time. This is a great time for me to capture those natural moments sneaking in posed portraits here and there.

After the field we headed over the beach and I set up some sand dune shots with the dramatic sky behind.

The kids love playing with the stones on the beach.

We finished off with some moody sunset silhouettes which make for great prints hanging on your walls!

Please inquire to book your Carlsbad Family Portrait Session.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar - Wedding Photography - San Diego

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 20:38:44 GMT

When we first met Kathryn and Adam I knew this was going to be an amazing wedding at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

Wedding Planner, Lisa Lippe, of Details Defined delivered a stunning celebration for Kathryn and Adam. The ceremony and reception took place at the stunning Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The Capella Chapel served as the ceremony site and on to the Terrace for cocktails. Next the guests were seated on the lush Aria Lawn for a sunset dinner set to a Caprice String trio with Danielle Tucker of The Mighty Untouchables emceeing and singing special solo pieces with the strings. The celebration lasted all night long dancing the night away to The Mighty Untouchables live band in the Manchester Salon.

Check out their wedding photography!

Special thanks to the amazing wedding vendoring that made Kathryn and Adam's wedding an unforgettable day.

Wedding Planner: Details Defined
Venue: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Tuxedos: Gentleman’s Tuxedo
Transportation: Sun Diego Charter
Rehearsal Dinner: Pacific Coast Grill
Linens: APR Fine Linens
Florist: Kathy Wright
Videography: It’s Personal
String Trio: Caprice Strings
Candy Table: Sugar Mammas
Emcee: Danielle Tucker of The Mighty Untouchables
Music Band: The Mighty Untouchables

Yoga Photography Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 20:55:00 GMT

Yoga has the ability to heal. Yoga has the ability to bring about peace. Combine it with nature and you'll be free!

Corporate - Professional - Business - Headshots - Portraits - San Diego - Photography

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 17:58:43 GMT

A headshot is more than just a photo of your face. A headshot is your brand, your personality, and often your first impression to important people. It should communicate key characteristics about you without the use of words. It should capture an expression of confidence, approachability, and trustworthiness with a high quality photograph that will make people want to meet you and work with you. The quality of your headshot and how you appear in it will directly impact how people perceive you before they even meet you, so don't settle for a quick snapshot in bad lighting; give your best first impression with a professional headshot.

Michelle & Hyatt - The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe Wedding

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 19:59:35 GMT

Michelle is from Rancho Santa Fe, she met Hyatt while at Yale and was living in the south while the two of them worked on graduate degrees. Michelle wanted to find a venue that could accommodate up to 300 people, since they expected family and friends from all over the country, where everything could be outside. So she hired the help of wedding planner, Cynthia Katkin Events. She pictured an outdoor ceremony, with a big wooden cross as a focal point, and a tented reception with hanging chandeliers. She also pictured a décor that mixed in vintage elements with a very upscale look. Michelle wanted vintage but not country! The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe had the outdoor space to accommodate her wishes and the venue carries a wonderful sense of high end comfort and care.

Michelle and her beautiful bridesmaids and below, Hyatt and his team of groomsmen. The super hero shot is seriously one of my favorite wedding photos ever. So fun!

The vintage-themed welcome area, with a birdcage for cards to the bride and groom, trunks to hold gifts, a basket of sunscreen since the ceremony was outside, and a vintage medicine trunk for programs. Cocktails would follow on the adjacent green lawn so we had a gold and ivory bag toss game made to look like the couple’s invitation. Also, to ward off the sun, we placed paper parasols in dark pink, light pink, and ivory on the ceremony chairs.

Below, the gorgeous ceremony on the lower lawn with the tree and wooden cross, constructed by Indulge Weddings and Events. Michelle and Hyatt really wanted to do a unity candle ceremony but we tend not to do them for outdoor weddings due to wind. Michelle and her mom cleverly figured out they could use lanterns, and did a mock up with a fan blowing on the lanterns, to ensure that the plan worked!

Below, the beautiful and super fun bride and groom and their wedding party! We decided on blush pink dresses for the girls with mixed bouquets of pink tones and ivory. For the guys, Hyatt really wanted a classic, modern look and the black tuxes were perfect.

The cocktail hour was an easy place to add in some vintage elements so we created a fun seating area from Found Rentals, a place card table of mixed vintage boxes and lanterns, and (my favorite), we had Its A Party Photo Booth provide their open air set-up and we rented a vintage settee and had Indulge provide old fashioned hat, parasols, fans, and mustaches to create a vintage style photo booth. It looked amazing and everything was so fun!

The tent was absolutely my favorite part and where we got to truly create the upscale vintage feel that Michelle wanted. We had Classic Party Rentals drape the ceiling, add the chandeliers, and provide 10 real wood tables, with mahogany chivari chairs. The rest of the 16 tables were round with 2 different styles of candelabras (8 of each)–1 was a domineering metal piece, that Chris from Indulge adorned with crystal strands, and the other was a pure crystal candelabra. The rectangular tables had a runner that matched the linen on the round tables and collections of mismatched vintage glassware and florals. Nic Roc Designs provided all of the custom place cards, table numbers, and menus to complete the look, fashioned in the same colors and fonts as the original invitations.

Finally, it was time to party! Hyatt and Michelle started off the evening with their own choreographed dance routine. Then, Hyatt and his mom started out the mother-son dance in a typical slow song format, then cut to a hip hop dance they had choreographed. Best mother-son dance ever. Ever. J Soul kept the dance floor full the entire night. We sent off the bride and groom through a glow stick arch and into a vintage car for their grand exit. It was truly a magical evening! We love you guys!!!

Hornblower Cruise - Event Photography - San Diego

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 18:49:21 GMT

An event photographer corporate photographer based in San Diego, California specializing in capturing the feel of your event. On this day we were photographing the Taylormade Ambassodors of Europe.

Hornblower Cruises & Events is a treasured attraction on San Diego Bay for San Diego dinner cruises, San Diego harbor cruises, unforgettable weddings and corporate events. The San Diego Dinner Cruise departs every night of the year from docks located conveniently downtown and just minutes from San Diego Lindbergh Field. Hornblower provides exceptional customer service with 250,000 passengers enjoying a memorable cruise each year.

L'Auberge Del Mar - Seagrove Park - Del Mar Wedding

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 19:23:52 GMT

United by the sea, Athena and Cullen were so full of love and joy on their wedding day at the L’Auberge Del Mar Hotel in Del Mar. The premier wedding destination for California couples who are looking for a venue to host their beach-themed wedding. Come on everyone, look at all the emotion in their photos. They complimented the still photos with the classic video style of Jason, the owner of Taylorfilms

Their ceremony took place at Seagrove Park, set directly adjacent to the resort and offers a manicured lawn leading to stunning overlooks and sandy beaches. Design and floral was Kathy Wright and coordinated by the amazing Merilee of Ever After Events and the ceremony site was dazzling.

After the ceremony we utilized our close proximity to the ocean, beautiful trees and manicured lawn to do a mix of Classical Portraitures, Romantic and straight up, straight out of a magazine editorial style portraits. The bridesmaids all brought their parasols making for a stunningly graphic image of a moody beauty. The heavens opened the gates and gave us an unbelievable sky. Athena was glowing in her Atelier des Modistes dress and hair done by JDM Salon.

Then we cruised up to the Sunset Terrace for dinner and the most energetic grand entrance ever. Located in the resort ocean view courtyard, the Sunset Terrace is aptly named providing gorgeous sunset views. It is the perfect fit for intimate ceremonies and cocktail receptions. The terrace can accommodate up to 120 guests for a ceremony and/or cocktail reception.

After a delightful dinner during an amazing sunset the party headed downstairs to the Platinum Ballroom where the dancing got hot to the jamming NRG Music and Production and they finished with cake cutting (Fabcakes) and bouquet toss. It truly was an amazing day so saturated with pure JOY and LOVE.

Congratulations!

The Lodge at Torrey Pines Wedding, Jennifer and Ryan

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:35:28 GMT

This wedding at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, was a day full of romance, classical portraits, and the kind of true love you’d expect from two people as AMAZING as Jennifer and Ryan.

When you’ve got an amazing talented designer and planner extraordinaire like Susanne Duffy on your team, you find yourself in a photographer's dream along the coastline of La Jolla.

All of Jennifer and Ryan’s guests were welcomed into a gorgeous reception space, designed and produced by Susanne and the incredibly talented team at Organic Elements. Each linen and fresh floral was in place, and as these newlyweds had their first dance (while the talented Thomas Giglio serendaded them), we were basically in photographer heaven.

Positive Energy Productions kept the energy up all night long on the dance floor.

Every moment we spent with Jennifer and Ryan was full of joy, and we are so in LOVE with their classic portraits on the beautiful grounds at The Lodge. These two are stunning on the inside AND out!

Kauai Wedding - Destination Wedding Photography

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 22:20:03 GMT

As a San Diego destination wedding photographer the Hawaiian Islands are just a hop, skip, and jump away.

Jess and Dan decided on the south shore of the island, Poipu at the Sheraton Kauai

Positioned amidst rustling palm trees with views of the crystal-blue ocean on the shores of Kauai, Sheraton Kauai Resort is a stunning location for a beach wedding. Sheraton Kauai Resort features a variety of picturesque oceanfront and garden venues ideal for both grand gatherings and intimate receptions honoring you and your partner. If you prefer to have an indoor wedding, we also offer a range of oceanfront reception venues and can accommodate celebrations of all sizes and styles.

When we first arrived on Thurs they had a cocktail party at Keokis Paradise. Tiki torches adorn this kitschy option featuring Hawaiian fare & a bar serving aloha-hour drinks.

Friday morning we headed over to The Wine Shop for the marriage license. Just a couple miles from the hotel, a warm, upscale wine store also stocking liquor, beer, gourmet items, gift baskets & marriage licenses!

The pool party at the Sheraton Kauai was a blast!

On Friday night they had the rehearsal dinner at The Eating House 1849. History-minded Hawaiian spot by Roy Yamaguchi for traditional & modern fare with local sourcing a perfect place for a family gathering.

For the ceremony they chose The Beach House a Fine Dining Restaurant, beachfront eatery featuring Pacific Rim cuisine & cocktails, plus striking views during sunset the background for their wedding ceremony.

The reception was at The Plantation House, Seafood Restaurant situated amid lush gardens, this classy eatery in an old plantation presents a seafood-driven menu. The gardens on the property make for amazing hawaiian wedding photos.

The Hawaiian islands are the perfect place to celebrate your special day. Wafting trade winds help keep the bride and groom cool. Fresh local flowers adorn the venue. The ocean methodically peeks into the ceremony, then slowly retreats. Here on Kauai, it’s as if you have the island’s blessing as well.

Say your vows under the North Shore sun, on the sands of the South Shore or on a historic estate like Kilohana. Perform a traditional ceremony or do something unique that speaks to you. The beautiful "Hawaiian Wedding Song" made famous by Elvis in the movie "Blue Hawaii" (which was filmed on Kauai) is often sung at Kauai ceremonies. Find more information about wedding venues and service providers.

Arrange your wedding on your own or get help from Kauai’s wedding planners, the Kauai Wedding Professionals Association or resort specialists. Choose a ceremony at a beautiful resort, or select from unique sites throughout the island. Contact the Kauai Office of the State Department of Health for license information. Now that you’ve found that special someone, get married in a truly special place that will forever be etched in your memories. Think of it as Kauai’s wedding gift to you. Learn more about Kauai wedding photographers, planners and venues.

Cardiff By The Sea - Encinitas - Engagement Photography

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 20:00:23 GMT

This is an engagement session from a couple years back. Jessica and Dan decided to do their engagement session in Cardiff By The Sea, a cool and hip beach community in Encinitas, CA. They both live there and I wanted to capture their casual lifestyle in their town. We headed down to Best-A-Wan Pizza where they frequent. There are so many great colors, little nooks and crannies in this town for photographs. Then we headed down to Cardiff Beach, dressed to the hilt with a bottle of Veuve champagne for more romantic and stylized portraits.

This was a destination wedding headed to the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai. Getting ready photos took place at The Sheraton Hotel,

Positioned amidst rustling palm trees with views of the crystal-blue ocean on the shores of Kauai, Sheraton Kauai Resort is a stunning location for a beach wedding.

When you host your wedding with us, you can relax knowing that our warm, knowledgeable event staff will ensure your special day in Kauai is flawless. In our experience, the most memorable celebrations are often the result of thoughtful preparation. Whether it's a wedding brunch, a rehearsal dinner or a bridesmaids luncheon, every element of your wedding weekend will be attended to with care. Select one of our wedding menu packages or contact our catering and event services team to craft a custom menu.

Sheraton Kauai Resort features a variety of picturesque oceanfront and garden venues ideal for both grand gatherings and intimate receptions honoring you and your partner. If you prefer to have an indoor wedding, we also offer a range of oceanfront reception venues and can accommodate celebrations of all sizes and styles.

The wedding took place at the scenic Beach House Restaurant on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, offers spectacular ocean and sunset views of the Poipu coastline, paired with innovative Pacific Rim cuisine created by Chef Todd Barrett.

and the reception at the The Plantation Gardens. Plantation Gardens is the ideal location for your Kauai Wedding. Located within the Kiahuna Plantation Resort, the restaurant is nestled among award winning orchid gardens and tranquil koi ponds, and is just a few steps away from gorgeous white sand beaches. Invite your entire wedding party and guests to stay on property, exchange your wedding vows in the beautiful Moir Gardens and throw an unforgettable reception at our authentic Plantation style restaurant. A hidden gem on the sunny, south side of Poipu, Plantation Gardens is the perfect venue for a casual yet elegant Hawaii wedding.

Check out their entire wedding here!

From Your Wedding Photographer to your Maternity Shoot In San Diego

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:30:01 GMT

I just love to see the evolution of a family from when you first choose me as your wedding photographer. Being a husband and dad myself, it brings me back to all those magical moments. I relate to the emotions you are feeling and connects me to the moments I am capturing. Starting from that first engagement shoot, to the wedding photography, maternity photos, newborn photography, and the family portraits. Freezing these moments, that moves entirely too fast, to be cherished for a lifetime.

Here we choose San Dieguito Park, Solana Beach which is a great outdoor location in North County San Diego.

San Dieguito County Park is just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Del Mar. San Dieguito offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking trails, playgrounds, exercise stations, a basketball court, pavilions, a wedding gazebo, picnic areas, and BBQs. You’ll also discover a picturesque lookout point from Activity Hill - complete with fitness stations and suspension bridges. Down below, view large open lawns lined with mature trees and a tranquil pond.

Take me to the ballgame! San Dieguito Park is also home to Miracle Field, a fully accessible baseball field that accommodates children and adults with special needs.

Say ‘I do’ at San Dieguito. The park is cooled by ocean breezes in the afternoon, and surrounded by stately eucalyptus groves. A wrought iron Victorian gazebo is tucked into a private and scenic area of the lower park, fitting for a ceremony.

To book your session today click here!

Ocean Beach Sunset Cliffs Point Loma Engagement Shoot

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 18:00:31 GMT

Ziba and Stan were so much fun to photograph. We choose to photograph in their neighborhood of OB. Point Loma has many great photography locations within a close distance making it a great place for engagement photography. We started this engagement session on Newport Ave during the farmers market. We focused on lifestyle photography there than headed over to Sunset Cliffs for the sunset romantic photos.

Your engagement shoot is so important in many ways. It is a great way to get to know your wedding photographer. It's practice for your wedding day and you will know what to expect and feel a little more comfortable in front of the camera. And it helps your photographer in knowing how you are in front of the camera and what tactics he or she will use to produce those natural looking photos.

If you would like to book an engagement session with our studio Click Here!

La Jolla Real Wedding: La Valencia Hotel: Lea & Nick

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:25:09 GMT

I have a celebrity wedding on the blog today! A San Diego Charger kicker Nick Novak, married the love of his life, Lea, in their intimate La Valencia Hotel wedding.

Lea and Nick hosted a lovely, family-oriented, intimate wedding. You may have expected a celebrity couple to have an extravagant affair, but they kept it simple. The Novaks married in their local church, Mission Trails Church surrounded by family and their closest friends. The bride Lea turns heads in her all lace wedding gown and was absolutely STUNNING.

For their reception, the Novaks headed over to the coast to the beloved La Valencia Hotel. This hotel is an icon of the La Jolla coastline and a long-adored wedding venue for couples like Lea and Nick. Once again this La Jolla real wedding got back to the basics. Their private reception at the La Valencia celebrated their family, friends and faith. Amy Ulkutekin of First Comes Love, Organic Elements, Concept Event Design did an amazing job on the ornate table tops and exquisitely draped curtains make this small wedding seem like the celebration took place in its own world.

Cake

Music by Michael Tiernan: Still Listening Productions

Congratulations to Lea and Nick for a long and extremely happy life together!

BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL HOTEL DEL CORONADO INDIAN WEDDING

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 17:00:00 GMT

A colorful indian wedding, on San Diego's Coronado Island. This wedding took place at the wonderful Hotel Del Coronado coordinated by Nahid’s Global Events. Smita and Michael chose vibrant colors with gold embellishments. Jennifer Cole Florals did an amazing job with the bright and energetic floral decor, from the bridesmaids bouquets to to the gorgeous chuppah/arch structure to the large centerpieces. The entire reception was crafted into a perfect reception for the newlyweds with the help of Riamu Entertainment's lighting and musical entertainment and some of our rentals and linens. Not only did their guests get to enjoy a breathtaking cake by Fab Cakes and delicious food catered by Monsoon Restaurant, they got more entertainment from Henna San Diego, UCSD Bhangra Group (Da Real Punjabiz), Epod Photo Booth, and Alex Guillen (Guitarist).

Old Town Engagement Photo Shoot

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:00:00 GMT

Old Town San Diego is a great place for your engagement photography. It was the commercial center of San Diego until the 1860’s, and many of the buildings date back as early as 1820. We love to photograph engagement shoots here because of the interesting textures, scenic backdrops, and bright colors. The entire area is romantic and fun, and makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On this particular Old Town engagement shoot, the theme was yellow and green! We started off at the charming Heritage County park is adjacent to Old Town in San Diego, and features several restored Victorian homes and the city’s first synagogue, The Temple Beth Israel. It is a fine example of the Victorian architecture of wealthy San Diego residents in the late 1880s-1890s. The Temple Beth Israel now hosts weddings, receptions and bar mitzvahs. Then we headed down to the charming shops and residences. In the central plaza, it’s fun to walk among the guides dressed in period costume, or enjoy impromptu concerts by local musicians. Afterwards, the two of you may want to stick around and enjoy the culinary delights, and indulge in a cold cerveza or margarita.

To set up your own Old Town San Diego engagement shoot, please feel free to contact us. Enjoy the photos below!

SAN DIEGO COURTHOUSE ELOPEMENT | JAMIE BEN

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 20:21:09 GMT

I put together a shoot to show just how amazing a courthouse elopement in San Diego could be… not your typical San Diego beach elopement but an amazingly special day filled with moments of a lifetime.

This was such a fun wedding day. The simplicity of the day, heightened the love in the air. It was a pleasure to capture and witness, Jamie and Ben's elopement. They were giddy and as you can see it in their wedding photos. A wedding photographer at your elopement is just as important if not even more important. These are memories you want forever and to share with all your love ones.

A Couple on the field of Petco Park engagement shoot

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 02:00:00 GMT

For Jamie and Ben’s engagement shoot, we headed down to Petco Park in downtown San Diego. Since we had access to the field, we were able to photograph them being silly in the bullpen, sitting alone in the stands, holding hands in the dugout, and stepping up to bat at home plate! They even wore to customized Padres shirts during the shoot so we could take a picture to be included in their Save the Dates. Check out the results below, and let us know what you think!

La Jolla Lifestyle Engagement Photography

Sat, 13 Jan 2018 18:00:00 GMT

Right smack dab in the middle of the San Diego coast, between sandstone cliffs is La Jolla Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in California and a perfect place for San Diego engagement photography. This is the perfect spot for your engagement shoot, with the cute downtown shops and ocean behind you with golden sands of the beach, perfect for the couple that wants to show off their California roots.

For Erin and Schaefer this is exactly what they wanted. Erin was a bridesmaid in her sisters wedding at the Rancho Bernardo Inn that I was the wedding photography for. She used many of the same vendors like the San Diego planner: Melissa Reinke of Sweet Blossom Weddings

How stunning is this couple! And they were just amazingly natural and fun in front of the camera. They wanted lifestyle engagement photos so this was our main focus. We started at the Pannikin Coffee & Tea, off Girard Ave then headed over to the cove right in front of The La jolla Bridge Club. There are stairs that lead down to the rocks of Point La Jolla. We had so much fun capturing these images and you can truly see it in their photographs.

San Diego Wedding at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe by Michael Svoboda Elite Photography

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 17:00:00 GMT

As a Wedding Photographer these are the kind of of wedding photos you dream to create from the inception of your photography.

From the Bride... We wanted it to be clean, classic, and beautiful with a little vintage feel thrown in. We also had a "frames" theme, with the photos, escort card display, the centerpieces in the reception were in empty frames, our frame tree in the ceremony and the favors. We liked the idea of empty frames symbolizing all the future memories we are going to make, and the people who "framed our lives" helping us fill those frames. I don't think anyone got that but me, but that's ok, the frames were pretty.

We put great thought into everything! My sister (Jessica Wheeler Bailey) and I are very crafty. We made everything for her wedding and almost everything for mine. We are started a decor, design, and lifestyle blog and company called "Linen, Lace, and Love" because we had so much fun creating our wedding decor. The signs, which my artist sister made, were a cute way to direct the crowd across the Crosby to the reception. The car is a 1930 Packard that my dad and his father restored together. My grandfather passed away three years ago, and it was our way of including him in the ceremony. The Packard was also in my parents' wedding and my sister's, so it's become a family tradition. The escort display was amazing and was a joint effort with Amorology (our wedding planners). Amorology built it, and "Peanut Press" did the graphic design. Our original concept was to do a canape of ribbon with the escort tags woven through the ends that were coming down — my sister and I are drawn to the labor intensive. Amorology came up with the giant frame idea and I loved how it tied into our theme. My sister and I made the guest book table by wrapping books we had in the house with navy paper and then gluing doilies onto them and then stamping books with letters...it was a labor of love, and it turned out really well I think. The table numbers were another labor of love. They took three days, as we hand-stenciled numbers on them, and then glued doilies, put buttons up the backs of all of them, and tied them with a gingham bow.

The wedding day was the most beautiful day at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe. We didn't do a "first look" because we are old fashioned like that, so we waited to see each other. It was the perfect choice. I will never forget walking down the aisle to Brandon. I was in a dream the whole day. We tented a tennis court (thanks to Classic Party Rentals) for the reception, due to the fact that we needed a larger space for all the people and dancing, and it looked beautiful! Our band Atomic Grove was amazing and the night was perfect!

Check out the entire gallery: entire gallery

Best Luxury San Diego Wedding Venue - Fairmont Grand Del Mar - Engagement Shoot

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:17:30 GMT

It's never too late to do your engagement shoot. After being married for 10 years they finally decided to do the engagement shoot they never did. We had a blast on the Grand Del Mar's upper level. We started at the iconic water fountain upon the entrance, worked our way to the Capella Chapel, to the front lawn and everything in between. This property is full of amazing photo opps! Discover unparalleled romance for your special day at San Diego's premier wedding venue. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean estate and nestled in the storybook setting of the breathtaking Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the perfect venue to take your first steps toward forever.

Professional Corporate Business Headshots

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 07:16:33 GMT

The Importance of a Professional Corporate Business Headshot. First impressions will always be important but now that we conduct so many of our initial interactions online, virtual personal branding has become as important as the firm handshake once was in introducing yourself to the world. A professional business photograph is an opportunity to portray a brand image to potential customers who aren’t just researching ‘what’ you do. They are just as interested in ‘who’ you are. Here at Michael Svoboda Elite Photography we have a portable studio that we bring to your business servicing the entire San Diego area.

Laguna Beach - Orange County - Proposal Shoot - Engagement Shoot

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 19:00:00 GMT

After 12 years of being boyfriend and girlfriend, he officially popped the question. But Ken reached out to me a whole month prior to their engagement to plan a special surprise and have it photographed. Melissa thought she was going to dinner with her girlfriend at her favorite restaurant in Laguna Beach, Las Brisas. Meanwhile Ken had the whole family there and even brought their beloved dog. The family hid off to the side with a view of what was to soon happen. Well Melissa came walking up and saw Ken standing there and she looked a bit puzzled but as she got close to Ken he dropped to his knee and she went into total shock. They couldn't have been in a more beautiful setting overlooking the California Coast. They celebrated with an official engagement shoot the very same day!

A proposal or engagement photography is start of building your relationship with your wedding photographer. Giving us the understanding of how you react in front of the camera and what we need to do to get those unposed natural looking images.

A Gorgeous Wedding At The Lodge At Torrey Pines - La Jolla Wedding

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 01:00:00 GMT

This was a beautiful wedding at an amazing San Diego wedding venue. A special day set in the natural beauty of the California coastline at The Lodge At Torrey Pines. The wedding planner was Keli Christenson of Monarch Weddings and she did an incredible job on this wedding.

Upon meeting with the bride and groom earlier in the year at the venue. They were relieved when they saw how tall I was (6'6" to be exact) because they too are tall and were concerned about having a shorter photographer, shooting from a lower angle which can be unattractive perspective for portraits. Having a taller photographer has it's advantages. First and foremost, having the camera slightly above your subject makes for a more complimenting angle for portraits. Nobody likes to see what's up your nostrils! And throughout the wedding day I can't even tell you how many times people walk in front of the camera and I just shoot over them, especially on the dance floor! And with more overall presence, it really helps in getting people's attention during family and bridal party portraits where it is critical to coordinate people to make the portraits happen.

This couple was so photogenic and full of love, we started off with the first look, bridal party portraits, romantic portraits of the bride and groom, and family portraits at the Signature Garden on the upper part of the property. This is a secluded part of the property where you have the least amount of chance to be seen by the guests. The wedding ceremony took place on the serene, Arroyo Terrace, overlooking the classic PGA Tour golf course. After the ceremony we took advantage of the floral arbor and I got one of my favorite images of the day there. The the lighting was perfect for a dramatic stylized portrait but not ideal for family portraits, where the bride wanted it. So I brought in some off camera lighting to save the day.

The bride and groom joined the cocktail which was on the other side of the Arroyo Terrace. Keli planned the timing perfectly for the cocktail to end and the beautiful sunset to begin making for some stunningly romantic photos. Then the fun really began with the reception at The Maurice Braun Room.

I feel this property is critical to have shot there before to understand the layout and know where all the amazing shots locations are.

Check out the full gallery! http://www.michaelsvobodaweddings.com/p910015943/ea0ee0b8c

Adventure - Surfer - Engagement Shoot - Sunset Cliffs - San Diego

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 17:21:02 GMT

If there is one thing Michael Svoboda loves most is combining his adventurous personality with his passion of photography. On his engagement session, Miguel and Candy met surfing so we decided to capture their love for surfing and each other, doing what they love! It happens to be something Michael loves too as a San Diego Photographer.

We choose the majestic Sunset Cliffs, San Diego which by the way is not only great for surfing but a great place for a wedding ceremony. We went with a "Lifestyle" approach to the shoot. This is what gives it that real feel. Most of the images are of what they really do everyday and with the styled poses I took extra care to keep it not "Too Posed".

Not all couples want this style for their engagement shoot and this is why you need to talk to your wedding photographer and figure out what it is that you are looking for. Every client is different and figuring out that style that represents them is the first step in making your sure they are going to love their images from the engagement shoot to their wedding day. And hopeful down the road, to their family portraits!

This is the distinction between the average photographers and best San Diego wedding photographers.

Check out the entire series: http://www.michaelsvobodaweddings.com/p791534785

Taking The Plunge - Funny Wedding Photography - La Costa Resort Wedding

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:07:56 GMT

Talk about taking the plunge on her wedding day. Standing about six feet above her bridal party she did not hesitate to take the plunge backwards into their arms with her husband giving her a kiss. I had my 2nd shooter capturing the side angle for the full perspective. It made for an amazing moment they will never forget.

Lacey and David's wedding was in north county San Diego at the La Costa Resort, just a skip, hop and a jump from my home. Hiring local photographers has its advantages.

First being the experience of the overall area because sometimes the best locations are not at the venue itself but maybe a one minute drive down the road to a spectacular shot.

The knowledge of the venue itself, from the best locations, to knowing what the light is doing in these locations at different times of the day. Knowing the traffic patterns and shortcuts of avoid traffic to eliminate the chance of your photographer being late or getting the bride and groom stuck in traffic.

And most importantly understanding the overall dynamics of the wedding day to that specific venue. For example, the upper level of The Grand Del Mar, an amazing San Diego Wedding venue has so many great photos opportunities but not a good place to shoot prior to the ceremony because this is where all your guests will be arriving. The interior hallways are great to but guests will be hangin out at the bar and wandering down to the Aria Lawn for the ceremony. Understanding how large the property is and keeping in mind you don't want to make your bride walk 2 miles in high heels before her ceremony. You get the point!

Please take check out their gallery of this fun loving filled wedding. Full Gallery

HYATT REGENCY LA JOLLA AT AVENTINE Cocktail and Reception Detail Shots

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:31:59 GMT

The detail photography of your wedding day is so important. So much work goes into your special day and I want you to be able to relive every moment and detail. This room was beautifully designed by Keli at Monarch Weddings http://monarchweddings.com/ and flowers by Splendid Sentiments http://mysplendidsentiments.com/

Family Portraits: San Dieguito Park

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:39:35 GMT

A family portrait in Solana Beach, San Dieguito Park. This is one of my favorite locations in North County, San Diego with its rich colors and big trees.