Monday, October 19, 2009

WE'VE MOVED!!!

You've just stumbled across our old blog! But not to worry, you can find our new blog with all of the latest weddings and news at www.rain-studios.com/blog or by clicking here! There, you'll find our work in a massive 800-pixel wide HD player along with much larger images from the photographers we work with!

We look forward to seeing you there and hearing from you soon!

- Josh Morris

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Adriana & Steve Hin - August 1, 2009

Whoa!!! This wedding was HUGE! As most people know (or have experienced), planning a wedding is usually no walk in the park. Now imagine planning a wedding for nearly 700 people! Well, that's just what Adriana and Steve did, and with the help of Patrice, they made it look easy.

There was standing room only as the two exchanged vows at St. Paul's in Pismo Beach and yet, Adriana and Steve seemed completely immune to it - locked into the gaze of the other - as though they were the only ones in the sanctuary.

After the ceremony we followed Cameron and Cameron (Cameron's assistant... I know, it got confusing) down to a small beach in Pismo where Adriana fearlessly braved the rocks and led us into a photo session of epic proportions. From the wind gently blowing Adriana's veil across the lenses of our cameras to the electric blue sky and foamy ocean, I couldn't stop recording. Scorsese would have been jealous. Okay, maybe not, but it was "movie magic." Let's just leave it at that. ;-)

From there, Elegant Image's Denali took the couple back to the Madonna Expo Center for their massive reception where a Mariachi band, self-serve candy bar, photo booth, and over 600 friends and family members eagerly awaited their arrival. From there, not one... not two... but three DJ's spun the music into the night.

Elegant Details blew my mind yet again... Ricardo and Susana are today's van Gogh... but with flowers instead of paint brushes... Every time I get to see their work, I'm totally floored. Kramer Entertainment accented their floral arrangements with an arsenal of pink lighting.

All in all, this day was off the hook! I hope you enjoy catching a glimpse into the crazy-awesome magnitude of this wedding!



Cameron Ingalls is one of my favorite photographers. His gift and passion for what he does rocks my face off. Below are some of my favorites.

Ever wondered what a reception for over 600 people looks like? Look no further.

Adriana already looked stunning, but she took it to a whole new level when she rocked the Dior sunglasses Steve gave her.

Looks can be deceiving. Behind those sunglasses and tough stares are some of the coolest guys you'll ever meet.

Like I said. He has a gift. In the blip of a second, Cameron captures the love and personalities of his subject. Of course, Adriana and Steve make that task a little easier...

So cool. After several flights of stairs and a trek over some rocks, the wind started playing with Adriana's veil, making for some unbelievable footage.

Adriana and Steve, thank you so much for the joy of sharing in your wedding day. It was a pleasure getting to capture it all through the lens of a camera. Best wishes!



Thursday, August 27, 2009

Lisa & Bradley Daughtry - July 11, 2009

Lisa and Brad had such an amazing wedding! The day started at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria near the airport. While we were there, we grabbed some amazing footage of Lisa and her bridesmaids getting ready. They looked incredible! After Lisa had gotten into her dress, her mother, Helen, helped place the veil. The two silently shared a teary moment of joy and I felt honored to be part of such a beautiful exchange.

From there, we made our way to St. Louis de Montfort Church for a traditional wedding ceremony. Beneath the church's heavenward stretching arches, the couple exchanged vows and were whisked away by Elegant Image's Denali limo to Shell Beach, where we enjoyed a more private photo shoot. This made for some amazing footage! Thanks to Jennifer and Tim from Artisan Photography for choreographing some stunning moments!

Finally, we jammed back to The Santa Maria Elks Lodge where a Vegas-themed reception hall awaited our arrival. The pink-colored motif was set by Ricardo and Susana's always phenomenal work from Elegant Details. I will never tire of trying to take in their jaw-dropping arrangements.

From start to finish, this was one spectacular day! I hope you enjoy sharing in these moments.

As I mentioned earlier, working with Jennifer and Tim from Artisan Photography was such a blast. It's always fun working with people who love their craft as much as I love mine. Below are some of my favorites.


Joyful emotions were full swing. Here, Helen and Lisa share a tear-filled moment of happiness and excitement.

Sealing their vows with a kiss!

We stumbled across this cave while shooting on the beach. Definitely fun...

...but not nearly as fun as Brad and Lisa's first dance! The choreography was insane! Brad (and Lisa, too), madstyle props for working out an amazing number!

Lisa and Brad, thank you for the opportunity to share in your special day. It was such a pleasure capturing every moment! I have nothing but best wishes for you both!

Barbara & Alexander Asper-Nelson - June 27, 2009

It's amazing how two people can be so perfect for each other.

That was my first thought when Barbara and Alexander met with me in our studio. And as their wedding day unfolded, I was only more sure of the fact. Their love for each other and their family and friends was very cool to watch.

Set overlooking the harbor from Morro Bay Inn's balcony, Barbara and Alexander said "I do" under an archway of the most brilliant orange and blue flower arrangement I've ever seen. We actually had the opportunity to stream the ceremony live, so that friends and family on the other side of the country could "be there." Technology is so cool!

Talk about a reception! Barbara and Alexander know how to throw a party! The dancing started and just didn't stop. Hats off to AMS Entertainment for keeping things rolling, even when the power wouldn't cooperate (a generator actually had to be fired up mid-reception to keep the party going).

I think the trailer speaks for itself, so enjoy!


Barbara and Alexander, I wish you both the best in your new life together as husband and wife!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Kristina & Marc Meinecke - June 26, 2009

Kristina and Marc were married on the Morro Strand State Beach on California's Central Coast. With some of their closest friends and family, they shared an intimate setting that truly revealed their love for each other. Kristina got ready at La Bellasera in Paso Robles, while the always awesome Sarah Angelique coordinated flowers, locations, vendors and the million other critical details that go into the perfect wedding.

It was so much fun getting to be a part of this special day and I hope you enjoy getting a small glimpse into the highlights of this amazing couple's union.


Alex Creswell was their photographer and did an wonderful job capturing all of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Below are some of my favorites.

Kristina and her bridesmaids looking amazing. I loved the contrast between the reds and yellows in the bouquets and the blue dresses. Great choice!

Here's a quick glimpse of the ceremony. With a nearly empty beach, the waves seemed to be offering a non-stop ovation for the two. :-)

The Morro Bay Rock stood as a witness as Kristina and Marc sealed their vows with a kiss.

After the ceremony, we made our way north to the Cayucos pier. A quick photo session made for some very special and stunningly beautiful moments.

Kristina and Marc, thank you for letting me share in your wedding day! I wish only the best as you journey through this crazy thing called life as husband and wife. May the adventures be many, the joys deep, the trials strengthening and the love lasting. Congratulations!!!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Elizabeth Loza & Joel Begleiter - June 20, 2009

Wow! No amount of pictures or video could really ever capture the entirety of this wedding. With Jenn Hocker from Allure, Liz and Joel arranged a wedding to remember. Set in the stunning grounds of Villa de Buena Vista, the couple said, "I do" under an arbor overlooking breathtaking views of rolling vineyards. As I ran around capturing every moment, I couldn't help but notice how perfect Liz and Joel are for each other. Their sense of humor and easy-going nature is totally contagious. This was only further confirmed when I met their family and friends who, at the drop of a hat, would do anything for them. They really do have some of the most amazing people in their lives!


Jennifer Roper came up from LA to shoot this wedding and did an amazing job! Below are some of my favorites.

So cool. I love the arrangement that wrapped the arbor. It's hard to find a more amazing backdrop than acres of vineyards drenched in the summer sun.

This picture so perfectly captures these two. They're so right for each other!

We didn't get much time for photos and video, but what little we had made for some amazing shots. Here, Liz and Joel make looking good seem easy. ;-)

After their ceremony, Beau from Kramer Entertainment kept the reception rollin' and Chef Charlie assembled a multi-course food and wine pairing that was unbelievable. From start to finish, this wedding was one for the books.

Liz and Joel, I wish you the best in your new life as a married couple. I have no doubts that you'll take the world by storm.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Derek & Katie Boydston - February 21, 2009

This was such a ridiculously amazing wedding! Without question, one of my favorite shoots to date. First, Katie and Derek are freakin' rockstars. No, wait. They're gorgeous and wickedly-fun freakin' rockstars. Then, I get to work with some of the best professionals in the industry like Cameron Ingalls, Sarah Angelique, Ricardo at Elegant Details and Sean at AMS. To top it all off, it was held at the Monarch Club in Nipomo - a place you have to see to truly believe. From the rock waterfalls to the see-through floors to the rolling greens and eucalyptus trees, this place had it going on! Below is the trailer from their day... it's a slight deviation from our more traditional style, but it's quickly becoming one of my very favorites. Enjoy!

Cameron Ingalls took the pictures below. This guy rocks my face off. Seriously, if you want some of the most amazing pictures you'll ever see, book Cameron. It was such a blast working with someone who loves what they do and does it on a whole new level. For more of these photos, you can check out his blog at www.cameroningalls.com/blog.


Katie looked stunning. Derek should be stoked out of his mind. ;-)

The man... the myth... the legend... Mr. Derek Boydston.

Ricardo and his team at Elegant Details did the floral arrangements. They were amazing!

Looks like one of my secrets is out... I broke out the crane (jib) for the ceremony. It made for a processional unlike any other.

Reverend Garrett Anderson officiated the wedding. A dove release mid-ceremony made for a very romantic touch.

For the first time... Mr. and Mrs. Boydston!

The wedding coordinator, Sarah Angelique, stands between Derek and Derek's best man/brother Chaz.

If you've seen the movie, "Step Brothers", then this just about sums it up.

Like I said, gorgeous and wickedly-fun freakin' rockstars!

Katie and Derek, you are both such awesome people. I have nothing but the best of wishes for the two of you and the baby-to-be. Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day!

John & Keri Johnston - February 15, 2009

John's father, Ian, made a last-minute call into our studio because several family members from England weren't able to make the trip out for the wedding.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet the couple until the day of the shoot, but when we did, I was stoked to get the chance to capture their special day.  With preparations at the Courtyard Marriott in Paso Robles, a spectacular ceremony at Meridian Winery, and a reception held in the barrel room, it's hard to imagine a more perfect way to celebrate a wedding.  Here are a few highlights of their preparations.


Jonathan at Bluephoto took the pictures below.  Enjoy!

John and his groomsmen kickin' it under a tree at the Courtyard Marriott in Paso Robles.

The ceremony was held in the barrel room of Meridian Winery. As you can see it was very cool.

The barrels made for an awesome backdrop!

This was the first time I had ever seen a toast quite like this before.  Based on an old tradition and story, John and Keri raced to finish their side of the toasting cup first to determine who would claim total authority in their marriage.  Obviously John was at a bit of a disadvantage. ;-)

John and Keri, thank you for letting me share in your wedding day.  Best wishes as you continue on in life together!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Hayden & Melissa Butler - December 20, 2008

I had done it once before, but completely forgot how difficult it is to shoot a wedding that you're in.  Earlier this year, my younger brother and his fiancĂ© asked that I video their ceremony and be the best man.  Seeing that it could, in fact, be done, my little sister thought she'd also employ our services and I found myself scrambling between the role of videographer and brother/groomsman.  The ceremony was officiated by both my dad and Aaron Porter at First Baptist Church in San Luis Obispo.  A cake reception was held in the social hall of the church and a slightly more intimate dinner reception was held at the Portola Inn in Atascadero.  Though far from perfect, I hope this trailer caught a glimpse into the amazing and holy union between two extraordinary people.

Ely Roberts took the pictures below.  He and his assistant, Squirrelly, rocked it!
 The man of the hour, Mr. Hayden Butler.  Here he sits cool and collected before the big, "I do."  On the mantle in the background is a Dolly Parton book my sister gave my wife as a thank you gift. Creepy.

Here, my cousin Laura helps Melissa into her dress.  The tattoo you see says, 'Doulos' and means 'Bondservant.'  Very cool.

For the most part, Dad kept it together all day.  Secretly we were taking bets on how long it take for the first tear to fall... if it ever did happen, Dad hid it well.

We took the pre-ceremony pics at my house.  Here's a huddle of groomsmen under the oak tree behind the house.

Ely had us all crawl up on the roof for a few crazy shots.  With Hayden leading the way, Captain Morgan and I responsibly took up the rear.

My wife, Katherine, made me look good as we headed down the aisle.

Father and daughter, walking down the aisle.

Like I said, completely unmanned for the entire ceremony.  Not ideal, but we got it!

Looking heavenward during a time of worship.

Sealing their vows with a not-so-subtle kiss.

I forgot to mention that my brother, Tim, and I ran secret service for the evening.  Don't be fooled by our strikingly good looks.  We meant business.  Actually, Hayden is the first guy we didn't try to beat away with a stick, drown in a remote river, push off a cliff, run over with a truck or... well, you get the picture.

Another kiss after the ceremony.  Think these two are happy to finally be married?

I love this picture.  Slow dancing at the reception.

Here I am again, grabbing some reception highlights.

Hayden and Melissa - I pray for God's blessing and grace in your marriage.  I know He has great things planned for the two of you and I can't wait to see how your love for each other and our God will change the world.  Love selflessly.  Serve without expectation.  And don't forget to have fun.  I love you both.  Congratulations!!!