This elegant Westin Carlsbad wedding was the type of wedding that I could share forever and ever. With a sophisticated white, champagne, and black color palette against the crisp green backdrop of the Westin Carlsbad, it made for timeless, classic imagery that I just love to capture.

Nicole & John were married at the Catholic church at the school that they met at when they were children, which was so incredibly special. Back at the Westin, the couple danced the night away on a perfect summer evening to a live band.

Enjoy highlights from this Westin Carlsbad wedding!

Coordination | Holly Kalkin Weddings

Beauty | Beauty By Heather Arnold

Band | DeBois Entertainment

 

 

 

 

Quick Tips for Wedding Planning:

1. Plan Your Timeline Around Light
Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) gives dreamy, flattering light — perfect for portraits

2. Do a First Look
It calms nerves, gives you more photos, and frees up time post-ceremony

3. Keep Your Getting-Ready Area Tidy
A clean, well-lit space makes for beautiful prep photos

4. Communicate Family Photo List Clearly
Provide a list and assign someone to help wrangle family — it keeps things efficient

5. Add Buffer Time
Everything takes longer than expected — build in extra time so you don’t feel rushed

6. Trust Your Photographer
Let them guide you with posing, lighting, and timing — it’s what they do best!

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Jade Maria is a hybrid wedding and portrait photographer based in San Diego, California. With a fine art approach, her photography style is romantic, soft, and organic – influenced by the timeless aesthetics of film photography.