Desi Baytan Photography

Stunning Elegant Engagement with Inga and Xuan

I photographed Inga and her fiance Xuan at her home in Arcadia for this stunning elegant engagement. This gorgeous estate embodies such a romantic setting that she felt it a perfect location for their engagement. With the help of, Jeannie Wong, of Allegro Event Inc. we styled this engagement shoot using the natural settings of the backyard as well as architectural interior of the house. And as always, Chiali Meng did an outstanding job with hair and makeup. The breathtaking bouquet and wreath and other floral arrangements was by Susan Tom-Nellis of Peony and Plum. Gretchen Norton of Barnhill Boutique provided added touches to the decor of our tea cart and fireplace mantel that brought out the beauty in the location. And to make this session even sweeter, Inga agreed to pose up on the branch of the old oak tree. Such a romantic shot!

Snow on Mount Baldy

When the rain storms came recently,  we knew there was snow on Mount Baldy. Luckily it’s only a short drive away to this mountain getaway. Armed with hot water thermos and hot cocoa, we journeyed to the slopes to enjoy our favorite past time in the snow – sledding. And sure enough it was beautiful up there with clean, crisp air and trees that stood mightily over the snow covered ground. We had an amazing time, met some new friends and I got to take photos to remember it all.

Desert Engagement shoot with Natalie and Rafa

How cool is this desert engagement shoot? An Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 added a retro vibe in this edgy photo shoot with Natalie and Rafa. And what a location? This desert engagement shoot just wouldn’t be the same without the dramatic rocky and alien landscape. I wanted to give this shoot a kind of Vanity Fair flair to it.

Saddlerock Ranch Wedding with Hagar and Michael

This gorgeous Saddlerock Ranch wedding is one for the books. What better place to wed than Saddlerock Ranch in the rolling hills of Malibu. Hagar and Michael exchanged their vows on top of a hill surrounded by a breathtaking vineyard setting and wide open spaces. There’s no shortage for romantic portraits here. Hagar, loves animals especially horses. Not surprisingly, she drew inspiration from an equestrian photo shoot I did with Nancy Teasley of Oak and the Owl. With garlands made of eucalyptus that run the length of the tables, light pink and orange roses add a softness and airiness to the setting. It’s no accident Nancy’s name and work often grace the pages my blog. She is one of the best floral designers. After this amazing shoot, I can’t wait to do another Saddlerock Ranch wedding.

Credits:

Venue:: Saddlerock Ranch at Malibu Family Wines | Coordinator:: Susan Tosounian Especially For You Events | Florist:: Oak and the Owl | Makeup/Hair:: Kat Laskey Absolutely Beautiful Brides | Rentals:: A Rental Connection | Catering:: Whoa Nelly Catering | Valet:: SoCal Valet | 

Who doesn’t like horses? I mean, they’re beautiful and mystical creatures. These are beautiful pure bred Arabian horses from Cal Poly’s W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center. My kids and their friends got to see them the day before the opening of the annual Pumpkin Patch festival at the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch. They had just arrived into their corral and just like the kids, they were just as spunky and energetic. And from what I can see, the excited kids were filled with wonder by the sight of these curious creatures.

La Jolla Shores is a popular beach for tourists and locals because it provides one of the most beautiful stretch of beaches in Southern California. With fine sand and relatively slow sloping shorelines, one can walk a good distance into the ocean and just be waist deep in water. Surfs are mild in some spots which also makes for a long ride to shore on a boogie board. My kids loved it here during our short visit. While the water was a cool 60° F, having a body suit helps. After boogie boarding, there is always something to entertain my little curious scientists. Sea life like the sand crabs are one of them. Easy to spot because they make tiny spouts of water as the water recedes back. They just dig in and filter them out. Plus who could resist building monuments of sand castles to fill the time? I wish I could put down my camera and join in on the fun but someone’s gotta make meaningful memories, right?

It was great to work with Erica España of Twine Events and Nancy Teasley of Oak & the Owl who helped design this most awe-inspiring wedding. This time up in beautiful Santa Barbara’s San Ysidro Ranch. Nancy’s floral designs and candle lanterns were absolutely breathtaking. Nestled in the Montecito foothills of Southern California’s wine country, San Ysidro Ranch with it’s quaint architecture and its sculpted landscape makes me think of a tranquil French village. One of the most beautiful locations I’ve shot by far. Their ceremony was at the romantic Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room. It adds a touch of mood and the murals make any wedding feel truly historic.

See it on Style Me Pretty. And see the gorgeous post on Oak and the Owl.

Vendors for this wedding:

Ceremony Venue- Santa Barbara Courthouse www.countyofsb.org

Reception Venue- San Ysidro Ranch www.sanysidroranch.com

Getting Ready Venue- Canary Hotel www.canarysantabarbara.com

Photography- Desi Baytan Photography www.desibaytan.com

Coordinator- Erica España of Twine Events www.twineevents.com

Floral designs, lanterns and candles- Nancy Teasley of Oak and the Owl www.oakandtheowl.com

Stationery- Amber Moon of Pitbulls and Posies www.pitbullsandposies.com

Linens- La Tavola Linen www.latavolalinen.com

Hair and Makeup- Team Hair and Makeup www.teamhairandmakeupservice.com

Calligraphy- Katrina Centeno of Maison du Papier www.calligraphykatrina.com

Ceremony Music- Andromeda Strings www.gigmasters.com/String-Quartet/Andromeda-String-Quartet

Officiant- Santa Barbara Wedding Minister www.santabarbaraweddingminister.com

Brides Dress: Custom Alvina Valenta www.jlmcouture.com/Alvina-Valenta

Bridesmaid Dresses- JCrew www.jcrew.com

Custom Dress Alterations-

Sofreh Aghd design by Bride

I love nature. I photograph it any chance I get. Being in Southern California we really don’t get a lot of snow except in the mountains. But still, it hasn’t snowed often enough there either. So on this particular day, I got a treat while visiting Mt. Baldy to see snow, I snapped a few rolls with my GA645. Craving fulfilled.

While vacationing in LA, Yvonna decided to do an engagement session (unbeknownst to her fiance, Nickola). BTW, they’re getting married in their native country of Indonesia. What a cool idea!  I suggested Venice Beach, and the thought of canals came to mind.  So off we went and spent a perfect sunny Southern California day at the beach.