heidi borgia photography copyrighted

What a gorgeous day at Carmel Beach on Saturday, February 22nd.  These two love birds asked us (Weddings in Monterey) to set up a quaint/elegant and simple renewal for them.  They had two of their closest couple friends watch them as well as their sweet little 2 year old named Andy.  

Rochelle even had these beautiful 'sand shoes' made for her by her relative - they were hand made out of yarn and were fabulous.

Renewals are so special as they don't come with the "pressure" of a big wedding day. The couple is already so relaxed and just happy to celebrate each other.  Bliss.

We could not have asked for better weather!  We were thankful that they chose us to help them renew their vows of 10 years being married.  Brian (my husband and the officiant) did a great job during the ceremony.

Dark and bold colors tend to look best for portraits.  This is especially true at the beach.  The background of the beach is usually two colors - tan for the sand and blue for the sky and ocean.  As weather can be un predictable, you may only have tan for the sand as when the sky is overcast, the ocean will be as well (muted in color). When you look at a photo your eyes are automatically drawn to the lightest parts of it.  If the background and clothing are dark, the viewer’s eye will likely be drawn to the person’s face - which is exactly what we want.  Dark clothing can also hide a lot of imperfections and make people look more slim.

Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves are the way to go.  Do not wear short sleeves.

Avoid logos and busy busy patterns.  A little is fine, just don’t overdo it with everyone in a pattern. Solids can be a better choice.

Fit is very important.  Fitted clothing always looks better than baggy clothing which just adds the appearance of more weight.  You want something  you are comfortable in and that fits snug without being tight or constraining.  On the other hand, make sure you can sit down comfortably.  Please don’t wear short skirts.

Layers always look good on everyone.  Think CASUAL beach clothes and comfortable.

Accessories (not sunglasses!)  are fine as well, scarves are great.  Jewelry (simple) also adds personality to your portraits.  Sometimes it can be windy at the beach - so keep that in mind with your hair style/clips.

Wearing matching outfits are ok, but not highly encouraged.  Please don’t all wear blue jeans and white tops.  White, at the beach especially can get lost as there is not a lot of contrast between white and the surroundings.

Wear colors that are in the same color tone.  For example, these colors are all in the same tone. They are next to each other on the color wheel (below).

Color Palette example	The Color Wheel

This wheel can guide you on your color choices.  It you want to POP, pick colors on the opposite of the wheel from each other.  One part of the family can wear one side of the color wheel and the other the opposite.  Add a little something by pairing solids with patterns - just keep everything on the opposite side of the wheel.  If you want to be a bit more subtle, try pairing colors right next to each other on the wheel.  If you stick to the wheel, you will be fine. 

One thing to also consider is the background of where your portrait shoot is taking place.  As mentioned earlier, if you are at the beach you will have only two colors really in your background.  If it is overcast on your shoot day (which is fine!) then start with the background color of tan (between yellow and orange) and go to the opposite sides of the color wheel or directly next to it.

Footwear.  If your shoot is down at the beach I’d suggest NO high heels and instead sandals and/or barefoot.  Easy.  You can also all roll up your jeans/pants if you like.  If the shoot is at the golf course... high heels can also be a challenge.

Please contact me with additional questions!

Will post images soon.... They got married on St. Patrick's Day in front of 50 of their closest friends and family at Carmel Beach.  Just after had a wonderful private reception/dinner at the Il Fornaio.