Ok my friends, here are some tips from Michael Coy Photography on having an awesome beach wedding in San Diego, California.
1) LOCATION: San Diego has many beautiful beaches, however some beaches are suited better for small weddings(40 people or less) and intimate ceremonies. Problably two of the most popular locations would be Coronado Beach on Coronado Island and The Wedding Bowl (Cuvier Park) in La Jolla. Both locations can offer spectacular panoramic ocean views for some incredible wedding or engagement photos. Most of the beach/ocean themed photos you see on the Michael Coy website are shot at these two locations. Also the parking and space needed for your ceremony at these spots is pretty good at most times. As far as Coronado Beach is concerened, I know of a pretty reliable and convienent street to park on...It's close to the beach and free! :) Hit me up anytime and I'll get you the info.
2) WHAT TO WEAR: Keep in mind alot of beach ceremonies are on the sand and sometimes by the water where its cooler for you and your guests. Do you want an expensive silk garment exposed to these elements? The great thing about a beach ceremony is that casualwear done right can work really well. Either way, if you decide to do formal or casual, flowing light material (veil, dress, etc) for the bride always provdides incredible photographs with the beach breeze. Also, let your guests know it's a good idea to have a jacket or something warm handy.When the San Diego marine layer rolls in( fog) during certain months of the year it can cool things down pretty quickly.
3) THEME: A beach theme is always effective. Over the years I have seen alot of sea shell themed invitations, flip flops(called slippahz in Hawaii) floral lei's,etc. A simple but well thought out beach themed wedding done right can provide just as much beauty and drama as a multi million dollar winery or resort...minus the expense.
4) SAND CEREMONY: Alot of couples decide to add a little flare to their ceremonies by having a candle ceremony. As beautiful and significant that a candle ceremony can be, they can also be a problem outdoors with the breeze or wind. I've witnessed many brides and grooms slightly panic over trying to light a candle that just wont cooperate with the wind as their guests look on in agony. Trust me this is something you dont want on your wedding day. A sand ceremony is always a great option. It's basically where the bride and groom take turns filling up a tall glass vessel from two smaller one's. The sand from the two smaller vessels contains different color sand, like blue and white for example. Also another cool thing about the sand ceremony is that you can place it somewhere special in your home, as opposed to a candle that blows out alot of times before the ceremony is even over. Check with your officiant for the sand ceremony details, some of them will provide what you need usually for a nominal fee.
5) PHOTOGRAPHER: Choose a photographer that is a proffesional at photographing weddings on San Diego beaches. Along with dealing with natural lighting challenges and the beach elements. Make sure to check out their portfolio/gallery, you want to love their beach pictures, not just like them. Remember these are once in a lifetime photographs we are talking about. Your photographer should have a vast knowledge of beach enviroment photography to provide you with a quick and efficent photography session. As much as brides and grooms love incredible wedding pictures, they don't love spending alot of unecessary time capturing them. Afterall you just got married...it's time to go celebrate and have fun!
Contact Michael Coy and make your wedding photography dreams come true... PH # 858-342-9281
Below is another shot that was taken at Tanya and Orlando's engagement photography session at Wind n Sea beach,La Jolla, Ca. It's a premium edit with the classic fairytale sunset kiss action.
BTW~ If you want a prized picture premium edited to bring out it's full potential like the image below, contact me via my website or call for rates. You may be suprised how innexpensive it is to turn a good picture into an incredible piece of frameable art for your home. ~MC
Classic fairytale sunset kiss
March 7th 2011 ~ Mary and Casey are young, happy, in love and now married...congratulations guys! Another post rainy day wedding ceremony in San Diego, California. If you couldn't tell by now shooting at the ocean after the rain is one of my favorite scenarios...tons of color and drama. Below are couple of shots from Mary and Casey's post ceremony shoot. 
I edited the above image with a watercolor painting feel to it. It was shot on the grass turf area at the La Jolla Wedding Bowl. The stormy waters provided for some great power and drama in this photo as well. 
Mary and Casey perched on lonestanding sandstone. The sunset was incredibly bold and brilliant on this day after the rain, as seen in this image.
