San Elijo Hills Post-Wedding Session – {Adam + Peter} 2012-01-19

Adam is a very good friend of mine from High School.  He’s one of the few that I have kept in contact with consistently since we graduated.  He joined the Army after high school, where he met his love Peter. I won’t get in to their entire love story on this blog, but if interested you can read this awesome article that the Huffington Post did on their wedding & relationship.   These two were married back in October in Iowa and I wasn’t able to make the ceremony or reception.  When they came through SoCal a few weeks ago, I offered to take some “post-wedding” photos of them since they didn’t have professional ones done for their wedding!  This was my first time getting to meet Peter and I can tell he is the perfect match for Adam.  I love reading their blog and how they openly express their love for each other.  I’m so happy for my friend to have found true love!

Carmel Mountain Ranch CC Wedding – {Tim + Kelly} 2012-01-27

This wedding was one of those rare situations where I didn’t meet the bride and groom until the day of the wedding.  Kelly & Tim (and their families) immediately made me feel comfortable and included – ideal for capturing such a special day.  These two were surrounded by so much love and support, the reception (and especially the toasts) were highly emotional.  I may or may not have welled up a little bit.     Even their fur-baby Betsy got to be part of the ceremony!  She is extremely special to the couple.  This was my first wedding at CMRCC, I just love the tunnel they have as well as the windows in the reception area!  Gorgeous!

xo, Melissa

Ceremony & Reception: Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club
Photography: Melissa McClure Photography
Assistant Photographer: Mandi
Florist: Four Seasons Flowers
Officiant: Friend of the Family
Cake: Cute Cakes
DJ: Rob The DJ
Makeup: The Bride
Hair: Friend of the Family
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Macy’s
String Quartet: Vintage Strings

Los Penasquitos Canyon and Del Mar Beach Engagement – {Anna + Jim} 2012-02-02

 I met Jim and Anna for the first time at their shoot!  Anna had a clear idea of what she wanted for her shoot and I was so happy I was able to capture her vision.  The first half of the session, the open fields & greenery was for her.  Jim is more the beach guy.  These two had no problem showing affection in front of the camera!  It probably helps that they live on different sides of the country right now, with Jim stationed on the East Coast!  They treasure the small amount of time they get to see each other!

Mt Woodson Wedding, Ramona, CA – {Travis + Leanne} – Wedding by Mandi 2012-02-06

Photos by Mandi Contreras – Associate Photographer

 It’s so fun when I get to 2nd shoot for Mandi!  We always have fun working together.  Leanne & Travis were married on a warm Ramona afternoon at one of my favorite venues!  We got most of the photos done prior to the ceremony so they could join their guests earlier!  I adored their travel theme – Bethel even included some travel stories in their ceremony!  Brenda did an amazing job with the details, each table was a different place they have traveled!   You can see more details from the day on her blog!

I loved their first look, they were so excited to see each other!

Ceremony & Reception: Amy Strong Castle at Mt Woodson
Photography: Mandi with Melissa McClure Photography
Assistant Photographer: Melissa
Wedding Coordinator: Brenda from Swann Soirees
Caterer/tables/chairs: Personal Touch Dining
Florist: Poway Country Florist, arranged by Brenda Swann
Pies: Julian Apple Pie Company
DJ: Joe with JMC Events
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Audra Rene
Favors: Chuao Chocolates
Bride’s Dress: Allure from Bridals by Susanti
Bridesmaids dresses were picked by them from various stores
Groom/Groomsmen suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Photobooth: Starlight Photobooth
Mini Donuts: Sensational Treats

Mandi Contreras is an associate photographer for Melissa McClure Photography.  To contact her directly, email mandi@melissamcclure.com

Birth Photography – {Kapri Grace} 2012-02-10

January 25, 2012 – A couple weeks ago my good friend Eve gave birth to a beautiful little girl.  I was very lucky to have been invited to be there for her birth and capture the process.  This was the 2nd birth that I have photographed and I loved every minute of it.  The anticipation, the calm, the birth and the joy.  It’s extremely emotional.  Kapri arrived just after 3am after a (relatively) short labor for Eve.

Hope you enjoy a peek at the photos of Kapri’s birth.