MISSION BASILICA SAN DIEGO DE ALCALÁ
Right now you must be thinking, “Vanessa, is Jackie a bridal magazine model?” as well you should be. I myself had that very same thought at least forty times during Jackie and Sean’s Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá wedding! I mean…she seriously should be, she is that gorgeous! Photographing weddings is something that brings me such joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. This wedding was the wedding that really made me realize that everything I’ve been through up to this moment was unequivocally worth it. The hours upon hours of photography school and photography education, the expense of top of the line photography gear, the pre-wedding anxiety that coffee just seems to make worse, the sore muscles, the hours behind a computer away from your friends and family…the sacrifice has all been completely WORTH IT.
I am so excited about these images. No one is born knowing how to use a camera or how to see light. It’s something that’s learned over years of time and becomes ingrained in you…becomes a part of you. That part of me came out this weekend and I’m so excited to share Jackie and Sean’s amazing wedding day with you! The day started out overcast, but warm. As a photographer I will tell you, I LOVE overcast days. The clouds become one big giant diffuser, making the light really soft and even. The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is so rich in history. It was the very first mission in California founded in 1769. How amazing is that?! To get married on such sacred grounds alongside those gorgeous mission bells.
It was an absolute dream to photograph here! After a beautiful wedding ceremony in the chapel, we wandered all around the beautiful grounds taking pictures. Jackie and Sean were so great because they were really down for anything! There is no greater compliment in the world then when your couple trusts you and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot! Those are so my people. Also, pro-tip for all the brides who are planning weddings out there: allow lots of portrait time in your Wedding Day Timeline! This is where you get the pictures that you are going to hang over the fireplace and pass down through your family generations to come.
Next we all headed over to Loews Coronado, which is a gorgeous venue right next to the beach. So of course we had to run over to the water and get bride and groom pictures on the beach! I mean would you look at these two! Jackie and Sean are so in love. They are that couple that you love spending time with. Also be sure to check out their “Foreva Eva” cake topper. Best cake topper eva eva! Here’s to Jackie and Sean, may your love span centuries and echo in the church bells for all to hear.
The Dream Team:
PHOTOGRAPHY | Vanessa Rose Photography for Alyssa Rachel Photography | VENUE | Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá & Loews Coronado Bay Resort | COORDINATION | Kayla Ewing | VIDEOGRAPHY | Ewing Collective Wedding Planning and Video Company
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