Simple Sophistication

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

Simple Sophistication

Smoke Tree Ranch Wedding – Palm Springs Wedding Photographer

Smoke Tree Ranch Wedding – Brian + Nora

We had no idea what to expect as we waited outside the gates of this historic place! When the guard let us in, we were immediately blown away by the size of this property. (400 acres) The ranch opened in 1936 and attracted all the Hollywood stars of that era. We were told the Walt Disney loved it so much, he proposed building Disneyland here (and was denied) There are about 50 private cottages on the property that all have that same historic vibe. They have done such a wonderful job keeping it authentic. Legend has it that they wouldn’t even let Bob Hope move in. He decided he loved Smoke Tree so much that he built his palace on the hill overlooking the ranch!

About the couple…

Nora and Brian are such a sweet couple. We loved getting to know them at their engagement session and even better at their wedding. The morning was relaxed as we had plenty of time to capture details and the getting ready moments. Their first look was adorable as Brian wanted to see his bride for the first time at the “hitching post.” I don’t think it could have been a cuter notion. We were able to photograph them as they spent time with each other and then found a perfect location for family photos before the ceremony. As the wedding vows were exchanged, genuine smiles and shared laughter during the wedding ceremony reflect the strength of their bond, and it is heartening to witness the seamless integration of their lives. The wedding reception went on without a hitch thanks to the amazing team lead by Laurie. We wish the best for our bride and groom Nora and Brian and are grateful for the trust our couples give us on their wedding day.

 

How did you guys meet?

Brian took Nora to his friends Pizzeria and Bar – The Bowery for their first date because she loves ranch so much. And Nora got lost twice on the way there – once in the car and once on foot walking to the restaurant and Brian had to come find her! They ate pizza (with ranch of course) and Brian won a kiss with winning a game of darts.

The proposal?

Brian proposed on top of Heavenly Mountain in Tahoe on 8/02/22. He asked Nora to look out on the view of the lake and when she turned back around he was on one knee and said, “Nora I love you with all my heart and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I would be honored if you would be my wife?” And Nora smiled and said “Of course I will” and kissed Brian. Then he started walking in the other direction before Nora stopped him for a picture to commemorate the moment!

 

Weddings at Smoke Tree Ranch

(from the venue)

Smoke Tree is truly a unique location with upscale rustic charm and some of the most beautiful desert landscaping and mountain views in all of the Coachella Valley. It provides an opportunity to create a truly magical and memorable wedding weekend experience for you, your family, and friends!

Our beautiful desert atmosphere, coupled with your own personal style, will combine to create your perfect wedding. Options for your reception include customized hors d’oeuvres packages, plated dinner or buffet-style service, and hosted bar. Our staff, including Executive Chef Tony Marks, is available to help customize your menus and service style to fulfill your desires for a perfect dining experience. Our staff is also available to assist with rehearsal dinner, welcome reception, games and activities, farewell brunch, etc.

Vendors

Photo – Brian + Jennifer @ Gilmore Studios

Venue: Smoke Tree Ranch

Planner/Coordinator – Laurie @ Events Department

Wedding Dress – Ines Di Santo

Wedding Shoes – Kate Spade

Floral Design – Mary @ Jensen’s

Grooms Attire: Hugo Boss

Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale 

Video – Luke Lindgren

Makeup – Ally @ Sitting Pretty Beauty Team

Hair – Candice @ Beauty By Candie

DJ – Dj Zephyr

Live Wedding Painter – Alicia Anne Art

We were thrilled to have been included in Brian and Noras wedding day. Laurie at The Events Department is the exclusive event coordinator there. Her weddings are always over the top amazing! Here are some of our favorite moments from their happy day 🙂

by GilmorePosted in WeddingsTags: , , , , , ,

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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The more you think about it… the worse it gets.

Here’s what actually works:

Simple movements.
Relaxed posture.
Clear direction.

That’s it.

During this session, I’m guiding every step so nothing feels forced.

Because the goal isn’t perfect posing…
it’s photos that actually look like you.

Save this before your next session. 👇

1 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18351073495215708
The more you think about it… the worse it gets. Here’s what actually works: Simple movements. Relaxed posture. Clear direction. That’s it. During this session, I’m guiding every step so nothing feels forced. Because the goal isn’t perfect posing… it’s photos that actually look like you. Save this before your next session. 👇

The more you think about it… the worse it gets.

Here’s what actually works:

Simple movements.
Relaxed posture.
Clear direction.

That’s it.

During your session, I’m guiding every step so nothing feels forced.

Because the goal isn’t perfect posing…
it’s photos that actually look like you.

Save this before your next session. 👇

17 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18104544853751211
The more you think about it… the worse it gets. Here’s what actually works: Simple movements. Relaxed posture. Clear direction. That’s it. During your session, I’m guiding every step so nothing feels forced. Because the goal isn’t perfect posing… it’s photos that actually look like you. Save this before your next session. 👇

Shoot with me at the happiest place on earth. ✨

This is actually an older session…

but it’s one I still come back to all the time.

Because it’s not just about the location.

Yes, it’s Disney.
But what really makes it work is how personal it feels.

We keep it moving, use the light, and let the moments happen naturally.

That’s how it goes from “photos at Disney”
to something that actually feels like you.

Would you ever do your senior photos here? 👇

18 6
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17996420546768852
Shoot with me at the happiest place on earth. ✨ This is actually an older session… but it’s one I still come back to all the time. Because it’s not just about the location. Yes, it’s Disney. But what really makes it work is how personal it feels. We keep it moving, use the light, and let the moments happen naturally. That’s how it goes from “photos at Disney” to something that actually feels like you. Would you ever do your senior photos here? 👇

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? 👇

17 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.

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? 👇

18 0
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? 👇

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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