Wedding at Twin Oaks in San Marcos, California
“Kristen is a very talented photographer and an absolute gem of a human. We loved working with her. She has a great eye for light and captured our wedding so beautifully. On top of that, she was professional, dependable, and got our edited photos to us so fast. 10/10 recommend.”
Traveling from Maryland to Southern California to photograph Hannah and Carvy’s wedding was an experience that perfectly aligns with my passion for capturing earthy, intentional, and warm moments. Their celebration was nothing short of magical, unfolding at the stunning Twin Oaks Gardens in San Marcos, California—a venue that provided the perfect backdrop for the fine art, film-inspired photography that I specialize in.
The day began with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Hannah and Carvy’s love story is the stuff of dreams, and their wedding day was a culmination of years of love, dedication, and overcoming challenges. As a Maryland wedding photographer, it was an honor to document their journey in such a breathtaking location. The Twin Oaks Gardens venue, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and enchanting atmosphere, felt like stepping into an enchanted forest—a setting that perfectly mirrored the couple’s vision for their big day.
The ceremony was timed to perfection. As Hannah and Carvy exchanged vows and were pronounced husband and wife, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow through the trees. This moment was the epitome of warmth and romance, a scene straight out of a fairytale, and it was a joy to capture it in a way that felt both earthy and intentional.
One of the unique and deeply personal aspects of their wedding was their private first look. This intimate moment allowed them to share a few quiet moments before the whirlwind of the day began. They used this time to exchange Polaroid photos they took of each other—a sweet and creative touch that they later used as their wedding cake topper. They also practiced their first dance, ensuring that Carvy could lift Hannah in her wedding dress, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the evening ahead.
The florals at the wedding were a dream—whimsical, with a mix of blues, greens, and purples that added to the enchanted forest vibe. Hannah’s connection to her grandfather, who was a mushroom collector, was honored with mushroom arrangements on mossy logs at the guestbook station. This was a beautiful tribute, adding a personal and earthy touch to the décor that felt incredibly intentional and heartfelt.
In addition to these special touches, the reception also paid homage to Carvy’s Filipino heritage. In Philippine culture, it’s customary for a couple to have “sponsors” who guide them on their journey to marriage. During the reception, all the sponsors were announced, adding a sense of tradition and community to the celebration. This was a beautiful reminder of the importance of family and support in the couple’s journey.
The reception was filled with fun and laughter, especially during the bouquet and garter toss alternatives. Instead of tossing a bouquet, Hannah gifted it to her mother—an emotional and touching moment that left not a dry eye in the room. For the garter toss, Carvy threw a football, and Hannah tossed two stuffed cats that resembled their kittens. The guests absolutely loved these unique twists on tradition, with the men enthusiastically diving for the football, creating a hilarious and memorable moment that perfectly captured the couple’s playful spirit.
As a destination wedding photographer, one of the highlights of the day was capturing the heartfelt moments between Hannah and Carvy as they danced with their parents. Carvy’s teary-eyed expression as he watched Hannah walk down the aisle was a moment of pure, tender love—a perfect example of the warmth and depth that defines their relationship. Their connection was evident in every glance, every touch, and every shared smile, making it a joy to document these moments through my lens.
The speeches during the reception were another highlight, with one guest referring to their love story as “Grey’s Anatomy in real life.” Carvy was Hannah’s supervisor early in her medical career during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it wasn’t until she switched teams that Carvy finally asked her out. The rest, as they say, is history. Hannah’s admiration for how Carvy handled the incredible pressures of the pandemic was a testament to the strength of their bond and the resilience of their love.
As the night drew to a close, the couple’s grand exit was nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by their loved ones, they shared a dip kiss as petals were tossed into the air—a picture-perfect ending to a day filled with love, laughter, and celebration. Capturing this moment in a film-inspired, fine art style was the perfect way to wrap up a day that was as warm and intentional as the couple themselves.
Photographing Hannah and Carvy’s wedding in Southern California was an experience that I will cherish forever. As a Maryland photographer, having the opportunity to travel and capture destination weddings is a dream come true. It allows me to combine my passion for luxury wedding photography with my love for exploring new places and meeting incredible couples. This wedding, in particular, was a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do—capturing the essence of love in a way that is earthy, warm, and timeless.
I was so grateful for the kind words Hannah and Carvy shared about their experience working with me: "Kristen is a very talented photographer and an absolute gem of a human. We loved working with her. She has a great eye for light and captured our wedding so beautifully. On top of that, she was professional, dependable, and got our edited photos to us so fast. 10/10 recommend."
Their review truly touched my heart and reaffirmed why I am passionate about what I do. It’s more than just taking photos—it’s about building relationships, understanding each couple's unique story, and being a part of one of the most important days of their lives.
If you’re planning a wedding and are looking for a photographer who will capture your day with the same level of care, attention to detail, and passion, I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Whether you’re getting married in Maryland, Southern California, or any other destination, I am here to document your love story in a way that feels uniquely you. Let’s create something beautiful together.
