Simple Sophistication

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Simple Sophistication

Rancho Valencia wedding | Jillian and Colin | San Diego, CA

Rancho Valencia Wedding – Jillian and Colin

We photographed J & C’s engagement session at their home in Coronado Island and the beach cliffs in San Diego. We were so excited to photograph their Rancho Valencia Wedding!

Rancho Valencia, Voted Top Resort in Southern California

Their day was amazing and they made us feel like family from the first moment. The love between them was captivating, and they looked stunning to say the least! The wedding was at Rancho Valencia, just outside of Carlsbad and San Diego. It’s been named one of the top spas in California and voted #1 Best Hotel. One of the things we loved about this resort were the beautiful bungalow suites. It’s the perfect destination wedding, or place to spend a few days pampering and decompressing before the big day. It sits on 45 acres of gardens and olive groves, this lavish resort is six miles from the Del Mar Racetrack and ten miles from Torrey Pines.

Planning a Perfect Rancho Valencia Wedding

All the details were beautiful and well executed by Brooke Keegan Special Events. Brooke and her girls are extremely organized and kept everything on time throughout the day. The ceremony was officiated by a close friend of the family, which made it all that more personal. The band, Tijuana Dogs was top notch and kept the night rocking. This was the second event in a row that we’ve attended where they’ve been the band, and they never disappoint. The beer wall was a huge hit with the guests- who doesn’t like all you can drink beer? It was also the first wedding we attended with Moscow Mules, complete with brass cups. Another hit!

Attention to Detail

What we especially loved was the absolute attention to details—everything from Jillian’s hanger for her wedding dress that said “Mrs. Reddin”, to the customized corn hole game boards, the s’mores bar, and even the selection of cake (Jillian is allergic to dairy). It was a day absolutely a day special made for the two of them, while also keeping the guests experience in mind. This day is one we will never forget and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this awesome couple!

Want to know who brought all this gorgeousness together?

Here’s a list of the professionals:

Wedding Venue: Rancho Valencia
Event Planner: Brooke Keegan Special Events
Photographers: Gilmore Studios
Makeup: Kelly Scripps
Wedding Dress: Stella York
Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka (wedding) Jimmy Choo (reception)
Groom attire: David August
Floral/Décor: Petals by Katherine
Reception Music: Tijuana Dogs
After Party DJ: Unite Entertainment
Cake/Desserts: Sensitive Sweets
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals & Signature Party Rentals
Linens: La Tavola
Lighting: Lighten Up
Backdrop: Back Up Backdrops
Photo Booth: MirMir
Ceremony Harpist: Victoria Rose
Officiant: Sid Kritzstein
Hair: Alyson Beukema

Here is a slide show that we made of the entire wedding day. Enjoy!
About the photographers

Brian and Jennifer Gilmore are a husband and wife wedding photographer team in Orange County, CA. They have been photographing weddings together since 2003. Contact us for more info about booking your wedding in the Southern California area.Gilmore Studios specializes in fine wedding photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. Call 949-698-3968 or email us for more info about booking your 2018 wedding.

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    Meet the Gilmores:

    Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

    Fun Facts:

    PLace we call home:

    Newport Beach & Queen Creek

    Number of kids:

    3 boys

    Years in business:

    Since 2002

    As seen in:

    Wedding

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    Simple Sophistication

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    What nobody tells you about being in front of a camera.

    It feels awkward… at first.

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    📍Coto de Caza

    Do you think you’d feel awkward in photos? 👇

    9 0
    Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18088454921600408
    What nobody tells you about being in front of a camera. It feels awkward… at first. You don’t know what to do with your hands. You’re thinking about your smile. That part? Completely normal. Here’s what actually happens: I guide you through everything, keep it moving, fix the little details… And then it shifts. You relax. You stop thinking about the camera. And it finally feels like you. 📍Coto de Caza Do you think you’d feel awkward in photos? 👇

    Here are things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer.

    This decision matters more than most couples realize.

    Because once the day is over…
    this is what you have left.

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    If you don’t love how it looks now, you won’t love it later.
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    Timelines shift. Lighting changes. You want someone who can adapt.
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    You’ll spend a lot of your day with them. It should feel easy.
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    Clear communication, reliability, and someone who shows up prepared.
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    Anyone can post the best 10 images. Ask to see the whole story.
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    Not just price… what are you actually getting?

    Here’s what I’m doing behind the scenes:
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    Because your photos shouldn’t just look good…
    they should feel like your day.

    What matters most to you when choosing a photographer? 👇

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    Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18079827413397783
    Here are things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer. This decision matters more than most couples realize. Because once the day is over… this is what you have left. Here’s how to actually choose the right one: 1. Style that reflects your vision If you don’t love how it looks now, you won’t love it later. 2. Experience handling real wedding days Timelines shift. Lighting changes. You want someone who can adapt. 3. A genuine connection You’ll spend a lot of your day with them. It should feel easy. 4. Professionalism you can count on Clear communication, reliability, and someone who shows up prepared. 5. Full galleries, not just highlights Anyone can post the best 10 images. Ask to see the whole story. 6. Real reviews and reputation Look for consistency, not just one good experience. 7. Value that matches what you expect Not just price… what are you actually getting? Here’s what I’m doing behind the scenes: guiding when needed, adjusting to the day as it unfolds, and making sure nothing important is missed. Because your photos shouldn’t just look good… they should feel like your day. What matters most to you when choosing a photographer? 👇

    Most people think they’re just for announcements… But they end up being so much more.

    This countdown? One of my favorites.

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    matters more than you think. 🤍

    Would you do a countdown like this? Comment MISSIONARYSTORE for our item on Etsy Shop

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    Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18052366784734729
    Most people think they’re just for announcements… But they end up being so much more. This countdown? One of my favorites. Here’s why: It gives you something to look forward to. A way to mark the days, celebrate the little milestones, and stay connected while they’re away. And it turns these photos into something you actually use… not just something that sits on your phone. Because this season? It’s a big one. And having something tangible to hold onto during it… matters more than you think. 🤍 Would you do a countdown like this? Comment MISSIONARYSTORE for our item on Etsy Shop

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    About 45 minutes and here is everything we fit into that time.
    We start with portraits first. Clean outfit, no cake, just your baby being adorable. Then we bring in the cake, swap into the smash outfit and let the chaos begin. 🎂

    And if you want to keep going, we can do a quick splash session at the end. Some of the biggest smiles of the whole session happen right there.

    Three different looks. One session. 45 minutes.
    It goes fast so I make sure every minute counts.

    Are you surprised we fit all of that in? 👇
    Ready to book your cake smash?

    7 0
    Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17976086367008382
    How long does a cake smash session really take? About 45 minutes and here is everything we fit into that time. We start with portraits first. Clean outfit, no cake, just your baby being adorable. Then we bring in the cake, swap into the smash outfit and let the chaos begin. 🎂 And if you want to keep going, we can do a quick splash session at the end. Some of the biggest smiles of the whole session happen right there. Three different looks. One session. 45 minutes. It goes fast so I make sure every minute counts. Are you surprised we fit all of that in? 👇 Ready to book your cake smash?

    Should you still get photos done when your kids are teenagers and older?

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    Are your kids at this stage yet? 👇
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    Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18094728521165718
    Should you still get photos done when your kids are teenagers and older? Life starts changing fast. Schedules don’t line up the same. They’re out with friends more. Conversations get shorter. And before you realize it… the house feels a little quieter. Here’s how I approach these sessions: I don’t force anything that feels unnatural. No overly posed moments. I guide you into simple, relaxed interactions so it still feels like your family, just in this season. Are your kids at this stage yet? 👇 Ready to book your family session?

    Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

    Session by appointment only

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