Carmen Lopez Photography

09/19/2023

We're back with more pics from this amazing morning, featuring sweet ceremony moments, family toasts, and a group portrait inspired in the style of Slim Aarons.

What made this day extra special was how Zack and Jose communicated their vision, their priorities, and what inspired them. They let me run with it. They trusted me completely to adapt their vision in a way that felt honest and genuine.

Trust means everything in photography. It lets us tell your story authentically and allows you to relax without worrying about details. By giving your trust to us, you free yourself from the burden of control and expectation, leaving yourself no where to be besides right where you are.

Your wedding day is full of anticipation, you deserve to be present for it. And in return, *p**f* you get photos that feel real, beautiful, and let you relive the day over and over.

08/11/2023

First roll of summer film feels. Taken with c + n 📷

08/09/2023

Stop what you’re doing and look how beautiful this wedding was…

In all seriousness, this was such a fun day with such good people. There were laughs, there were tears, and there were ripped pants (swipe to the end for context).

Nick and Chelsie, you two are gems. Thank you for allowing me to capture something so special. And Nick, I have never seen a groom more committed to his first dance. You win everything (and were such a good sport!)

08/07/2023

7 years ago I picked up a camera searching for a creative release from being waist deep in the world of grad school and therapy.

This photo was taken during my first full wedding season after.

Every time I see it I’m taken back to those early feelings of infatuation. That “oh my god I can’t believe I get to do this” kind of feeling.

7 years later, I still can’t believe I get to witness these moments. I don’t know man… a lot changes in 7 years but to know that photos can bring you right back to a moment and a feeling, that’s pretty powerful stuff.

06/28/2023

1. Ashley’s immaculate vibes
2. Tears, tears, and more tears
3. Grandma says hello
4. A & D walk away from portraits and into their reception

Just to name a few of the hundreds of favorite moments from Ashley and Dane’s wedding day this past spring

06/28/2023

1. Ashley’s immaculate vibes
2. Tears, tears, and more tears
3. Grandma says hello
4. A & D walk away from portraits and into their reception

Just to name a few of the hundred of favorite moments from Ashley and Dane’s wedding day this past spring

05/24/2023

Friends getting married is fun. Objectively a FANTASTIC time.

Still beaming over this day with Lindsey and Michael at the San Diego Botanic Gardens 🌱

04/28/2023

Kaylee and Susannah reached out to schedule maternity photos while on their babymoon in Palm Springs. It was so important to them that these photos didn’t feel too traditional, or stuffy, and hearing that was music to my ears.

We had so much fun running around the desert at truly the perfect time… CHECK OUT THOSE BLOOMS.

I can’t thank these two enough for trusting me with their vision, and here’s to much more frolicking around Palm Springs in all of our futures.

04/24/2023

A little film from Jaime and Calvin’s elopement in San Francisco ✨

04/17/2023

It seems fitting that with Coachella this past weekend, I take this as an excuse to post more from Trisha and Ray’s Palm Springs engagement session as we gear up for their Coachella themed wedding this fall. I AM SO EXCITED.

03/27/2023

Last week with J & C at the most beautiful city hall in the country…

I have been dreaming of photographing an elopement at the San Francisco city hall for so long, and I was so honored when Jaime and Calvin reached out and asked me to photograph their elopement there.

We arrived bright and early to play in the architecture and create some of my favorite portraits to date. After 10 years together, they then got married on top of the courthouse steps in front of their family, and it was perfect.

03/15/2023

And now, more previews from Tim and Marina’s weekday elopement in Palm Springs…

After getting ready at the beautiful Alcazar hotel; Tim, Marina, and family had an intimate ceremony in a valley with a view of the snowy mountaintops.

It was serene and magical, and the most intimate way to begin their next chapter together.

Planning: +

01/20/2023

I am 100% considering doing pet portrait days…

01/09/2023

I’m noticing my photography evolving into something I’m really proud of, and that’s a great feeling.

01/02/2023

Sometimes you have photos that immediately become your favorite. These are some of those photos.

12/27/2022

More scenes from a beautiful day in Palm Springs with Sarah and Alex ✨

10/24/2022

The sneakiest sneak peeks from the most beautiful session with Sufi and Anjali featuring these STUNNING pieces from . I am so excited to finish edits from this gorgeous day this week, and grateful for the full circle moment that allowed us to finally work together 💫

p.s. bonus points if you can spot the peacock strutting through in the last photo

06/15/2022

Oh hunny did we have some fun with this one! Alyssa & Sean got married this past weekend at Ole Hanson Beach Club, and to say it was a colorful dreamboat of a wedding wouldn’t even do it justice.

A huge shoutout to the lovely vendors who brought Alyssa and Sean’s vision to life, you absolutely nailed it.

Planning:
Florals: sirenfloralco
Venue:
DJ:
H&MUA:
Photo Booth:
Cake:
Catering:

06/03/2022

This past Wednesday with Julie, Zane, & Elvis…

When Julie and Zane reached out to me about their Joshua Tree elopement, I knew immediately this was going to be a match made in heaven.

Julie and Zane got ready at the most beautiful AirBnb in Joshua Tree , and started the day by the pool with some bevies. Shortly afterwards they took their vintage rental to Cap Rock in Joshua Tree, where Elvis made his entrance and serenaded them through their ceremony.

We spent sunset, creating images that felt like they were straight out of a movie and I am SO incredibly excited about them. Thank you Julie and Zane for being such lovely people, and planning your day with so much integrity and space for creative freedom, it was truly a joy to work with you.

05/26/2022

Coming down from such an anticipated weekend, and 100% worth every second of the wait. Todd and Brittany tied the knot in their 2 day celebration last weekend in Malibu, and it was for lack of a better word- epic.

They started the celebrations with a traditional Sangeet; a night filled with henna, performances, and a surprise dance from Todd’s groomsmen. The photo says it all 😉

Day two, these two and their people got married at the beautiful Calamigos ranch, and it was everything 💃🏻

Todd and Brittany, I am so happy for you both and felt so honored to have been along for the ride, congrats you two!

Planning/ coordination: &
Photo:
Video:
HMUA:
Rentals:
Venue:
Flowers:

03/19/2021

Meet one of my recommended wedding vendors! On the blog today we're interviewing Nicole from Nicole Burbank Events and chatting about all things wedding florals. Check it out!

Finding the right wedding florist can be a tricky process! We interviewed SoCal wedding florist, Nicole Burbank, to answer all of your burning wedding floral questions.

03/01/2021

Everyone who knows San Diego has heard of Sunset Cliffs, so here's the perfect way to check out one of my favorite spots for weddings.

Michael and Lindsey's gorgeous intimate wedding at Luscomb's Point is on the blog!

https://www.carmenlopezphotography.com/blog/luscombs-point-wedding-photography

Lindsey and Michael quickly pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to still have the wedding of their dreams, and if this Luscombs Point Wedding photography shows anything, it’s that there’s still love and beauty in the craziest of times.

02/22/2021

Laurel and Jordan's wedding at Paradisus Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico has been blogged! Can't wait for more days like these in the future.

Capturing Laurel and Jordan’s destination wedding in San Jose del Cabo in Mexico was a dream come true! Take a look at their stunning destination wedding photography here on the blog.

02/12/2021

For all of you planning your weddings and googling the "top questions you should ask your wedding photographer", let me tell ya... a lot of those questions are pretty pointless. Check out this blog post with 5 questions that will help you get to know who you're hiring.

You’re engaged!! Now what? Time to find your wedding photographer! Take a look at the top 5 questions to ask any potential wedding photographer before hiring them for your big day.

02/08/2021

These gorgeous people are blogged! We started their session in the Nike store where they met, and then took it to the streets of Encinitas to celebrate. Go check it out!

These two love birds met while working at a Nike Outlet, so naturally we started off their San Diego Engagement Photography there. Take a look at these stunning Southern California Engagement photos by Carmen Lopez Photography!

01/25/2021

My first full studio session is blogged!!! Clarisse and Steph have become fast friends, and I'm so grateful we had the opportunity to get creative. If you want a little denim blast from the past, or just to creep more on these hunnies; you know where to look.

The Gap inspired couple’s session of my dreams. Take a look at Clarisse and Steph’s amazing studio couple’s session at Gud Times studio in San Diego, now on the blog!

12/10/2020

Advice for couples from couples: Downsizing your wedding in the age of CoVid. Take a look and share with anyone who may need it

Trying to figure out how to downsize your wedding during the age of COVID? Take a look at some amazing advice from couples who have gone through it!

11/03/2020

And this is what we call a BEAUTIFUL pivot. These two exchanged on the front steps of their first home together. If you want to see an epic porch transformation, give her a click.

This year has been a doozy for everyone, but this sweet SoCal couple took the bull by the horns for their big day! Take a look at Kassandra and Michael’s Intimate Southern California Wedding, photographed by Carmen Lopez Photography.

09/21/2020

Dusting off my FB page with this goodness from Joshua Tree last week. Happy monday folks!

07/29/2020

The era of intimate weddings has begun, and Kassandra and Michael are a BEAUTIFUL example of what transforming your home into your wedding venue could be. They exchanged vows on their front porch among their families and shared their first dance in the dining room of their home. It was perfect.

02/06/2020

This day holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons, but the main one is that two strangers at the time volunteered to hop in front of my camera on a whim.
This led to one of the most intentional and beautiful days I could have ever asked to capture.

I used to look at Junebug years ago and only dream of seeing a wedding I photographed on there, much less one that was so rooted in cultivating community. I will always be grateful for this opportunity, and I am so excited to share it is on Junebug now, so feel free to read more about the meaning behind it.

Kaitlyn and Alex threw a wedding weekend festival in the woods, and yes, it’s just as amazing as it sounds. A secluded ceremony surrounded by trees, a barefoot first dance, and night portraits under the stars await you on the blog 😌🌿 → https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/earthy-rustic-kirkwood-california-wedding-the-hideout

Photography – Carmen Lopez Photography
Event Planning – Graceful Eventing
Wedding Venue – The Hideout
Floral Design – Millie Butler Designs
Catering – Eats Cooking Co.
Cake – Kelli’s Cakes
DJ – DJ Brock & Steele Weddings
Program Design – Kayla Phanxx
Videography – Jay and Mack Films
Stationery – aardvark letterpress
Wedding Dress – Grace Loves Lace
Bridal Jewelry – Opal Milk
Rings – Heidi Gibson Design

08/10/2019

It has been a hot minute Facebook, but I promise I won't do you no wrong. We're in the midst of wedding season and there is so much goodness to share like this wedding from Tahoe last weekend. HELLO.

07/02/2019

It was a colorful, incredible, celebratory, rowdy kinda day. I am so grateful to have been a part of it.

06/18/2019

I'm a little gaga about this L.A. wedding from yesterday.

06/05/2019

Sent out Jenae Lovercamp + Cody Hulsey preview gallery from this past weekend today and SO IN LOVE WITH IT gahhhh. Congrats cuties!

05/23/2019

Alright I'll say it... I'm actually grateful for all the rain in SoCal this year because at least it's given us flowers like these. hubba hubba.