Kaysha Weiner Photographer » Blog

Vendor Spotlight: Agape Planning

Kaysha — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:34:48 +0000

I adore the ladies of Agape Planning. Not only are they incredibly talented, organized and experienced, but they are a joy to work with! Whenever I have a wedding with them, I know my couples are getting the absolute best, and that every detail will be taken care of. With Agape’s shiny new website it seems the perfect time to introduce you to their new look, and learn a bit more about why these ladies are truly the best of the best.

Check out more of Agape Plannings work on Katy and Chris’ Nixon Library Wedding.

Tell us a little bit about how you got started in weddings?

Ashley started planning weddings and special events with her own, over 12 years ago. From there it just blossomed into a business.. Laurin was actually a former Agape Planning Bride, who go “bit” by the love for planning weddings.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Ever-changing, passionate and articulate. We love assisting our clients in devising a scheme and flow to their weddings that is completely unique to them.

What inspires you?

Wow, that’s a tough question. But here goes: our family, friends, God, nature, and of course other talented people who love what they do.

What do you love about weddings?

Being able to take a Bride’s vision, and turn it into their reality, knowing they will enjoy their day from start to finish. Working with amazing vendors, and having a team I adore.

What are the most important factors couples should consider when choosing a florist?

They should click with the planner and know this person genuinely wants what is best for them, even when it means telling the client something they don’t want to hear, but what is best for them and their special day. Someone who is passionate and extremely organized, with several years of experience. Why take a chance on your “one day” with someone freshly out the gate in the planning world. Mistakes and accidents shouldn’t be seen, but handled in the “background.”

What sets you apart from others in your field?

Our passion and talent for what we do, our years of experience, and of course our extremely satisfied customers and venues that refer our services.

What advice do you have for newly engaged couples?

Set a budget, be realistic about your expectations for that budget, and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to the extras, because there are always going to be extras. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if you upgraded the napkins, added that extra ceremony floral design, or had 3 kinds of cake. What matters is that you married your best friend and didn’t break the bank to make it happen…

Find out more about Agape Planning

Web: www.agapeplanning.com | Blog: www.agapeplanning.com/blog | Facebook: Agape Facebook Page

Cloudy Rancho Palos Verde Engagement Shoot: Michelle + Gabriel

Kaysha — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:53:58 +0000

Engagement shoots make me extra excited for wedding days, especially when the wedding day is only a few weeks away! On the day of their engagement session the coast line was socked in with overcast skies (thank you June gloom), making for extra creamy light and a soft beach glow. I absolutely adored getting to spend this time with Michelle and Gabriel, and we didn’t miss the sun one bit!

Take a peak into their shoot with a few of my MANY favorites…

Colorful San Juan Capistrano Engagement Shoot: Natalie + Ryan

Kaysha — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:49:24 +0000

Meeting a couple on the day of their engagement shoot can be a little nerve wracking, but within minutes I knew our time together was gonna be pretty epic. First of all Natalie and Ryan are beyond sweet and fun. It also didn’t hurt that they are absolutely beautiful people, inside and out. Since I’ve spent a good amount of time exploring San Juan Capistrano I wanted to challenge myself to shoot in different places within the city, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Join me in congratulating these love birds, and here are a few of my favorite frames from their beautiful engagement shoot!

Yellow and Grey DIY Wedding: Liz + Eric

Kaysha — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:48:54 +0000

Some weddings have it all: beautiful couple, killer team of vendors, awesome decor, and stunning location. Liz and Eric’s wedding had all those things and so much more! At the end of the night I actually found myself a little sad it was over, which in my opinion is the sign of a VERY successful wedding.

Liz worked for months on every detail of their wedding, and with the help of Agape Planning transformed Coto Valley Country Club one pinwheel at a time. With yellow and grey accents, mismatched bridesmaid dresses and shabby chic touches, their big day was nothing short of perfection.

Even with all the beautiful details, my favorite part was watching Liz and Eric become Mr. and Mrs. They are so completely in love, and such a great match for one another. I’m so thankful I got to be part of their wedding, and here are a few (okay a lot) of my favorite moments. Congrats again Liz and Eric, I wish you a life together as beautiful as your wedding day! xoxo

Reason #728491 why I love when couples choose to do a first look…

Out of the Office: Cabo San Lucas

Kaysha — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:43:14 +0000

Before my busy wedding season kicks into high gear, I managed to squeeze a mini vacation into the books and I’m super excited for our trip South of the boarder to Cabo San Lucas!

So with that, I wanted to remind everyone that I will be out of the office until May 28th. During this time I will have limited access to email, but I’ll be in touch once I return early next week.

I hope everyone has an amazing Memorial Day Weekend, full of good food, family, and friends!

Source: Cabo San Lucas Beaches

Flirty and Fun Garden Engagement Shoot: Aubrey + Eric

Kaysha — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:21:38 +0000

I always enjoy meeting new people and photographing in a new locations, so Aubrey and Eric’s engagement shoot at the South Coast Botanic Garden was really the best of both worlds. Although we had only talked on the phone, I felt instantly at ease when I finally met them in person. They are relaxed, a bit silly, stylish, and completely in love – all the perfect ingredients for an epic engagement shoot.

This was such a fun afternoon and I’m completely smitten with the results. Thanks for the awesome shoot Aubrey and Eric, and I cannot wait for your wedding in July – yay!

My Paleo Challenge

Kaysha — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:47:01 +0000

2013 has already been a huge year for change, both personally and professionally. To start this will be my first year as a married woman, I started eating meat again after being a pescetarian for 6 years, and I’m concentrating a lot of my energy on living a more balanced life in general. This means kicking my workaholic tendencies to the side, working smarter – not harder, returning to CrossFit, and eating food that fuels my body the right way.

I’ve seen many people in our CrossFit community benefit from a paleo lifestyle, so last week John and I decided to take the plunge and really commit to eating paleo 98% of the time. This is a HUGE change for us, but I know it’s going to be for the best and I’ve been having fun experimenting with paleo versions of my favorite treats, like muffins and ice cream.

Source: The Paleo Diet Cookbook

I know many people are interested in this way of eating, which can also be gluten, grain, dairy, and sugar free. I’ve been pinning up a storm on my paleo pinterest board, so head on over there for some easy and yummy recipes. I’ll also be instagraming a few meals throughout the week, so be sure to follow me there for all the day to day paleo meals.

So what are your thoughts? Would you give paleo a try?

“It’s a Girl!” Maternity Shoot: Angela + Greg

Kaysha — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:24:41 +0000

I adore people who love photos! Angela and Greg are the best at documenting their life with photos, and it’s been incredible to watch their relationship evolve over the years. So when Angela wanted to do a shoot to reveal the gender of their first child, I was beyond excited. Not just for a fun shoot, but because Angel and Greg are going to make SUCH amazing parents! They are two of the kindest people I know, and I cannot wait to meet to meet their little girl this fall! Congrats you two!! xoxo

Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara Wedding: Maribeth + Scott

Kaysha — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:47:05 +0000

Spend just a few minutes with Maribeth and Scott and you’ll quickly see what amazing people they are. They are fun, kind, generous and beautiful, both inside and out. Their loved ones traveled to Santa Barbara for their wedding weekend full of dinners, dancing, and overflowing support for their nuptials.

A confetti wedding cake, gold number balloons and richly beautiful florals by Blue Magnolia Events. These are just a few of the many elements that made Maribeth and Scott’s wedding refined with a playful twist. Lydia Ross Events did a stunning job bringing the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club to life with her planning and design. This day was a photographers dream, and I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful setting for Maribeth and Scott to tie the knot.

Join me in wishing them a heartfelt congratulations and a life time a love!

Planning + Design: Lydia Ross Taplett of Lydia Ross Events | Flowers: Kerstin Horneman of Blue Magnolia Events | Stationery: Leslie Lewis Sigler of Lilly & Louise | Ceremony: El Montecito Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Four Seasons/The Biltmore for Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club | Videography: Ryan Davis of Cloudless Weddings | Hair + Makeup: TEAM Hair & Makeup | Photo Booth: Smilebooth LA | Cocktail Music: West Coast Music | Reception Music: DJ Akorn of Gavin Roy Presents | Transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley and Santa Barbara Airbus

Newport Coast Estate Engagement Shoot: Tara + Christian

Kaysha — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:38:35 +0000

I love photographing couples in love, but when I’ve known that couple for many years it makes my job even more fun. Tara and Christian are awesome! They are always the life of the party and both seem to have a constant smile on their face.

I was beyond thrilled when Tara asked me to photograph their e-session, and consider it a huge honor when a friend asks me to be part of their big day! This shoot was especially exciting because we shot at a stunning private home in Newport Coast. I could have easily shot at this home for the entire day, there was so much beautiful architecture!

I cannot wait for their wedding on the Queen Mary later this year, but in the meantime here are just a few of my favorites from their engagement.