Hello, I'm Ben! Today, I have the pleasure of sharing a truly magical wedding. Picture this: A fairytale-like castle nestled in the picturesque hills of Ramona, California. That was the backdrop for Michael and Kathryn's unforgettable wedding at Mt Woodson Castle.
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It was truly a treat to shoot at Mt Woodson Castle, hidden in the Mt Woodson Golf Club hides a beautiful and historical element, added a layer of magical realism to the day. It was as if we had stepped into a different era. The Castle's exquisite beauty perfectly complemented the love and joy that filled the air that day. From getting ready in the castle, to the outdoor patio ceremony covered by trees provided perfect lighting, followed by the outdoor reception and indoor dancing. On top of all the great photo opportunities around the golf course and castle makes it a perfect and seamless for an unforgettable celebration!
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This was no ordinary wedding. It was an enchanting day that blended romantic tradition with the majestic grandeur of the Castle's setting. The couple couldn&rsquo;t have chosen a better venue. Whether it was the historic stone architecture, the lush greenery or the breathtaking views, every corner of the Castle offered a beautiful sight to behold, making my job as a photographer a delightful treat.
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Now, let's talk about the stars of the day - Michael and Kathryn. Their love story is one for the books. Seeing them exchange their vows in the Castle's intimate ambiance was a heartwarming sight. Their smiles, the glint in their eyes, the laughter - every moment was a candid expression of their love, which I was fortunate to capture.
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As a wedding photographer, I'm always aiming to encapsulate the unique essence of each couple's special day. Michael and Kathryn's wedding was no exception. From the castle's grandeur, the romantic ceremony, to the joyful reception, I sought to freeze these unforgettable moments in time.
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So here's to Michael and Kathryn, their extraordinary love, and a wedding that will be remembered for its timeless elegance. As a photographer, I'm honored to have been a part of their story, capturing the moments that they will cherish forever. After all, every couple has a tale that deserves to be told - and what a beautiful story theirs was.

A Fairytale Wedding at Mt Woodson Castle: Michael + Kathryn's Special Day

Hi there, I'm so thrilled to share this with you! I'm a wedding photographer and I recently had the pleasure of capturing Chelsea and Robert's wedding at the beautiful Galway Downs in Temecula, California. As with every wedding I photograph, I was reminded once again of why I love doing what I do. A wedding day is one of the most extraordinary, and special, days of your life. It's a story that deserves to be told and I'm always honored to be a part of that.Chelsea and Robert's wedding was a day filled with love, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments. The venue, Galway Downs, was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the heart of Temecula, this location provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. From the gorgeous greenery to the rustic charm of the barn, every aspect added a unique touch to their wedding photos.The couple, Chelsea and Robert, were an absolute joy to work with. Their love for each other was evident in every look, every touch, and every word. As I moved through the day, capturing those intimate moments, I could see the story of their love unfolding.The ceremony was heartfelt and beautiful, with personal vows that brought tears to the eyes of everyone present. As they said their 'I do's under the California sun, I was there, capturing that moment, preserving that memory.The reception was a lively celebration of their love. The rustic barn was transformed into a magical setting, filled with laughter, dancing, and joy. As the night drew to a close, I felt privileged to have been a part of their day, to have captured the moments that they will look back on for years to come.In the end, Chelsea and Robert's wedding was not just about that one day. It was about their story, their journey, and the love they share. It was an honor to help them capture the memories of their wedding day. I can't wait to share these photos with them, so they can relive those moments, and remember the love, the joy, and the magic of their wedding day at Galway Downs.

Chelsea + Robert's Wedding Day at Galway Downs, Temecula California

The venue offers a captivating outdoor oasis with a dramatic gazebo overlooking a lily pond for the ceremony, an enchanting reception space on an outdoor lawn adorned with bistro lights and twinkle-lit trees, picturesque views of towering willow trees and the serene pond, and a secluded ambiance enhanced by the natural surroundings, complete with a dressing suite for changing and final touches.

In terms of pricing at The Orchard couples can expect to spend between $5,000 and $20,000 on the venue depending on the day of the week and time of year. For a wedding with 50 guests on a Tuesday in December may run you about $5,000 (minimum spend may apply). On the other hand couples can expect to spend $12,000-18,000 on the venue during the fall or summer with a 75-100 guests. You can view their full <a href="https://www.wedgewoodweddings.com/hubfs/3.0%20PDFs/Pricing%20Packages%20The%20Orchard%20Wedgewood%20Weddings.pdf">pricing guide here but</a> keep in mind that there will be minimum spends and a 22% service charge that will apply.

There are also many great photo opportunities at The Orchard. From the gazebo, to in front of the pond, and all the different green walls, a fountain, to even dirt trails for a more rustic feel, there is something for everyone at this venue. My personal favorite is the bistro light tunnel at the entrance for some amazing night shots!

Hello there, it's Ben again! As a wedding photographer based in sunny southern California, I have had the incredible opportunity to capture numerous love stories in beautiful settings. This venue is placed in Manifee California in Riverside County, which makes it a convenient pick for Riverside and San Diego County residence. One such gem that I had the pleasure of visiting many times is The Orchard by Wedgewood weddings in Manifee, California. Today, I want to share my experience of this tranquil haven, which is nothing short of a green paradise.
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As a wedding photographer, capturing the magic of the day in a setting like The Orchard is truly a privilege. The peaceful atmosphere and the abundant greenery come together to create an enchanting setup that adds an extra layer of beauty to the love story being celebrated. So, if you're planning your big day and are looking for a venue that combines tranquility with natural beauty, The Orchard in Manifee, California is undoubtedly worth considering.

Watch this behind the scenes video to see what a wedding at The Orchard looks like throughout the whole day!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/MBfDZ2ywMUg

Riverside County Wedding Venue: The Orchard by Wedgewood Weddings

Hey, it's me again! Today, I'd like to share with you a particularly special wedding day I had the honor of capturing. The lovely couple, Felica and Steve, chose to celebrate their love at the breathtaking venue in Manifee, California - The Orchard by Wedgewood Weddings.
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Their wedding day was nothing short of a fairy tale. The Orchard, known for its enchanting surroundings, provided a perfect backdrop for their special day. Nestled amidst the lush greenery, the venue was filled with an atmosphere of love and excitement. The California sun painted a soft, golden hue, bathing the whole scene in a warm glow, and giving me the perfect lighting conditions to capture their moments.
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Now let's talk about our couple, Felica and Steve. Their love story is one for the books, and it was a pleasure to help them tell their tale. From their first look to their first dance, every moment was filled with genuine emotion that was a privilege to capture. Felica, in her stunning dress, and Steve, looking dapper in his suit, looked like they were straight out of a romance novel.
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As a wedding photographer, I cannot emphasize enough how a great venue and a beautiful couple can make my job a real delight. The Orchard, with its scenic views and rustic charm, offered a plethora of stunning backdrops for the photographs. The joy and love radiating from Felica and Steve made every photo come alive.
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Towards the end of the day, as the sun began to set, the newlyweds shared a private moment under a tree. The fading light created a magical ambiance around them. It felt as if time had stopped, and they were the only two people in the world. Capturing that moment felt incredibly special.
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Being a part of Felica and Steve&rsquo;s wedding day was an absolute honor. It's days like these that remind me why I love my job. Every wedding tells a unique story, and I can't wait to help tell yours. Until next time, keep loving and keep celebrating!

Felica + Steve: A Beautiful Wedding Day at The Orchard, Manifee California

<h2>Sunset Cliffs Natural Park</h2>
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, renowned for its dramatic ocean views and rugged coastline, provides a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photoshoots. Situated along the western edge of Point Loma, this natural reserve offers couples the chance to capture their love against the mesmerizing sunsets and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs, with their varying heights and formations, create a dynamic and dramatic setting for photography. The interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hour, enhances the natural beauty and adds a magical touch to any photoshoot. Couples can explore the park to find their ideal spot, whether it&rsquo;s atop a cliff for a panoramic view or on one of the secluded beaches at the base of the cliffs. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park make it a favorite among couples looking for a unique and stunning location to commemorate their special day.

<h2>La Jolla Cove</h2>
La Jolla Cove, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque cliffs, offers an idyllic setting for wedding photoshoots. Nestled in the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla, this small but enchanting beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The natural beauty of the area, with its abundant marine life, including seals and sea lions, adds a unique and playful element to photoshoots. Couples can take advantage of the cove&rsquo;s natural rock formations and the vibrant marine life as a backdrop for their photos, creating stunning and memorable images. The beach&rsquo;s clear waters and the surrounding park also offer a variety of scenic options for photographers, from intimate portraits on the sand to grand, sweeping shots that capture the expansive beauty of the coastline. La Jolla Cove is not just a beach but a picturesque destination for couples seeking a blend of natural beauty and oceanic charm for their wedding photoshoots.

<h2>Balboa Park</h2>
Balboa Park, with its majestic architecture and lush landscapes, offers a stunning setting for wedding photoshoots. Located in the heart of San Diego, this historical landmark captivates with its mix of Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, beautifully manicured gardens, and expansive green spaces. Couples can choose from a variety of picturesque locations within the park, including the enchanting Alcazar Garden, the lily pond in front of the Botanical Building, and the intricate Spanish Village Art Center. Each spot within the park presents a unique backdrop, from the grandiose architecture to the tranquil gardens, ensuring that every photo captures the essence of romance and elegance. The park&rsquo;s vast, well-preserved grounds allow couples to explore and find the perfect spot for their memorable moments. With its combination of architectural beauty and natural splendor, Balboa Park is not only a cultural hub but an ideal location for couples seeking a romantic and iconic setting for their wedding photoshoots.

Getting married in San Diego is a dream come true for couples who want a beautiful, laid-back, and sun-soaked celebration. With its stunning coastline, perfect weather, and rich variety of venues, San Diego offers something for every couple. Beach lovers can exchange vows with their toes in the sand at iconic spots like La Jolla Shores or the picturesque Coronado Beach, while couples looking for elegance can opt for a classic ceremony at venues like The Grand Del Mar or the historic Hotel Del Coronado. For those seeking a rustic or garden setting, Balboa Park provides breathtaking architecture and lush greenery, while The Darlington House offers charming old-world romance. Wine enthusiasts can head to the nearby Temecula Valley for a vineyard wedding surrounded by rolling hills. San Diego&rsquo;s thriving culinary scene ensures a top-notch dining experience for your guests, while the vibrant city atmosphere adds an exciting, yet relaxed, vibe to your wedding festivities. From beachfront bliss to luxurious estates, getting married in San Diego offers endless possibilities for a memorable and magical day.

If your in the San Diego area and looking to get married in the near future, I currently have a free engagement session giveaway! Please visit the link below, I would love to hear your story! <a href="https://benstraily.com/page/enter">https://benstraily.com/page/enter</a>

Top 3 Wedding Photoshoot Locations in San Diego

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An engagement session is a wonderful opportunity to capture the love and connection between couples before they tie the knot. I personally love doing engagement sessions for couples because it gives me a chance to get to know you and have some fun before the wedding. Here are some tips to make your engagement session a success.
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About the Session: Like I said I love doing engagement sessions, it gives me a chance to get to know you and your personalities. It's also a chance to have some professional quality photos that are outside of your wedding attire. These are also great for Save the Date and/or invitations and just sharing with family and friends. My posing style is very laid back and natural as most of the time I am working with regular people and not professional models. During engagement sessions I generally like to walk around to get a variety of locations.
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Location: I like to let you choose your location! If you need Ideas I have my favorites and I&rsquo;m more than happy to help find a place that fits the style you&rsquo;re looking for! Do some brainstorming and think about the places that mean something to you and your partner, what types of locations you like.&nbsp; Here are some of my favorite locations.
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Beach
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Sunset Cliffs
Coronado Beach/Hotel Del
Mission Bay/Beach
Oceanside Pier
Windansea Beach
Spanish Landing
Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
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Trails and Nature
Lake Miramar
Sweetwater Bridge
Maple Canyon
Hollenbeck Canyon
Mount Laguna
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City
Little Italy
Seaport Village
Harbor Island
Centennial Park
Downtown
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Parks +&nbsp;Cool Architecture
Balboa Park
Presidio Park
Chicano Park
Old Town
Central Library
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More on locations below.
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The options really are limited to your imagination with your engagement session. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be a scenic location and could just be your favorite bar, coffee shop, or library. Just remember to check to see if you need any permits or to ask the owner of the place if you want to use their coffee shop/bar most. In my experience most of the time most places are cool with it but it's better to not have surprises!
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Scheduling: I schedule about 1 to 1.5 hours for an engagement session, typically in the evening with my preference being a little more than an hour before sunset. You get the best natural light during this time, you may have heard us photographers call it &ldquo;golden hour&rdquo;. I also suggest trying to schedule on a weekday as it's less busy in most places, this allows us to be more mobile and also leaves less people in the background.
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What to Wear: I&rsquo;m flexible with whatever you&rsquo;d like to wear, this is your session and you should wear what you&rsquo;re comfortable in. I recommend no more than two outfits in order to maximize our time together. I always recommend brighter colors but most couples tend to go with a button up shirt or polo, and a short dress, sundress or skirt, the only thing for me is shoes, since I do like to walk around I recommend comfortable shoes for walking. This is also a good time to mention that you could even bring other things that mean something to you in your relationship like pets or other personal items.
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Remember, the goal of an engagement session is to capture the unique love story between you and your partner. There are no rules so don't be afraid to let your personalities shine through!

The Best Engagement Session Locations In San Diego

The wedding of my dream was a success! Thanks to Ben for capturing it all. Anticipated to show my future kids one day, Lord willing. Also, I showed friends and family that couldn’t make it to the wedding and they were in awe of how beautiful it was. They said , I had a great photographer. Thank you Ben again for having a good eye and being super nice as well, we need more of those. :)

Elizabeth & Esteban

Ben is an amazing photographer. Very punctual and kind. He delivered more than we can ever ask for! Thank you for capturing the magic from the best day of our lives ❤ Truly had the best photographer! I’m so glad we crossed path and you made our day a dream come true!

Joan & Matt

My husband and I had our wedding at the Carlsbad Windmill. We found Ben through a review he had left of the venue and noticed he had some experience with that venue. We hired Ben to photograph our wedding and we are so glad we did! We worked with Ben from our engagement session to our wedding day. Ben is very detailed, he helped us breakdown the timeline which made our day run pretty smooth. He also directed us well and he worked well with Paul the second photographer that was part of the package. My husband and I absolutely love our photos and have received compliments from friends and family. We highly recommend Ben 💛!

Matt & Lorena

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My 8 hour wedding photography package is perfect for couples looking for all their essential moments throughout the day captured. This package is great for those not seeking as much getting ready or reception coverage. Includes an online gallery and a one hour engagement session. My approach is to focus on creating a relaxed and authentic experience, so you can enjoy your day while I capture all the beautiful moments. I believe in clear expectations and communication from both parties and do at least two pre-wedding consultations to go over the timeline and plans for the day. My shooting and posing style is loose, candid and directional and I strive to create natural emotions and real moments that seamlessly blend with the rest of the gallery. When you book, we will start the process of discussing all the important details of the wedding, and planning a thorough timeline. If you'd like to schedule a consultation and get to know each other a bit more before booking, feel free to contact me with a day and time you have in mind and I'd be more than happy to grab lunch or chat over the phone. Let's create some amazing memories together!

Wedding Photography (8 Hours + Engagement Session)

My 8 hour wedding photography package is perfect for couples looking for all their essential moments throughout the day captured. This package is great for those who need more than one photographer for multiple locations at the same time and want more photos overall. Includes an online gallery and a one hour engagement session. My approach is to focus on creating a relaxed and authentic experience, so you can enjoy your day while I capture all the beautiful moments. I believe in clear expectations and communication from both parties and do at least two pre-wedding consultations to go over the timeline and plans for the day. My shooting and posing style is loose, candid and directional and I strive to create natural emotions and real moments that seamlessly blend with the rest of the gallery. When you book, we will start the process of discussing all the important details of the wedding, and planning a thorough timeline. If you'd like to schedule a consultation and get to know each other a bit more before booking, feel free to contact me with a day and time you have in mind and I'd be more than happy to grab lunch or chat over the phone. Let's create some amazing memories together!

Wedding Photography (8 Hours + 2nd Photographer + Engagement Session)

My 8 hour wedding photography and videography package is perfect for couples looking for all their essential moments throughout the day captured. Great for single location weddings, and those who want all the important parts of the ceremony and reception covered. My approach is to focus on creating a relaxed and authentic experience, so you can enjoy your day while I capture all the beautiful moments. I believe in clear expectations and communication from both parties and do at least two pre-wedding consultations to go over the timeline and plans for the day. My shooting and posing style is loose, candid and directional and I strive to create natural emotions and real moments that seamlessly blend with the rest of the gallery. When you book, we will start the process of discussing all the important details of the wedding, and planning a thorough timeline. If you'd like to schedule a consultation and get to know each other a bit more before booking, feel free to contact me with a day and time you have in mind and I'd be more than happy to grab lunch or chat over the phone. Let's create some amazing memories together!

Wedding Photography + Videography (8 Hours)

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Capturing Your Story – Making Memories Last a Lifetime!

I take pride in making photography sessions fun and stress-free, avoiding heavy posing to focus on genuine emotions. 

My goal is to create photos that bring back joy and remind you of your best moments. More than just a photographer, I assist in planning and ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. I strive to make your special day enjoyable without turning it into an all-day photo shoot, while still delivering incredible photos that will become a part of your family's legacy.

If you're looking for someone to bring your vision to life, I'm here to help. Let's chat and make your dream wedding come true.

Why I Shoot

This is my about section. Please use everything between the () for style, but not the actual content: (Hey, I'm Ben!

I'm a wedding photographer and videographer based in San Diego, California. Your wedding day is one of the most amazing, and important, days of your life. That's why I strive to help create and capture the special moments that make your wedding so memorable. You're making a story that deserves to be told, so let's tell it!)