Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer

Elegant Rancho Bernardo Inn Wedding Photos at One of San Diego’s Most Beautiful Venues

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:20:18 +0000

Some wedding days are beautiful because of the details. Others are beautiful because of the people.

This wedding at Rancho Bernardo Inn was special for both reasons.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that these two were the kind of couple everyone hopes to meet—warm, gracious, thoughtful, and completely devoted to one another. The way they treated their family, friends, and every member of their wedding team spoke volumes about who they are. Their kindness was evident in every interaction throughout the day.

And what’s even more special? The bride wore her mother’s original Galia Lahav wedding dress during her welcome party!

Nestled among the lush gardens and Spanish-inspired architecture of Rancho Bernardo Inn, their wedding felt intimate, elegant, and incredibly heartfelt. The venue’s timeless beauty provided the perfect backdrop, but it was the genuine joy shared between these two that truly made the day unforgettable.

One of my favorite parts of the day was simply watching them together. Whether they were exchanging quiet smiles during their portraits, holding hands during the ceremony, or laughing together on the dance floor, there was an ease and authenticity to their relationship that made every photograph feel effortless.

The ceremony was filled with emotion as family and friends gathered to celebrate a love story years in the making. There were tears, laughter, and countless meaningful moments that reminded everyone present what weddings are really about—not perfection, but connection.

As the sun began to set over Rancho Bernardo Inn, we explored the property for golden-hour portraits. The soft light filtering through the trees, combined with the venue’s beautiful grounds, created some truly magical moments. These are the photographs that will tell their story for decades to come.

The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, joyful celebration, and a packed dance floor. Everywhere you looked, there were people who genuinely loved this couple and were thrilled to celebrate alongside them.

As a wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to document beautiful weddings. But it’s even more meaningful when the couple at the center of it all are genuinely wonderful human beings. This Rancho Bernardo Inn wedding was a reminder that kindness, authenticity, and love never go out of style.

Planning: The Wedding Plan & Co

Wedding Gown: Galia Lahav

Floral: Elizabeth Grace Floral

Photography: Daniel Cruz

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A Timeless Love Story: Engagement Photos at Princeton University

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:18:02 +0000

Princeton University has quickly become one of my favorite locations to take engagement session photos. Everywhere you look there is history unlike any other campus I’ve been to. Dating all the way back to 1746, you can sense all of the history and greatness that has walked these grounds.

When Mike and Sara chose their alma mater, Princeton, as their location for photos, I couldn’t have been more excited kick off such a great friendship with this amazing couple. This couple connected over their love for sports and met while in the same eating club.

In case you missed it, you can see their Bourne Mansion wedding photos here. I truly love this couple so much!

The post A Timeless Love Story: Engagement Photos at Princeton University first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Newport Beach Engagement Photos on a Sailboat | Elegant Ocean Love Story

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:47:17 +0000

There is no one quite like Mike + Gabrielle – two of the sweetest souls you could meet

Mike + Gabrielle decided on a romantic sunset sailing engagement session around Newport Beach, with a bottle of Veuve and a couple of champagne glasses to celebrate the evening.

Being on a sailboat for a shoot makes sessions so much fun because of the challenge of a moving, limited-space setting. We managed to capture several looks and ended the night cutting through the peaceful bay. I couldn’t have asked for a more fun engagement session on the water, and I’m looking forward to their wedding at Serendipity Gardens later this year!

A sailing engagement session isn’t just about the setting—it’s about the experience.

Movement creates natural emotion — wind, water, and motion bring photos to life
Elevated & unique — far less common than standard beach sessions
Intimate atmosphere — just you, your partner, and the open ocean
Luxury aesthetic — clean lines, textures, and tones feel effortlessly high-end

It’s the perfect choice for couples who want something refined, cinematic, and slightly adventurous.

The post Newport Beach Engagement Photos on a Sailboat | Elegant Ocean Love Story first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Romantic Sunset Monalisa Wedding Photography Cabo San Lucas | Luxury Destination Wedding

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:50:20 +0000

A luxury seaside wedding in cabo filled with so many emotional moments…

Reggie and Deana are quite possibly the sweetest couple I’ve worked with, and it was such an experience in Cabo with them for their wedding day at Sunset Monalisa Cabo. Deana’s Berta gown was a showstopper, and Reggie’s tux set the tone for an elegant evening with family and friends, complete with fireworks!

This was the first time I experienced the beauty of Sunset Monalisa & Garza Blanca Hotel and I could not have asked for a better wedding weekend with the legendary coordinators from Momentos Weddings.

What’s more, is the immense honor of having this wedding featured on Wezoree!

The post Romantic Sunset Monalisa Wedding Photography Cabo San Lucas | Luxury Destination Wedding first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Elegant Bourne Mansion Wedding, Long Island

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:02:49 +0000

Mike And Sara danced the night away under the great ballroom of bourne mansion…

Mike and Sara have become such wonderful friends of ours, and it all started with their engagement session at Princeton University. Since the first moment I met them, it felt like family and I couldn’t have been more grateful to be a part of their Bourne Mansion wedding.

Every detail and moment was incredible, and their friends and families showed out for one of the most energetic, and beautiful weddings I’ve ever photographed. And since this wedding, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph Mike and Sara for their pregnancy announcement and, most recently, their first family of 3 photoshoot! Enjoy this timeless wedding at Long Island’s historical Bourne Mansion.

The post Elegant Bourne Mansion Wedding, Long Island first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Stylish Madison Hotel New Jersey Wedding

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 22:01:14 +0000

Designed by Sir Christopher in the late 17th century

The cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its towering dome, which dominates the London skyline, has been a symbol of the city for centuries. For couples looking for an awe-inspiring backdrop, St. Paul’s Cathedral offers unparalleled grandeur and elegance. The exterior of St. Paul’s Cathedral is a sight to behold, with its impressive columns, intricate carvings, and stately steps leading up to the main entrance. These steps are particularly popular for wedding photography, providing a dramatic and majestic setting. The area around the cathedral also offers various angles and perspectives, allowing photographers to capture both the grandeur of the building and the intimate moments of the couple.

The post Stylish Madison Hotel New Jersey Wedding first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Sunset Monalisa & Acre Luxury Wedding, Cabo San Lucas

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:14:48 +0000

An extraordinary destination wedding in cabo san lucas, at Sunset Monalisa & Acre…

Alana & Nick had the most perfect destination rehearsal dinner and wedding for their close family and friends, at Acre & Sunset Monalisa. The weekend started with a welcome brunch for Alana and her bridesmaids, followed by a beautiful rehearsal dinner at Acre. The music and vibe was just immaculate, and a perfect experience to welcome their guests with. The following wedding day at Sunset Monalisa was breathtaking. From the ocean views to the gorgeous floral design and tablescapes – this was the best I’ve seen. And the fireworks during Alana & Nick’s first dance? It just doesn’t get better!

Together, Acre and Sunset Monalisa complimented each other so well, spanning the aesthetic from a Mexican desert, to the most serene ocean views. I love these destination-type weddings so much, because usually they are more intimate and give the wedding couple a greater amount of free time to spend with loved ones.

The whole weekend was coordinated and planned by Cynthia of Vivid Occasions and was absolutely seamless and breathtaking.

The post Sunset Monalisa & Acre Luxury Wedding, Cabo San Lucas first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Timeless High Line & Central Park Engagement

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:57:22 +0000

A beautiful evening for engagement photos in central park and high line…

Alex & William’s engagement session started at on a quiet Central Park day, where the sun came out to meet us just so perfectly. We spent some time going to their favorite spots, reminiscing on how they met, and laughing our way through Bethesda Fountain while music from nearby buskers filled the air. Hopping off the subway, we strolled on through to the High Line, but not before a quick outfit change that put the cherry on top for this evening. As the city transitioned into night, I couldn’t help but document how romantic everything felt for these stunning souls. This has quickly become one of my favorite engagement sessions because of how effortless their love and willingness to be in the moment was.

Shot on Leica cameras.

The post Timeless High Line & Central Park Engagement first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Romantic Exclusive Hotel Corazón Mallorca Wedding

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:22:24 +0000

an intimate, intentional and unforgettable wedding weekend in mallorca

Natazia and Jenna chose the imcomparable Hotel Corazón to host a wedding weekend for their closest friends and family. Each day was an experience, starting with a welcome dinner to ease the jet lag. Then there was a sun-filled pool day to celebrate their wedding day to follow. And by the time their wedding day came, their friends and family had settled into the Mallorcan lifestyle of being in the moment and taking everything slow.

The food and flowers were sourced from Hotel Corazón’s property, and the night went on well into the early morning hours.
I’ll truly never forget meeting these girls on a plane, and sparking a conversation about the wedding they dreamed up. They stuck to their vision all the way through, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have photographed their wedding, and the first ever wedding (possibly only) wedding at Hotel Corazón, Mallorca.

Images shot with Leica cameras & Yashica T4.

The post Romantic Exclusive Hotel Corazón Mallorca Wedding first appeared on Daniel Cruz | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer + Destination Wedding Photographer.

Feel Good, Rare Moments From Rancho Las Lomas Wedding

daniel@danielcruzphoto.com — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:18:01 +0000

Rachel and Michael were finally able to have their intimate Rancho Las Lomas wedding day after postponing their date twice, due to Covid. The day started with so much excitement as they prepared for the most epic celebration hidden away in the hills of Orange County. Rancho Las Lomas is such a gem for weddings, with so many beautiful hidden scenes around every corner. It has become my favorite wedding venue here in Southern California!

Planning: Monge Amore Events // Venue: Rancho Las Lomas // Floral: The Tangled Vine

Hair: Bibbidy Bobbidy Beauty // Makeup: Alex Maestre // Officiant: Great Officiants

Catering: 24 Carrots // Cake: Plumeria Cake Studio // Gown: Essense of Australia // Suit: Grooms Grotto

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