Ever since we dove into wedding photography, we’ve had this dream of shooting in Southern California. So many of the world’s best photographers live and work in California — from film photographers extraordinaire Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina, and Tanja Lippert to digital wizards Jasmine Star, Jessica Claire, and Mike Larson.

Well, we finally got to shoot in Southern California. And at the same time, we were learning from none other than Mike Larson.

This is the fabulous styled wedding shoot that took place at Villa Sevillano in Carpinteria, California.
The moment I shot my first frame, I realized it’s true: California photographers are blessed with the most divine light. It was simply surreal.Our models for the afternoon were our fellow photographers, Lukas and Suzy. And they were as adorable as couples come.
When we rounded the villa and walked down to the pool, the view was breathtaking. I had always shrugged off people who told me they loved Southern California — I know how beautiful the East Coast can be, so I assumed they were exaggerating. They weren’t. 
Suzy — you are so cute!
Being a part of this shoot was literally a dream come true. I hope all the California photographers realize what a wonderful thing they have going with their soft, romantic, clear West Coast light!

It wasn’t just the opportunity to photograph a wonderful couple in a stunning location that made this afternoon so special, though. Any time we get the chance to learn from a photographer we admire and respect, we’re beyond enthusiastic; simply watching Mike shoot, seeing the way he interacted with Suzy and Lukas, hearing how he runs portrait sessions at real weddings, was invaluable. We can’t wait to learn from him again in April at CONNECT.

And . . . we really can’t wait to get back to California.

And . . . we wouldn’t mind if it were for a real wedding next time!

~ Laura