Lianne & Niall :: Martin Johnson House Wedding

Even though I met them for the first time on their wedding day I really got the sense of who Lianne and Niall are as individuals and as a couple. They incorporated their love for books in the decor and celebrated their cultures by including Filipino and Irish traditions. The love between them and the happiness emanating from their friends and family was palpable. The Martin Johnson House in La Jolla made the perfect backdrop for this magical wedding.

Being Filipino myself and my husband being of Irish descent, I had extra fun witnessing this day. Thank you to Sarah Layne for having me along. Please see Sarah's gorgeous blog post here.

As a second shooter I often hang with the handsome grooms and groomsmen to capture them getting ready. It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it.

Niall's little nephew reads a most touching speech he wrote himself.

Lots of bittersweet moments were had as they paid homage to Lianne's mother who passed away some time ago.

Placing a cord in the shape of the infinity symbol around the couple is a Filipino wedding tradition.

Lianne and Niall incorporated a gnome theme as well which made me very happy.

Guests typed up love notes on a vintage typewriter. Typos welcomed.

Gnome wedding cake toppers! So adorable.

Aren't they just the cutest couple?

Niall's sister presented the couple with honey mead in a special wooden goblet which is an Irish tradition.

After the heartfelt toasts and dances, family and friends danced into the night.

Congratulations to the sweet Lianne and Niall!

E-mail me at rachel@rachelmccauley.com if you'd like me to capture your day. xo, Rachel

Candace & Thomas :: San Diego Baptist Wedding

Here is another beautiful San Diego wedding I got to second shoot alongside Captured by Aimee. Candace & Thomas jumped the broom at the Bayview Baptist Church on a warm sunny day. Their colors were so unique and perfect for a summer wedding. We took photos over at Balboa Park where they needed little direction from us. They were so in the moment and so obviously happy to be together it was a dream to shoot them. The reception took place in Downtown San Diego at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Along with their wedding party, Candace and Thomas danced one of the coolest wedding party dances ever. Congratulations you two!

Thanks to Aimee Westcott for having me tag along. Please see her gorgeous photos here.

Just had to share this one...

Some photos don't initially make it to the blog. Doesn't mean they are any less special. There are just too many lovely moments during a wedding I wish I could share them all.

I came across this one again after, Cynthia, the bride from this wedding posted her photos on FB. Brandon's grandmother was unable to pose where we shot the formals due to her wheelchair. So, I made it a point in my mind to make sure to get a shot of them later together sometime during the busy day.

As I shot a series of photos she did not once stop gushing about how amazing her grandson is. I could see how proud she was of him and how happy she was to be there on their special day.

A wedding is so much more than the flowers, the cake or what name brand dress the bride is wearing. Don't get me wrong I enjoy capturing all those details, but to me the most important is what can't be bought or ever replaced.

This post is dedicated to my Lola (filipino for grandmother), who despite was using a walker, insisted on walking me down the aisle. She has since passed away and I am forever grateful to my photographer, Jim Stephens, for capturing this moment on film.

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