Although we are located in Orange County, we love when couples hire us to photograph their weddings, engagements or family affairs in Los Angeles or other parts of Southern California, including the city of Crestline. Being a Southern California Professional Photographer I just adore the couples we meet and get to know personally. But perhaps our favorite part is to hear their stories. This is especially true for Alison and Billy. A truly wonderful couple that we had the pleasure of photographing at their San Moritz Lodge Wedding in the mountains outside of San Bernardino.
Alison and Billy’s stunning outdoor ceremony was set on a lush, green field in front of the beautiful San Moritz Lodge. The lodge rests along the edge of Lake Gregory in Crestline, California – the “Swiss Alps of the West”, in the San Bernardino Mountain’s historic and scenic Valley of the Moon. Surrounded by tall pines and cedar trees, the ceremony included a rustic wooden structure adorned with draping white fabric and beautiful flowers. The reception took place in a gorgeous reception hall within the lodge, with elegant Cathedral ceilings, two large stunning stone fireplaces and views of the lake through walls of windows.
The sparkles in the sheer navy floral overlay draped effortlessly over the white table linens, along with the pops of shimmer in the gold balloons and copper details added depth and glamour to the rustic and moody theme. The dark navy blue, array of pinks, as well as the copper and gold accents of the day all came together to create a chic, moody and romantic atmosphere that was perfect for an autumn wedding. On the contrast, the rustic touches incorporated in this wedding’s theme included a dance floor ornamented with a cow hide, wooden accent details and wooden signage.
Alison’s hair was dazzling as it was curled and tucked into a chignon for an elegant updo. For her makeup, she chose a darker neutral color for her eyes, and a bubblegum pink shade for her lips. Allison decided on minimal jewelry, as her gorgeous high-neck lined dress was already detailed with an abundance of lacey florals and delicate, and glamorous, beading. Her flawlessly arranged bouquet consisted of white, pink and berry shades, with baby and navy-blue accents, and greenery perfectly placed throughout. The deep berry colors were a bold touch, yet the lighter hues paired perfectly to add elegance to the cascading arrangement. The handsome groom was styling a deep navy-blue suit and cognac shoes and belt. His groomsmen joined him in wearing navy blue, and the gorgeous bridesmaids wore different hues of pink.
Not only was this wedding absolutely beautiful, these two best friend’s love for each other was too!
All of the details of this mountainous resort were captured by the team at Three16 Photography.
We would really like to thank Alison and Billy for allowing Three16 Photography to be part of your special day. We wish you many years of love and happiness.
Check out their love story. We hope you enjoy it, and their photos, as much as we do.
Alison and Billy’s Love Story
What three things do you admire most about your soon-to-be spouse and why?
Alison – I love his love for people. I love how adventurous he is. It makes me break out of my comfort zone and do crazy things. I love the way he leads every single person with care and compassion. There isn’t one person who doesn’t love him.
Billy – I love the way she genuinely cares for her friends. I love how big her heart is and is always wanting to take care of other people before herself. I admire her way of always finding a way to connect with everyone she meets.
Describe each other in one word and why did you choose that word?
Alison – I would describe Billy as crazy. He has the craziest ideas at the craziest moments in time. But somehow, he always convinces me to go along with his crazy plan and we have the greatest memories.
Billy – Caring. She has the biggest heart for people and from day one she is always trying to figure out ways to care for others. One of the reasons she is now pursuing nursing school is that she wants to be a medical missionary.
Any advice for other newly engaged couples as they begin to plan their wedding?
Alison – Enjoy the process and learn with each other. Don’t focus too much on what everyone else would want; focus on yourselves.
Billy – Take it easy and go with the flow. If it doesn’t go your way, sometimes you just have to let it be.
Describe your wedding for us. Is there any particular theme? What flowers did you choose and why? Are there any special traditions or items you have incorporated into the day?
Alison – We just want love and joy to be the focus of our wedding because that is who we are.
Billy – Very rustic theme, I can’t believe she let me choose the venue. It’s totally in the middle of the woods by the lake.
Looking back on planning your wedding, is there anything you would have done differently?
Alison – We would’ve had a smaller wedding and a bit more intimate.
Billy – We would’ve gone to Bali and just had a small wedding.
What’s the plans for the honeymoon?
Alison – Short mini-moon to Seattle and then in April going to Bora Bora.
Billy – Just give me ice cream.
Vendors used for Billy and Alison’s gorgeous San Moritz Lodge Wedding:
Location Information
Ceremony, Reception, Caterer & Cake: San Moritz Lodge
Address: 24640 San Moritz Dr., Crestline, CA 92325
Vendor Information
PHOTOGRAPHY
Company: Three16 Photography
Name of Person: Jerrick O’Connor
Email: Jerrick@three16photography.com
Instagram: @three16photography
FLORIST
Company: La Jarden Florals
Name of Person: Shawna Gray
Email: shawna.lajardenflorals@gmail.com
Instagram: lajardenflorals
DJ
Company: Behind the DJ Booth
Name of Person: Michael Tinio
Email: michael@behindthedjbooth.com
DRESS
Company: Panache Bridal Pasadena
WEDDING INVITATION
Company: Wedding Paper Divas
Website: www.weddingpaperdivas.com
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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.
