ENGAGING MEMORIES

From the minute the groom-to-be pops the question to the final moment of the honeymoon, each betrothed couple is building their book of wedding memories. And from engagement on, wedding photographers are at the ready to offer assistance in capturing these precious moments and memories on film.

"I always encourage an engagement session," says San Diego photographer Cary Pennington, who shot his first wedding in 2001. "Some couples might not think it’s that important, but it’s a chance for the three of us to get to know each other. I see their personalities and see their chemistry together and they can see how I work."

In order to help couples express their personalities through photography, Pennington begins by helping them select a meaningful location for their engagement session.

"I get a lot of people who want the beach, but I try to feel them out and see what they like to do. Maybe they really are beach people, but maybe they’re more urban and like to hang out at a coffee shop or club," he says. If that’s the case, I’ll go down to the Gaslamp Quarter to get an urban feel to the photos that matches their personality and puts them in their element."

Pennington also uses moments in the couple’s relationship to make the perfect photographic match.

"It might be the spot where the groom proposed or it was a first date," he says. "I try to get that information to see if that’s a great place to do their engagement session and bring them back to that moment in time."

Finally, when it comes to the actual "I do" moment in time, Pennington continues to focus on the comfort level of each couple in order to produce photographs that will serve as everlasting memories of their special day.

"My personality is to get people to feel as comfortable as possible and to do certain things to make their pictures look amazing," he says. "I really want them to feel comfortable with themselves; otherwise it will show in the photos."

For more information about Cary Pennington Photography, call 858-245-6623 or visit www.carypenningtonphotography.com.

    
 
 
   
   


A HAWAIIAN-STYLE WEDDING CONSULTATION

If you’re thinking of planning a destination wedding, there may be no better destination than the tropical Hawaiian shores. Planning from across the Pacific need not be any more difficult than choosing a local spot, thanks to the wedding consultants at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Honolulu. All wedding ceremonies at the luxurious Kahala include a consultation and planning session with the oceanfront property’s event service manager, who offers the most comprehensive planning package, including everything from minister to menu, ring to reception — all that’s left for you to do is show up. A digital guest registry will allow guests to record memories for the happy couple.

For more information, call 808-739-8715 or visit www.kahalaresort.com.

    
     
   


FINISHING TOUCHES:
ROOM TO REGISTER

If you’re looking at your registry and thinking you just don’t know what you’ll do with another pot or pan, step out of the kitchen and into the bedroom. Since 1963, Everett Stunz has been San Diego’s premier linen shopping destination, offering all the luxury bedding and bath essentials you need to build your dream boudoir.

To set up an Everett Stunz wedding registry, visit www.everettstunz.com.