-Dane

I knew I was in for a treat when Courtney reached out months ago and asked me to shoot her wedding. Courtney is one of those dream brides that is not only pleasant and thoughtful, but professional and creative.

She built her day around she and Aaron and everything worked flawlessly!

Of course, with her natural beauty and charm, a lot could have gone wrong and things still would have felt right.

Stunning (and on-time) hair and make-up started the day right. We were off to the races.

Gorgeous dress.

Final touches.

Friends to help.

It was perfect.

Aaron’s mom was in awe.

Courtney’s mom was moved to tears.

A pensive moment before seeing Aaron for the first time.

Pensive turned to excitement… it was on!

The Stowe House was a great location for a Santa Barbara wedding. It was the perfect setting. Aaron was beside himself.

At first, he was a little formal.

Then he realized who he was with.

A moment later…

He couldn’t help himself.

Stunning.

The whole wedding party was gorgeous… and had an international flair.

The details were just right.

Mason jars were the perfect touch for a Westmont alum.

Petals from the sky accented the decor.

Aaron went from deer in the headlights to kid in a candy store. His guys had his back.

The ring-bearers were angelic.

The kiss.

The exit.

The bridesmaids were a blast.

The Becker special.

The day was flawless.

Special thanks to Fasttracker Rustin Michael for helping me out. Debbie from Chic Events made the whole event a treat for everyone.

And, of course, thanks to the new Mr. and Mrs. You guys are rad! I hope Belize is incredible.

- Dane

Amy of Albumesque did another incredible job with Gia and Victor’s epic East meets West Wedding extravaganza with Lisa Vorce designing the event.

This may be one of my favorite album designs to date. The Santa Barbara wedding at the Hahn Estate included an Mendhi as well as Indian Wedding & Bazaar along with the destination western wedding the following day. What an amazing week. I was so grateful to be the wedding photographer for this remarkable event at the Hahn Estate in Santa Barbara, California.

It’s been a really busy month with three more weddings in Santa Barbara, San Diego & Colorado Springs, a workshop in Austin (Seattle is next!) and Skip’s Summer School.

We also just moved into our new Studio in Newport Beach. The grand opening is coming soon… want to come?

Thanks for your patience with me as we catch our breath and share more in the coming days.

-Dane

PS… Stay tuned for our next few episodes of Make Your Day You!

Watch the infamous hair stylist, Walter Claudio, transform Gia‘s hair in 3 minutes in this sick time lapse video!

- Dane

You don’t want to miss today’s super-special Fast Track Coaching Event with superstar bride Lindye Galloway!

“A bride as the special-guest host?” you ask… CLICK HERE to find out why!

As a warm up, you might want to check out today’s AskDane too!

Remember: if you haven’t signed up for Coaching yet, click here – passwords will be sent out later this morning – to start asking your questions to Lindye, CLICK HERE!

Can’t wait!
- Dane

PS… Last night’s PPA talk in Channel Islands was such a blast. Thanks everyone who came out!

Erin stylin’ even before the day started rolling…

I loved this picture of Erin and her Mom getting ready next to each other.

Mary helping Erin loosen up a little…

Bling Bling Hawaiian Style…

Final touches…

First moment…

Gorgeous couple!

The day was perfect.

Sunset in Maui is like no other place I’ve ever shot.

A great way to start a life together…

Thanks you two and bless you. I can’t wait to connect in Seattle!

Here’s the full slideshow!

Keep it true.
-Dane

PS… Again, I’ve said it a lot already on this trip, but special thanks has to go out to David Hessemer for his support this week. It’s amazing how a great experience in a foreign land can become an extraordinary experience with a true local. He’s the master of Aloha spirit and “get it” professionalism… you are an absolute treat to work with David… Mahalo!

I say it all the time, but couples that know what they’re about always have the best weddings. That is totally the case with these two. All their choices seem to flow from who they are.

For a lot of people, going to Hawaii is the vacation from life. For Erin, it’s like her second home. Everything just feels right about this weekend.

I’m super stoked on my partner in crime for this event. David Hessemer is not only a local with all the inside low down, but he’s a total servant. I would have never found these amazing spots without him.

It’s always special too when couples feel safe enough to share how they’re honestly feeling as the big day approaches.

The best part is these two are just so themselves with each other. It was a treat just to hang with them…

By the end of the day it seemed like they were just itchin’ to get busy with the wedding. I can’t wait until Sunday!

Keep it coastal.
-Dane