… and Laura & Jonathan are style’s epitome.

Throw in love and it’s irresistible.

The handsome one…

The sassy one…

Elegance and simplicity…

It was a family affair.

Man’s best friend was there for Jonathan.

Theirs is a match made in heaven.

Love was in the air.

The night was just stunning.

The first Piñata wedding cake I’d ever seen. Pretty fun. Laura killed it.

Gorgeous!

Bless you two. What a treat to be a part. Huge shout out to Josh and Emily for carrying the weight of the day and letting me coast in for the good stuff.

When I first started my photo business I had some core values that I idealized more than lived out. For example, my first podcast was called the “Simple Photo Minute” that was neither simple and rarely a minute long. Although I’ve figured a few things out, it was back then that I started my bad habit of spreading myself too thin and I’m still paying for it to this day.

Recently though I visited with a company called Vokle who I’m currently hosting my AskDane show with. What drew me to them was their bare bones elegance. I was nervous to meet them because I thought maybe I’d be disappointed if who they were didn’t match what they showed.

When I saw their “signage” though I was hopeful (see above). Why? Because it reflected who they were, their values, their culture of simplicity.

When I went inside and saw the substantive part of their work (the people, the conversations, the mission and actions of the company), same thing. Their outside matched their insides. It was refreshing.

That kind of syncronicity reflects a focus that impresses me and I crave more of for myself. And, of course, it just makes sense. By choosing to be modest with our metaphorical “signs” it frees up time for focus around things that matter most: how people experience us (aka… our real signage).

So, what can you and I learn from a shoddy little sign? Whether you’re a bride planning a wedding or a creative planning a business or a family planning a life, what do you say we all take a day (maybe even today) and ask ourselves if we’re in sync… if we’re keeping it real… if “cutting out” might free up time to focus on what matters most? I wonder if it might be just the kind of calibration we need.

Tyler and Mike’s wedding in San Diego, California had been in the works for over a year… and it wasn’t easy to plan either!

The couple had to plan the international event from Australia.

With that kind of distance, the Bowman’s (Tyler’s parents) were keen on making this event one to remember.

From little touches like Tyler’s Jimmy Choo’s…

… and putting greens.

It was champagne and celebrations for all.

Dr. Bowman was looking pretty proud all day long.

Mike, a former professional rugby player in Australia and now med student, was all smiles as well. Add in Tyler, a former University of Arizona volleyball player, and it is a sure bet that their children will be stronger, faster and better looking than all their friends.

The ceremony at the campus of the University of San Diego and it was just gorgeous. I love shooting there.

The girls were stunning.

The Australian boys were pretty popular too.

But none were more in love than these two.

Their getaway car was full of affection.

And getaway they did.

Stunning.

In love.

Made for each other.

Bless you guys. Thanks so much for letting me play a part. Can’t wait to catch up with you both down under!

- Dane

PS… special thanks has to go out to Michelle Woodcock of Before I Do for her fantastic coordination, Florist Annette Gomez for her amazing work (she was also on Tory and Dean last night!) and Cake Artist Michele Coulon… gorgeous.

Beachside Venue | Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort | MYDY from Dane Sanders.

The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach is the perfect venue for a beach bride. If you are looking for all the drama of tying the knot with the ocean gleaming in the background, this is absolutely the place for you! Not to mention the fact that your guests will love you for the beachside visit! Check out this episode of Make Your Day YOU! with the fabulous catering managers, Vanessa Rockafellow and Danielle Wagner.

- Dane and Lindye

DANE SANDERS | photographers

417 Thirty First Street | Suite A Newport Beach, CA 92663

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Once in a while you meet one of “those” couples…

You know the type… just regular people committed to building something special… together.

Meet Jonathan: Focused Hollywood writer and visual story teller committed to originality at any cost.

Meet Laura: The animal aficionado, freedom seeking zealot who never met a good time that didn’t have her at its center.

These two are fun. These two are on an adventure. These two are up for taking life for all she’s worth.

I wonder what the world would be like with more of “those couples” around. Love you guys!

-Dane

Custom Jewelry | Studio Suzan | MYDY from Dane Sanders.

Make Your Day YOU! visits Studio Suzan, a custom jeweler in Orange County, California to find out what they do to customize people’s big day.

Suzan is such a talent! With her handmade jewelry she personalizes the most gorgeous bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more. She takes your story and your life and puts it into a piece that is absolutely timeless. Adorn yourself and your wedding party on your wedding day! Watch this episode of Make Your Day YOU! with Suzan from Studio Suzan.

- Dane and Lindye

DANE SANDERS | photographers
417 Thirty First Street | Suite A
Newport Beach, CA 92663

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Custom Linens | Wildflower Linens | MYDY from Dane Sanders.

Make Your Day YOU! visits Wildflower Linens in Orange County, California to find out what they do to customize people’s big day.

You will absolutely melt when you walk into this linen studio! Youngsong Martin, designer and owner of Wildflower Linen, has used her fashion background to infuse incredible style into linens for all types of events. Anything you can dream up, you can find here! And, if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, they can custom make it!! Transform your event with Wildflower Linen and tune into this episode of Make Your Day YOU! featuring Desiree Patterson, the director of sales and marketing!

- Dane and Lindye

DANE SANDERS | photographers
417 Thirty First Street | Suite A
Newport Beach, CA 92663

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There are wedding days and then there are Danielle and Clay wedding days. Getting ready before heading to the Prado.

Not only was Danielle stunning…

… Clay knows how to deliver in a major league way too. Although Clay played for the Florida Marlins this past season, he used to be a pitcher for the San Diego Padres so the stadium made for a pretty amazing horizon.

Danielle and her girls were a treat to be around the whole day. So much fun!

Balboa Park in San Diego was the perfect location for this epic destination wedding.

The winter sun lit Danielle up and made Clay pause.

Just gorgeous.

I love the architecture. It just makes for the perfect backdrop.

It seemed everywhere Danielle went, there was perfect frame around her. This shot was Sara’s idea. She’s so great.

Every element of the day made it perfect.

Congrats you guys! Such a gift to be able to serve you. Can’t wait to connect again soon!

- Dane

P.S… special thanks to Sara France and Bronson Pate for joining in for the fun!