Meet this issue’s contributing writers, photographers and creative artists.
Rachel Welland
Coordinator, “The Kids Are Alright”
Welland is one of San Diego’s most sought-after wedding specialists and event coordinators. Along with her Bliss Events team, Welland has worked with some of the city’s most discerning clientele to create dream-like weddings and dazzling private affairs.
Best Tip for Brides:
“At the beginning of your planning, make a list of wedding priorities with your fiancé and rank them. Then use that list as a guide for booking vendors.”
Alexandra Wise
Florist, “Set for Perfection” | See the tabletops stories in the current issue
Wise is a San Diego native and graduated from Torrey Pines High School and USC. As co-founder of Blush Botanicals, her passion and dedication ensures that each Blush event is masterfully created and studded with gorgeous detail and unique charm
Best Tip for Brides:
“Stick with a classic look and color palette versus a trendy one. That way, when you look back, your wedding won’t have the ’80s shoulder pad syndrome.”
Jenny Siegwart & Becca Teal-Batista
Photographers, “Wedding Wardrobe”
Found Creative Studio is the love child of Brooks Institute of Photography graduates Siegwart and Teal-Batista. With Teal-Batista’s background in fashion and editorial, and Siegwart’s in lifestyle and portraiture, it made sense to combine forces.
Best Tip for Brides:
“If the number of single people at your wedding will be under 10-12 on either the bride or groom’s sides, don’t do a garter and bouquet toss. It’s uncomfortable.”
Aaron Feldman
Photographer, “Real Wedding: Rachel & Mike”
Feldman is the CEO/founder of True Photography Weddings. He began 12 years ago, after graduating from Brooks Institute of Photography, and has grown the company with the help of a team of talented individuals.
Best Tip for Brides:
“It’s common for brides and grooms to want a nice tan for their wedding photos. If you’re out golfing or hanging by the beach the day before, make sure to sunscreen up to avoid raccoon eyes or funky tan lines.”
Nathan Stanton
Mixologist, “His & Hers Cocktails”
Stanton has been at the helm of several of the city’s most progressive dining and cocktail establishments. His pioneering spirit has led CH Projects to open boundary-pushing concepts including Craft & Commerce, UnderBelly, and Polite Provisions.
Best Tip for Brides:
“Work with your cocktail team to come up with creative touches like customized napkins or barware. Little extras can go a long way in making your wedding feel totally personalized.”
Amanda Thorne
Stylist, “On the Bridal Path”
Thorne is a creative stylist and owner of Thorne Artistry, a mobile styling company based in San Diego. She began her styling career during college while working at a TV production company and now her work can be seen in numerous local and national publications.
Best Tip for Brides:
“Don’t let other people influence your wedding day look. You’re the one who has to look at your photos for the rest of your life. Mom may have great intentions, but not the same taste as you.”
Melissa Barrad
Coordinator, “Set for Perfection” | See the tabletops stories in the current issue
Barrad founded I Do . . . Weddings & Events in 2003. A San Diego native with a degree in advertising from SDSU, Barrad has been an event designer and florist for more than a decade. Her work has been featured in Modern Bride and The Knot, among other publications, blogs, and websites.
Best Tip for Brides:
“If you are a destination bride, don’t forget your marriage license, check-book, and binder of wedding contracts. Carry your dress on board the flight—never check it.”
Sara France
Photographer, “On the Bridal Path”
France is an international, award-winning wedding and commercial photographer based in Southern California. Her work is currently being featured in Apple stores across the world and has also been featured in Apple ads, as well as on the cover of Studio Photography and in multiple wedding magazines. sarafrance.com
Best Tip for Brides:
“Plan on starting your photography two or three hours before the ceremony, so you are able to enjoy the rest of the day with your wedding party.”
