Meet this issue’s contributing writers, photographers and creative artists.
Melissa Barrad,
Planner, “Ceremony on the Sea”
Barrad founded I Do…Weddings! in 2003 and has planned events that span the globe, from Africa to Palm Springs to La Jolla. The San Diego native was also recently featured on The Wedding Planner on WEtv.
sdweddingplanner.com
Best Tip for Brides
If you’re short on time, focus on one or two impactful details rather than a ton of details guests might not notice.
Cortnie Purdy
Stylist, “Casa Romantica”
Purdy’s event company, Canvas & Canopy, adds creative touches to each and every wedding they plan. “We are a team of artists and celebrators—so we love to celebrate art!”
canvasandcanopy.com
Best Tip for Brides
Hire a wedding planner! It will save time, money, alleviate stress, and help navigate family dynamics. The only thing a bride and groom should be concerned about is showing up on their big day!
Jesse & Becky Morquecho
Photographers, “Inspired Tresses”
The Morquechos met and fell in love in Africa, where they were working on media projects for a non-profit organization. Soon after, the couple married and started LimeLife Photography, catering to clients who are “vibrant, modern, and love life”—just like them.
limelifephoto.com
Best Tip for Brides
Get to know your potential wedding photographers as much as possible before hiring. They’ll be with you throughout your wedding day, so make sure you click!
Krystel Tien
Planner, “Faith & Alex”
Tien was born and raised in San Diego and spent several years in the fashion industry before creating Couture Events in 2008. She has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Disney’s Fairytale Wedding Blog, Style Me Pretty, and other publications.
coutureeventssd.com
Best Tip for Brides
Make the event a reflection of you and your love story. It’s all in the details, and those little personal touches make the event so special!
Brittany Cranmer & Alexandra Wise
Florists, “Bouquets,” “Faith & Alex,” and “Dine in Style”
After earning degrees in finance and psychology, respectively, Wise and Cranmer joined forces to create Blush Botanicals. They have been featured in numerous wedding blogs and magazines. The San Diego natives also designed the 2010 NBA-All-Star events in Los Angeles.
blushbotanicals.com
Best Tip for Brides
Enjoy every moment of the process—it will be over before you know it!
Chris & Erinn Austin
Photographers, “Casa Romantica”
The husband-and-wife team behind White Haute Photography have been capturing wedding memories since 2004. When they’re not behind the camera, the Southern California natives can be found at the park with their son, Jackson, or at the nearest sushi restaurant.
whitehautephotography.com
Best Tip for Brides
Ask questions when interviewing photographers, such as do they have insurance, backup equipment, references, and experience in harsh lighting conditions.
Heather Moreau
Photographer, “Dine in Style”
Moreau has been capturing people and events for over 10 years. Her classic, colorful images are a mix of candid photo journalism, family portraiture, and editorial-style couple photos.
vallentynephotography.com
Best Tip for Brides
Enjoy the moment! Let go of any material details that really don’t matter long-term and your day will be absolutely perfect. Oh, and remember to smile!
Dani Kanemitsu
Stylist, “Urban Chic”
Kanemitsu is a freelance wardrobe stylist. A California girl at heart, she has a worldly wanderlust and a globally-infused aesthetic when it comes to clothes. She has worked in the fashion industry for nearly a decade and has styled commercial prints for Nickelodeon, MTV, USA Network, Macy’s, and more.
dkstylist.com
Best Tip for Brides
When deciding on looks for your bridal party, be bold! The trick to tastefully incorporating bold prints and colors is to select pieces with timeless silhouettes.
