Of all the picturesque locations I’ve ever photographed, Malibu, California is one of the most beautiful.  One reason that Malibu is such a well-known city is because of its geographic diversity.  As you can see in Felicia and Greg’s engagement session in Malibu, we started in the rugged Santa Monica Mountains and finished in the surf and sand of Malibu’s famous beaches.

We began our adventure at Paramount Ranch Park in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Paramount Ranch is a movie ranch tucked away amongst the rolling hills and oak trees of the Santa Monica Mountains.  It is still a working movie ranch and on the day we arrived, studio crews were filming scenes at the Park’s old western main street sets.  I was hoping we could do our engagement shoot at the same sets, but they were off limits that day, so we used the natural surroundings of the Park and the results are impressive, as you can see.

After the photo session at Paramount Ranch, we headed to Malibu’s Point Dume State Beach for a magical sunset photo shoot amongst the sand, rocks, and tides of this fantastic beach, which, like Paramount Ranch, is used for many television and film productions also.  I’ve shot several engagement sessions at Point Dume State Beach, and it continues to be one of the best beaches in Southern California for an engagement shoot.  I always looking forward to photographing people at this postcard perfect beach!

Not only is The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden one of the most beautiful locations for a photo shoot in all of Los Angeles County, it is also full of  a ich history and the site of many motion pictures and television shows.  I had a fantastic time with Melissa and Willie  considering how the hot Southern California sun was blazing that day.

The Getty Center is one of my favorite places to shoot engagement sessions in Los Angeles.  The architecture, the gardens, the views — they’re all perfect settings for couples getting married to have their engagement session.  I had a great time with Andrea and Greg at The Getty.

Copyright 2009-2012 Peter Garr Photography http://www.petergarr.com

Thais and Jeremy had one hot wedding… both figuratively and literally.  Their beautiful wedding at the Antelope Valley Country Club took place on a chart topping 104 degree afternoon in Palmdale.  Now that’s hot!  Even with the blazing temperatures, Thais looked radiant and Jeremy was way cool.  They said their I-dos in a heartfelt outdoor ceremony and celebrated well into the night with all their friends and family.  I enjoyed getting to know Thais and Jeremy and had a great time shooting their wedding.

Both teachers, Ruth and Peter knew they wanted to have an outdoor wedding under a grand oak tree.  They looked at several venues but couldn’t find the perfect tree to exchange their vows under until they saw the one at Descanso Gardens.  As soon as they saw the tree, they knew instantly this was the spot they wanted to get married.  Peter’s best friend was also his best man as well as the officiant for the ceremony.  Ruth’s talented daughter was her maid of honor and also entertained everyone at the reception with several songs on flute and guitar.

Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

Last Saturday was Lesley and Dennis’ beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony at The Vineyards in Simi Valley. I’ve photographed two Simi Valley weddings so far this year, and both have been at The Vineyards. It was a a perfect day for a wedding — late spring with blue skies and perfect weather for a relaxed garden ceremony. Lesley and Dennis both looked great and celebrated their love with all their friends and family well into the night.

The Vineyards
2525 Stow Street
Simi Valley, California 93063