I think my favorite part of being an Orange County wedding photographer is meeting all the great people/couples that I have crossed paths with over the years. Whether they are industry professionals or wonderful couples, they are just really great people. As for the couples, most of them are fun and great to be around, which has led to many friendships. In addition to the people I’ve met, I have had the opportunity to photograph some pretty cool wedding venues. That said, I finally got to shoot a ceremony at the Historic Cottage down in San Clemente for the wedding ceremony of Ben and Jenny Potter. Ben and Jenny are two very terrific people that we just adored watching throughout their wedding process.
As for the Historic Cottage, it’s a venue with amazing architecture that takes you back to a time period that will remind you of the 1930s. This venue is stunning with its adobe bricks that line the enclosed patio. The courtyard will provide you amazing views and to set the ambiance just right as the courtyard also has an outdoor gas fireplace. The gardens are simply beautiful with all its color, which makes for terrific backdrops to your wedding photos.
Despite the weather being a bit cool and overcast, the wedding went off without a hitch and lighting was enough to get some really awesome photographs. One of the great aspects of this particular wedding was all the amazing vendors we worked with such as Ali from Jasons Catered Events and Ilana from Perfect The Event. They both made the event so easy to be a part of. We hope to work with you both and the other vendors on future weddings and events.
Speaking of building great relationships, creating a great connection with the couple is always important for the photographer. It allows us to truly get to know the personalities involved. It was because of my connection with Ben and Jenny that I was able to pull of a great reception moment and to catch it all on camera. It involves the couple, a garter belt, a blindfold, and the bride’s father. Sounds a bit crazy. Besides, what could go wrong? Right?
The plan was to blindfold Jenny and have Ben do a sexy dance before removing the garter belt. But I was afraid the blindfold could mess up her make-up, so the idea now was to blindfold Ben instead before he started dancing. Both were totally in on the idea. So, after the blindfold was in place, and this is where building relationships really help out, I was able to convince Jenny’s dad to sit in the chair in lieu of Jenny. Thus, Ben did a sexy dance on… wait for it… His New Father-in-Law!! Oh my goodness, the laughter was awesome as you can see in some of the photos, and Ben’s face was priceless upon the unveiling….. But you’ll have to read to the bottom of this blog to see it. 🙂
Like I said, meeting and working with great couples is why I love this job!
Thank you, Ben and Jenny, for allowing Three16 Photography to be part of your special day.
Here is their Love Story. We hope you enjoy it, and their photos, as much as we do.
Jenny and Ben’s Love Story
Q: What three things do you admire most about your soon-to-be spouse and why?
A: (from Ben): She’s very thoughtful, loving, supporting and she’s a good listener. When we have challenges, she listens and helps me with anything I need.
(from Jenny): He’s thoughtful in ways you don’t expect. He always makes sure that I’m taken care of, whether it’s the condition of my car or keeping our house clean. He makes me laugh and has a fun sense of humor that can pull me out of any type of grumpy emotions. His work ethic, he rises to the occasion, works so hard, and will always fall on his feet.
Q: Describe each other in one word and why did you choose that work?
A: (from Ben): Jenny is Charismatic. (from Jenny): Ben is Strong.
Q: Any advice for other newly engaged couples as they begin to plan their wedding?
A: Plan early and really listen to your gut when interviewing potential vendors. Compromise. Don’t stress too much because at the end of the day all that matters is that you’re marrying the right.
Q: Describe your wedding for us. Any particular theme? What flowers did you choose and why? Any special traditions or items you have incorporated into the day?
A: Our theme is fresh and green. It’s a new beginning and other than the boys in Navy everything else is white and green. It’s a fresh start, a new family is beginning, we are vowing before God and our families and friends that we have chosen each other and will continue to choose each other for the rest of our lives.
Q: Looking back on planning your wedding, is there anything you would have done differently?
A: I would have paid off stuff sooner and made a wedding website! My personal inbox is flooded with wedding emails!!! Other than that, everything else was pretty great!
Q: What are the plans for the honeymoon?
A: We are going to MAUI!!! Even though we have taken so many trips and vacations together this will be our first with it being just the two of us the whole time.
Vendors that Ben and Jenny used for their beautiful wedding ceremony and reception include:
Location Information:
Ceremony & Reception: Historic Cottage at San Clemente State Beach
Address: 225 Avenida Califia,
San Clemente, CA 92672
Vendor Information:
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Perfect the Event
PHOTOGRAPHY
Three16 Photography
FLORIST
Inga’s Blooms
Caterer
Jasons Catered Events
HAIR& MAKE-UP
Modest Spot Salon
DRESS
Blush Bridal Couture
GROOM’S SUIT
Friar Tux
WEDDING INVITATION
Zazzle
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About the Author:
Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.
