Kellogg House Pomona Wedding | Craig + Melina

Kellogg House at Cal Poly Pomona Wedding

Location: 3801 West Temple Avenue, Building 112 Pomona, CA 91768

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Melina & Craig’s wedding turned out to be a beautiful summer wedding considering the ominous weather leading up a week prior to the wedding day. A high chance of rain was forecasted on the wedding day but the weather gods gave us a gift that day.

The Kellogg House is beautiful wedding venue located within the Cal Poly Pomona University. Their wedding took place in front of the Manor Grand Gates and reception took place in the scenic garden terrace overlooking Cal Poly Pomona.

Engagement Guide to Balboa Park, San Diego

Engagement Guide to Balboa Park, San Diego

Official Website: Balboa Park

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Balboa Park spans over 1,200 acres of area within San Diego County. The park hosts a variety of unique buildings, museums, spaces, trails, gardens, and nature centers. Some of the most notable are San Diego Zoo and Japanese Friendship Garden.

ADMISSION: Admittance is FREE to enter the park grounds.

PARKING: There are 11 free parking lots. There are electric car charging stations located in the Fleet Science Center, and San Diego Zoo parking lots.

DOGS: Dogs allowed and must be leashed at all times.

BEST TIME OF WEEK AND DAY: Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds from the weekends. Early morning and golden hour are recommend for the best lighting.

BEST LOCATIONS:

• Japanese Friendship Garden: This is by far my favorite place in Balboa Park if you prefer privacy and lush green gardens. Morning Photoshoot Reservations are $150 per hour plus admission. All photoshoot reservations must take place between 8:30 am and 10 am and is a 1 hour minimum.

Alcazar Gardens: The patterns of this garden was inspired by the Alcazar Castle in Spain. The gardens is situated perfectly between two museums which provides plenty of shade during the mid-day sun. The boxwood hedges are complimented with thousands of annual and roses. This is one of my favorite places at Balboa Park if you want a mix of gardens and architecture background of Balboa Park.

Spreckles Organ Pavilion: An open air organ pavilion and considered the world’s largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue.

Other notable locations:

• Casa Del Rey Moro Garden

• Bea Evenson Fountain

The Barton House Redlands | Wedding Venue Review

The Barton House

Redlands, California

Wedding Venue Review

The Barton House in Redlands, California is one of my favorite wedding venues in Southern California. I am a bit biased since I use to live in Redlands and I’m a preferred wedding vendor. However, I truly enjoy photographing weddings at Barton House. The staff and the vibes are amazing!

Here’s an example wedding gallery: ERIKA + ALBERT

I decided that the best way to provide you with a comprehensive perspective of Barton House is to conduct an interview with the amazing, venue manager, Jessica. We discuss everything from the history of Barton House to specific details that you may need to know if considering this venue for your wedding.

Interview Questions and Answer | Jessica

- Please tell us a little bit about the history of the Barton House.

• The Barton House was built in 1866 as the first house in Redlands, and second fire-brick building in San Bernardino County. Back in that time it was the home of Dr. Benjamin Barton (i.e., Barton Road), as well as a vineyard. He was a prominent family doctor and wine maker, and helped incorporate the city of Redlands and surrounding area. Many of our older wedding guests remember it from the 1970's when it was a ranch where they would learn to ride horses. In the 90's and early 2000's it was a bit worn down and became known for its paranormal activities among teenagers. It's gone through a few remodels over its years. You'll notice a picture of the House in our lobby of what it looked like in the 1900s. Its roofing has changed slightly - there is no longer a "widows peak" and the staircases to the balcony are "newer" - you'll even find some pampas grass in the photo (huge wedding trend now). But not until 2010 or so is when was it purchased by our current owners from the City and restored to its former beauty. It now houses local businesses upstairs and in the carriage houses who share our lot, and about five years ago began hosting weddings and events. The Barton House (also called Barton Mansion or Villa) was put into the City’s Register of Historic Resources in 1993 and in 1996 it received designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

• - Where is the venue located?

  • Its address is 20 Nevada St, Redlands, CA 92373. More descriptively, we're in the "jewel" of the inland empire about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, and 40 miles west of Palm Springs. You'll find the large brick building on the corner of Nevada Street & Barton Road.

• - How many guests can you accommodate for ceremony and reception?

  • We welcome up to 150 guests within our wedding rate, but there is an opportunity to go up to 300 for an additional fee

• - Can you describe the different spaces you provide? (Ceremony, bridal room, groom room, parlor room)

  • We are a primarily outdoor venue. You'll often see ceremonies take place near our palm trees on the far end of the lawn with the San Gorgonio mountains in the background with reception tables either surrounding our 25ft cemented circular dance floor or closer to the House itself. Of course some prefer the House as their ceremony backdrop so their reception then pivots to the far end. The layout is decided upon by the couple and their vision on how they want to use the open space. Inside the Barton House we offer the parlor room that opens to the wrap around patio. Traditionally a parlor would be used for cocktails, but we also see it used as a welcome space for a guestbook and display of those lovely engagement photos, or a display for appetizers and desserts. The upstairs balcony is available for sweetheart photos during golden hour as the sunlight hits the brick. The groom's room is just as you enter the House from the lobby. This room offers more of a masculane vibe with seating, coat hooks and a full-length mirror. While the bride's room down the hall is a bit larger and more elegant and equipped with a vanity, tall hooks for dresses, sofas and views of the grounds. Our kitchenette is also referred to as the vendor room as a space where vendors can leave their items, store decor boxes, beverages and desserts, and prepare for the reception. Lastly, it might be weird to talk about the bathrooms, but they're really cutely decorated - envision a 1920s style restroom with original style-magazine clippings hung as posters. While unisex, the "men's room" is larger and more handicap accessible for those who need the space, and the other has two stalls that open to a shared sink. There are two rumors of what that now restroom once was. Some say it was a jail/holding cell as the only brick building in the area, or it was the kitchen. You'll see original bars used as ventilation from the outside of the house as you walk up to the breezeway.

• - Is there a separate space for cocktail hour?

  • Most cocktail hours will take place closer to the house or nearest the bar area. The parlor room, as I stated earlier, would traditionally be used to entertain guests with cocktails, but that doesn't have to be its sole purpose.

• - What makes your wedding venue unique compared to other venues near the area?

  • One is its history. It is a very important piece of Redlands history and offers its expansive outdoor lawn with the first house in the City as its backdrop. Secondly, we welcome any vendor of your choosing based on your style and budget. It's a "your day your way" kind of venue... within reason and respectful of our venue policies of course. Also its affordability.

• - Do you have a preferred vendor list?

  • While we don't have "preferred" vendors we do have an extensive vendor list available of people who are familiar and respectful of our venue.

• - Can I hire my own vendors or do I need to stick to the preferred vendor list?

  • Hire your own, but let us know if you need help looking for something specific. We have hundreds of vendors in our network that we can recommend as needed.

• - What’s your weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?

  • Being an outdoor venue this is very important. In the case it's rainy or crazy hot we do welcome a tent or umbrellas. To be mindful of our grass and the effort it takes to maintain it wedding after wedding, we do ask that tents and umbrellas be secured with stakes (not bases, barrels or sand bags that would otherwise be used on cement). We have many tent vendors we can recommend even as late as the day before your wedding...although it's always best to plan ahead of time.

• - Are there any noise restrictions?

  • As an outdoor venue in a residential neighborhood we do have to be mindful of the noise. Music must be off by 10pm. DJs and bands are limited to 2 speakers, and bands are limited to three hours unless they're acoustic. Sadly, no Bandas (Regional Mexican Bands are far too loud for our neighborhood).

• - How late can I have my wedding?

  • You're welcome to a 12 hour day from 11am to 11pm.

Riverside Citrus State Park Wedding | Amber & Brett

Citrus State Park Wedding & Events

Location: 9400 Dufferin Ave. Riverside, CA 92503

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Amber & Brett are one of the most down to earth couples I’ve met over the years. They were very easy going and really made my job super easy!

Amber was actually a former wedding coordinator at the Citrus State Park Venue and so she knew the in and outs of the venue. Thus, made the wedding day flow so much easier from the planning process to the wedding day.

Citrus State park is one of my favorite wedding venues in Riverside. The venue sits right in the middle of the park surrounded by hundreds of orange and palm trees. The venue has a sheek bridal suite which makes for some creative photos.

Amber & Brett’s wedding was filled with so much joy and happiness! Congrats again and goodluck in the east coast!

READY TO BOOK! LET’S DO THIS.

Best Wedding Venues in Riverside, California

Your ULTIMATE Guide to Best Wedding Venues in Riverside, California.

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Here are my top picks for the best wedding venues in Riverside, California.

• Mission Inn Hotel

• Thee Oldee Chapel

• Citrus State Park Weddings & Events

• Loft 84

MISSION INN HOTEL

3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

The Mission Inn Hotel is one of the most popular wedding venues in the City of Riverside and its considered a national land mark. The hotel offers everything you may need to host a ceremony, reception, and accommodation. Since the Mission Inn is also a hotel, this is a wedding destination for all your family and guests. In addition, the Mission Inn is situated directly in the heart of Downtown Riverside. There are many photo-op opportunities in downtown for bridal party photos.

THEE OLDE CHAPEL

3478 14th St, Riverside, CA 92501

Thee Oldee Chapel is located very close to Downtown Riverside. The Oldee Chapel is a non-denominational church that can host up to 300 wedding guests. The chapel was originally built in 1962 and is one of a kind. The Oldee Chapel has Spanish rustic feel. The chapel has a dedicated wedding coordinator that assists with all the details and making sure everything runs on time.

CITRUS STATE PARK WEDDING & EVENTS

9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503

This wedding venue is located within the Citrus State Park. This amazing venue provides a unique backdrop surrounded by orange groves and towering palm trees. The venue can accommodate indoor and outdoor weddings. This is one of my favorite wedding venues as it offers a couple ceremony site locations and many photo-op opportunity within Citrus State Park.

LOFT 84

3840 Lemon St, Riverside, CA 92501

Loft 84 is another historic landmark located in the heart of Downtown Riverside. The building was originally built in 1928 as a hotel and banquet hall. Over the many years, the building was once an anti-craft intelligence headquarters during WWII and was also used as a dance academy back in the 1970s.

The venue has a very old school and vintage touch that makes you feel like you are back in the early 1920s. The location offers a bridal penthouse and grooms suite, in additon to a ballroom that can hosts up to 200 guests.

Engagement Guide to Big Bear Lake

Couple’s Guide to Big Bear Lake

Location: Big Bear Lake, California

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Big Bear Lake is small city located in the mountains of San Bernardino National Forest and well-known for its winter slopes such as Snow Summit Ski Resort. Big Bear Lake is beautiful year round for forms of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and especially for engagement photos.

Best Locations:

Here are my favorite locations in Big Bear Lake for the best settings for engagement photos.

• JUNIPER POINT PICNIC AREA:

  • Location: 41365 N Shore Dr, Big Bear, CA 92314

  • One of my favorite spots in Big Bear Lake, it’s located on the North Shore and pretty secluded. There is plenty of parking since it’s not one of the most popular spots in the area, but I guarantee you its has beautiful views of the mountains. You will need to purchase an Adventure Pass at the Ranger Station or you can buy one at REI or Big 5 Sporting Goods. It’s pretty inexpensive for $5 a day, but I usually recommend purchasing the annual pass since its a mere $30 for the entire year. You can also use the America Beautiful National Park Pass. Make sure you display these permits on your car, or you may receive a pricey ticket from the Rangers

  • Cell signal is pretty sketchy up there, so make sure you share the GPS location to your client before you meet. I highly recommend carpooling to the location to ensure both you the photographer and client are on-time and arrive at the correct location.

  • There are plenty of spots to take photos here. I mix it up by using all aspects of the area. There is a pathway lined with these gorgeous wooden fence, and I use this as leading lines to frame my couples. There are also tons of meadows which create a natural scenic environment for wider angle shots. Last, but not least, go down to the lake and just snap away. You can’t go wrong here, every view is amazing.

  • Winter: The parking lot is commonly closed during the winter months. However, you can park on the main road as long as you display an Adventure Pass.

• SOLAR OBSERVATORY:

  • Also known as BBSO, it stands at 1.6-meter clear aperture Goode Solar Telescope.

  • Another cool backdrop that will make your photos unique!

• STANFIELD PRESERVE BOARDWALK:

  • Approximately .5 mile in length, a must destination in Big Bear Lake.

  • Parking is available along Stanfield Cut-off.

  • The boardwalk may be closed during winter season.

• ALPINE PEDAL PATH:

  • This beautifully paved path runs along the north shore of lake. It’s approximately 3 miles in length running from Serrano Campground all the way to Stanfield Cut-off.

Best Time of the Year:

• Spring & Fall: These are the best times to come and avoid the crowds since these are off season months.

• Winter: Winter months between October through February can get pretty crowded. We do not recommend visiting during snow months due to the traffic jams on the roads. Driving to the lake during fresh snow creates traffic jams on all major roads leading to Big Bear Lake. In some instances, driving from Riverside to Big Bear Lake can take upwards of 4-5 hours. However, if you are able to make it in time, it is truly magical during snow season at Big Bear Lake.

Planning your trip:

• Always check weather reports the day before.

• Alway check road conditions and closures. Falling rocks are pretty common on the major roads and roads can be shutdown for hours.

Travel Time:

• From Los Angeles: Driving from Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake is about 100 miles and can take up to 2 hours.

• From San Diego: Driving from San Diego to Big Bear Lake is approximately 145 miles and can take up to 3 hours.

• From Orange County: Driving from Orange County (Anaheim) is approximately 90 miles and can take up to 2 hours.

What to Wear:

• Be prepared for all weather conditions. These are some the items I keep in my vehicle: rain jacket, umbrella, cold weather jacket, and water.

What is NOT allowed at Big Bear Lake:

• Smoke Bombs and all personal fire works is illegal in Big Bear.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Engagement | Natasha & Je'mond

Walt Disney Concert Hall Engagement

Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA

Date: 03.10.2022

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Walt DIsney Concert Hall in Los Angeles is one of the most popular backdrops for weddings and engagement sessions. The sleek and modern architecture fits the overall vibe of Downtown Los Angeles.

Our favorite areas at the Concert Hall is the front of the building and the garden. The front area of the building provides an amazing view of the steel structures that resembles sails on a ship.

The garden is absolutely stunning! You can access the garden from taking the stairs either from 2nd Street or Garden Ave. This are is my favorite place to take couples during Golden Hour for numerous reasons. The steel exterior of the building acts as a reflector bouncing that beautiful golden light on to the couple.

There is also another unique area near the garden that I refer to as the steel tunnel. By far my favorite area to have the couple do some actions shots such as walking and dips.

READY TO BOOK? LET’S DO THIS THANG

Photo Booth Guide for Your Wedding

Your ULTIMATE Guide to choosing the perfect PHOTO BOOTH vendor for your Wedding!

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Photo Booth: MAX PHOTO BOOTH Co.

3 reasons why you should rent a photo booth for your wedding:

1. Increases the fun factor

   • Photo Booth at your wedding encourages interaction among all your guests.

   • Fills the gap during down time at your wedding.

   • Fun way to Instantly share digital images/videos or print with your friends and family

   • Great way to take group photos with all your besties

2. Wedding Gift

   • Providing your wedding guests with a momento (digital or print) to take home makes your wedding even more especial.

3. Additional Photos

   • It’s almost impossible for your wedding photographer to capture every single moment. Photo booth acts as a backup to help capture all the happy faces from your wedding day.

   • Some digital photo booths can also provide you with a gallery with all the photos that was taken during the wedding day.

Photo Booth: Max Photo Booth Co.

Types of Photo Booths:

Choosing the right photo booth vendor for your wedding maybe a daunting task. However, asking the right questions and determining what style you prefer will make the decision-making much quicker.

There are numerous styles and varieties of photo booth vendors out there!

Here’s a break down of the most common photo booths you can expect:

• OPEN AIR PHOTO BOOTHS: These are your traditional photo booths that utilizes a DSLR/Mirrorless camera along with flash. Most traditional photo booths provide instant print outs of your images just like the old days at the mall. Typically comes with a backdrop and props.

• OPEN AIR PHOTO BOOTHS (DIGITAL): Digital photo booths take it to the next level and provide the ability to share the digital images right to your phone or email. Many of these digital photo booths are also able to capture video, GIF, and special recordings.

• 360 PHOTO BOOTHS: This is one of the most interested and interactive booths on the list. Guests will stand on a platform and a camera will rotate around the person and create video that can be in slow motion or GIF.

• INFLATABLE PHOTO BOOTHS: These booths are very popular! The booth will consist of an inflatable booth that commonly look like an igloo.

Photo Booth: Zero Habit

Here’s a list of photo booth vendors that we highly recommend:

• MAX PHOTO BOOTH CO. (Orange County, CA)

• CYD PHOTO BOOTH (Inland Empire, CA)

• ZERO HABIT STUDIO (Glendora, CA)

• ED DEEJAY PHOTO BOOTH

Questions to ask Photo Booth Vendors:

• Are you available for my wedding day?

  • This is the most important question to ask and the first question that should be asked. You don’t want to waste your time asking all the questions and come to find out the photo booth vendor is not available.

• Do you offer Digital images or prints?

  • Not all photo booth vendors offer both digital and prints. Prints may be an added cost.

• Do you charge travel fee?

  • Most companies will charge a travel fee if the venue is outside of a 25 mile range. Hiring a local company is usually ideal.

• How many hours of actual “live” photo booth time is included in the price?

  • Most vendors need time to setup and this may take up to 30 minutes. Setup time may or may not be included in the cost of the vendor.

• Will there be an attendant at the booth?

  • Most Photo Booth companies will provide an attended to help operate the booth. However, some of the modern photo booths are automated and may not need an operator.

• What type of props will be included?

  • Depending on the style and vibe of your wedding, this may be a great question to determine the type of props that is appropriate for your wedding.

• Do I need to pay a deposit?

  • Deposit is usually required by most companies to help retain your wedding date.

• Do you have liability insurance?

  • Ensure that the company has liability insurance in case of property damage.

  • In addition, many venues require all vendors to provide a Certificate of Insurance.

Photo Booth: ED Deejay

Questions Photo Booth vendors that may ask you:

• Is there an electric outlet near by?

  • Access to an electric outlet is critical for photo booth vendors.

  • Extension cord maybe required depending on the location.

• Is there enough space designated for the photo booth?

  • Most photo booths will require space that is at least 10x10.

  • Communicate with your planner or venue coordinator and determine the ideal location

• What time does your event start and what time would you like to start the photo booth?

  • Determining the best time for the Photo Booth to go “live” is very important.

Tips to ensure your guests have an amazing photo booth experience:

• Communicate with your DJ to announce when the photo booth has gone “live”

• Encourage your friends and family to take photos with you at the photo booth.

• Invite your vendors to take photos with you at the Photo Booth. This increase the fun factor for everyone!

• Share the digital images instantly on social media.

---

BONUS Tips from one of our Photo Booth Vendor: Max Photo Booth Co.

When is the best time to schedule the photo booth during the wedding day?

That’s a great question and knowing the answer will help keep the couples costs down while also ensuring guests have a great time! While we don’t mind being there for the entire reception time we also recognize the cost of having a wedding. If you’re looking to keep the cost down we suggest picking between these two times:

Starting at cocktail hour which gives guests the chance to have something to do while there is down time and the couple is doing their own photos.

Or right after dinner time, We all know the fun starts to happen when the dance floor opens and having the photo booth after dinner is also suggested.

The final decision is ultimately up to each couple and their preferences, if you only wish to hire the both for a couple hours we certainly recommend that you consider your schedule for the day.

What is special about your photobooth?

We strive on providing the ultimate experience offering tons of customized options when you book with us.

Our booth has the capability to capture photos, boomerangs, GIFS and videos to share instantly with your guests. customers will also have access to a fully customizable live gallery website of all their captures from the event before we leave the building.

Luxe backdrop and prop options are included with our packages, filters and glam options are also available.

Are you able to share the images digitally via email and text?

Yes, the booth will send the capture via a text, email or even QR code scan. Totally up to the client on how they want it delivered.

Are you able to customize the photo booth?

Yes, all the overlays for captures, tap to start screen and even live gallery website is custom to customers request.

What type of backdrops do you offer?

Luxe pillowcase tension backdrop are included in our packages, let me just tell you… THEY LOOK FLAWLESS. We really set ourselves apart from other booths in the industry here and provide unique options to choose from.

Couple's Guide to Glamis Sand Dunes

Your ULTIMATE Couple’s Guide to Glamis Sand Dunes

Location: Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park, Osborne Park Rd, Brawley, CA 92227

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Glamis Sand Dunes is one of the most captivating and unique locations in Southern California. If you are looking for something different than your typical engagement session at the beach or in the mountains, look no further than the rolling sand dunes of Algodones Dunes. I’ve been to the dunes many times and every single photo session has been so unique. Due to the winds and conditions, the shape and overall look of the dunes constantly change.

Best Location:

The dunes is a fairly large area stretching over 40 miles and so choosing a specific spot is critical. The best location is the Osborne Lookout Point. The Lookout Point is located right next to the 78 freeway. This is the most ideal location for most people that don’t want to trek to far into the dunes. There is a nice open parking lot with restrooms. No permit is required to park at the parking lot.

Once you park, there is several large hills of dunes that are fairly easy to hike up to. In addition, you are several miles away from the campgrounds so you have some distance from the campers. However, during the winter season (October - December) there maybe more campers

Best Time of the Year:

The best time to visit the Sand Dunes is between October through March. Between April and September, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. The combination of the dry heat and harsh sun rays can make for an unbearable experience. Walking on the dunes the during the midst of summer season could be pretty painful, especially barefoot.

I would not recommend visiting the area during the first week of October. October 1st is the official day the campgrounds open up and you will observe many campers and ATVs in the area.

Planning your trip:

I highly recommend to arrive 2 hour prior to sunset. This will give you sometime to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and choose the best routes on the dunes.

Travel Time:

We recommend to plan your travel time based on your session time.

For example, if your session time is from 4-6pm. Plan to arrive by 3pm, this will provide you with plenty of wiggle room in case of traffic or those needed pit stops at the gas stations.

• LAX to Glamis: Approximately 272 miles, which could take up to 4-5 hours depending on the traffic.

• San Diego Airport to Glamis: Approximately 159 miles, which could take up to 2.5-3 hours based on traffic.

What to Wear:

You can pretty much wear anything and we will make it work. We do recommend that you coordinate your color combinations so they either compliment each other or strong contrast for that edgy darker look. However, here’s a few color combinations we feel that really stand out at the Dunes:

• Burgundy/Red & Black

• Pink & Dark Blue

• Light Pastel Colors & Light Blue/Teal

Future Bride:

• short or long flowy dress

Future Groom:

• Khaki Pants or shorts

• Long Sleeve

• Formal Look (Suit without the tie)

What to bring:

These are the must have items that we recommend for your long trip to Glamis.

• Refreshments and water

• sandals

• extra pair of clothes (as backup)

• towel (to wipe your feet after the session)

• sun screen, sun glasses and hat

• backpack to hold your items and gear

What is NOT allowed at the Glamis:

Unfortunately, drones are strictly prohibited. We can still capture amazing video footage of you guys exploring the dunes. We just have to hike a bit more :)

Weather:

• Always check the weather forecast prior to traveling the dunes.

• Windy conditions are pretty common at the dunes.

• We love going when there is some clouds because it makes for amazing sunsets.

What to EXPECT:

• Restrooms are available at the Lookout Point but there are not flush toilets. Recommend bringing wipes.

• Dune buggies and ATV sometimes frequent near the lookout point so be aware the vehicles.

• Sands can be fairly hot to walk on if you prefer to do your session during the summer.

• Recommend walking barefoot on the sand

• Bring multiple outfits as a backup

• Be prepared to hike if you want epic photos, some of the taller dunes are pretty steep.

READY TO EXPLORE GLAMIS SAND DUNES?

LET’S BOOK A SESSION NOW!

Best Wedding & Elopement Location in Joshua Tree National Park

Best Wedding & Elopement Location in Joshua Tree National Park

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Hidden Valley Campground is our favorite location in Joshua Tree National Park for weddings and elopements. This location provides most of the variety that you would see within the 800,000 acres of Joshua Tree National Park. If you are planning to elope or host a small and intimate wedding, this is our go-to location due to it’s accessibility and picturesque backdrop.

Best Spots within the Hidden Valley Area:

• Hidden Valley Picnic Area

• Hidden Valley Nature Trail

• Small Boulders within the campgrounds

• Open area east of the Hidden Valley Picnic Area (best for sunset photos)

How to get to Hidden Valley?

We recommend entering from the West Entrance Station, which is located near Joshua Tree City. The drive from the west entrance to Hidden Valley is about 11 miles. However, you can also take the North Entrance, which is located in 29 Palms or the South Entrance which is the longest route (approximately 58 miles).

Entrance Fee?

The cost to enter the park is $30 for a 7-day pass for each vehicle. They only accept credit/debit card. You can also pre-purchase an Annual National Park Pass “America the Beautiful” which provides you annual access to all the National Parks in the United States.

Amenities?

There are pit-toilets throughout the National Park. Unfortunately, there are no vending machines and stores within the park. We recommend brining your own food and stopping by the Joshua Tree Visitor Center (6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252) which is located before the West Entrance. The Visitor Center has restrooms, small gift shop and restaurant with refreshments.

If you are really adventurous and want to spend the weekend in Joshua Tree, you can actually camp at one of the 44 site within the Hidden Valley Campground. Unfortunately, the camp sites are first-come, first served, but you can reserve a campsite from the following campgrounds: Blackrock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan. These campsite are very inexpensive and typically cost between $20-$25.

One of main reasons why we love this location is the large boulders and rock formations, these boulders don’t only make for photography backdrops but provides some needed shade from the sun if you are planning to elope during the harsh summer wedding in Joshua Tree National Park.

The second reason is parking, there area has ample parking within the lots compared to the other sites within Joshua Tree.

This site also has pit toilets which are also essential if you plan to change outfits.

The last reason why we love this location are the views! Our favorite spot to photograph during sunset is near the Hidden Valley Picnic Area. You can capture amazing sunset photos towards the west of the picnic area. We love capturing wide-angle photos of our couples to show of the majestic landscape of the Joshua trees.

Prospect Park Redlands | Melissa + Noel

MELISSA + NOEL

Location: Prospect Park, 1352 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373

Date: 10.05.2021

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Mission Inn Hotel Wedding | Joyce + Paul | Riverside, California

JOYCE & PAUL

Venue Location: Mission Inn Hotel, Riverside, CA

Hair & Make Up: Design Visage

Decor & Flowers: Irises Designs

Cake: Some Crust Bakery

Officiant: Don Johnson

Date: 09.26.2021

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Mission Inn Hotel in Downtown Riverside has always been one of the wedding venues that’s been on my bucket list since I started my wedding photography business. I’m a local riverside resident and I’ve toured the Mission Inn several times and this venue is seriously stunning for wedding photography. The Mission Inn Hotel is a national land mark with breath taking architecture. The hotel also provides 2 on-site chapels and several reception sites to fit your wedding vibes.

The Santa Barbara Room

Joyce + Paul had a beautiful and intimate wedding with their closest friends and family. The ceremony was held at the Court of the Orient with a stunning floral archway. The reception was held at the Santa Barbara Room which overlooks the Court of the Orient. There are so many different locations within Mission Inn to take the bride and groom for portraits. My favorite location for bride and groom portraits is the courtyard between the two chapels. In addition, a photo in front of the massive doors of the chapel is a must. However, just take a walk around the interior hallways of the Mission Inn and your creative juices will continue to flow with numerous possibilities.

The Court of the Orient

Thank you again Joyce + Paul for having me as a guest and photographing your beautiful wedding at the historic Mission Inn Hotel!

Beautiful Backyard Wedding in Riverside | Desiree & Miguel

DESIREE + MIGUEL

Magical Backyard Wedding in Riverside, California

Church Location: Holy Name of Jesus (Redlands)

Portrait Location: Prospect Park, Redlands, CA

Reception Venue (Backyard): Riverside, CA

Date: 05.29.2021

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Make Up Artist: Callie Allen Makeup

Hair Stylist: Bonitas By Sarita

Tacos: Tacos Delitas

Event Decoration: Glitz N Glam Occasions

Cake: Cheesecakes by Rosie

DJ: AJ

Desiree & Miguel are one of most understanding and loving couples I’ve ever met. From the time we first met in person for their engagement session, I could instantly recognize their sincere love for each other. Desiree has a bubbly and charismatic personality, while Miguel is loving family man and a bit of a joker sometimes, which makes for a perfect match!

Desiree & Miguel’s wedding day went as smooth as a wedding could go. Desiree & Miguel’s goal was to have a small and intimate wedding with their closest friends and family. Their wedding party only consisted of 2 groomsmen and 2 bridesmaids, and around 70 guests.

Their wedding day started off at the Holy Name of Jesus Christ Catholic Church in Redlands. Father Gino Galley officiated their wedding and he was one of the most enthusiastic and vocal priests I’ve ever seen. Father Gino was extremely engaging and it was amazing capturing his emotions on film and video. The ceremony was full of emotions. One of the most important moments I love capturing is the reaction of the groom while the bride walks down the aisle with her father. This moment is so defining, this time is what we refer to as the “first look” since this is the first time the groom will see his bride during the wedding day. Miguel’s reaction was so special, the moment the church doors opened and Desiree walked down the aisle; Miguel instantly broke into tears and smiles.

After the wedding, we headed out to Prospect Park in Redlands with their bridal party to do some formal portraits. Prospect Park is my go to park for large group photos especially during mid-day when the sun is harsh. The park has plenty of tall and large trees which provide ample shade for your clients and makes for even lighting for photos. One of the best spot for bridal party photos is right next to the parking area at the top. This area is surrounded by trees and has a tall wall of bamboo trees. Also great for portrait photos!

After we finished at Prospect Park, we headed out to the reception, which was hosted by Desiree’s Dad. The backyard was massive and could easily host more than 100 guests. The wedding details and decor was provided by Glitz N Glam Occasions. The tables were beautify lined with pearl linen and seated 8 guests. They also provided tents which provided the needed shade from the summer heat. Overall, the decor and styling fit the theme and vibe of Desiree & Miguel’s wedding.

Backyard weddings are definitly a challenging event to plan, but Desiree & Miguel did an amazing job coordinating and hiring the right vendors. All the vendors, guests, and family were so great to work with. Thank you again Desiree & Miguel for trusting me to capture you special day. It is a wedding that I will always have a special place in my heart and I’m so grateful that you guys have become great friends of mine!

---

Here’s what Desiree & Miguel had to say about their wedding:

What were your top 3 photos from the wedding gallery?

What was the biggest surprise of the day?

The biggest surprise of the day was the Violet flowers my brother got for us to present to the Blessed Mother. I had asked my brother to purchase the flowers last minute as a favor because we didn't have time to do it. Violet is the name of my grandmother who passed in 2011. She and my grandfather raised my two brothers and I. She was extremely special to all of us. My brother didn't even realize he picked out Violet flowers. I really believe my grandma used those flowers to let us know she was with us and that she also blesses our marriage. It was such a beautiful surprise.

What was your most anticipated part of the day?

The food and the vows.

What ended up being your favorite part of the day?

When our priest announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Lopez.

What were some of your favorite wedding details?

The Sweetheart table and our wedding favors. The decor over all was everything and more than we ever dreamed of.

Describe the venue and why did you choose it?

The venue was hosted in my dads back yard. It was beautiful, intimate and cost effective.

How did you feel after the day ended?

Exhausted and euphoric.

What did you like most about working with our Team?

Everything! The team guided us effortlessly. The team made us feel so comfortable and we never felt rushed.

What are you looking forward to the most as a married couple?

We are looking forward to growing our family and growing in love.

What advice would you give to future couples for their wedding?

Set boundaries and pray together

Rustic Wedding at Thee Olde Chapel, Riverside | Adrian & Anabel

ADRIAN & ANABEL

Church Location: Thee Olde Chapel

Reception Venue: Couture Events

Date: 07.23.2021

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Adrian and Anabel is one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. They initially contacted me 3 years ago for an engagement session and eventually booked me for their wedding. Unfortunately, due to COVID, their wedding was rescheduled several times. They eventually settled on the wedding date and the church venue: Thee Olde Chapel in Riverside. I was super excited because I knew that it would be an amazing and fun day for them and their family.

Thee Oldee Chapel is located very close to Downtown Riverside. The Oldee Chapel is a non-denominational church that can host up to 300 wedding guests. The chapel was originally built in 1962 and is one of a kind. The Oldee Chapel has Spanish rustic feel. The chapel has a dedicated wedding coordinator that assists with all the details and making sure everything runs on time.

The reception took place at Couture Events located in San Bernardino. Couture Events is a botique style event space. The space was beautifully stylized and provides an elevated glass-dance floor in the center of the reception. I’ve done many events here, the staff and security have always been professionals and accommodating. Highly recommend this event space for all sorts of occasions such as quinceañeras, anniversaries, debuts, birthdays, and weddings!

Thank you again Adrian & Anabel for sticking with us during the pandemic and trusting my team to capture your special day!

Check out the photos and videos below of their wedding day!

Courthouse Wedding in Riverside | Fasayo & Nnaemeka

FASAYO & NNAEMEKA

Location: Riverside County Assessor Clerk - Recorder

Portrait Location: Sycamore Highland Park, Riverside

Venue: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Date: 08.05.2021

Wedding & Elopement Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Sometimes love can’t wait and getting married in a week is a must. This is basically the story of Fasayo & Nnaemeka. They are both Doctors and known each other for over 7 years. They decided to tie the knot and host a micro wedding with their closes friends and family at Riverside County Assessor.

Civic weddings are very simple. The couple basically reports to the county clerks office and sign the marriage documents prior to the small ceremony within the courthouse. They usually allow only a small amount of friends and family to attend as witnesses.

I really do love small weddings for two reasons, it’s intimate and less stress. I find it that the couples are much happier and don’t have to worry about all the other stress that’s related to a big wedding day.

After the ceremony, I took the couple to Sycamore Highland Park which overlooks the Sycamore Wilderness Park in the City of Riverside. The park is well maintained and tons of variety for couple portraits. In addition, the shade provided by the large trees are also great for photos, since it provides even lighting during mid-day sun.

After the park portraits, we walked around Downtown Riverside and took some more photos before heading into Duane’s Restaurant in Mission Inn.

Thank you again Fasayo & Nnaemeka for trusting me to capture your special day!

Summer Wedding at Temecula Winery - Churon Inn | Brad & Breanna

BRAD + BREANNA

Location: 33233 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

Venue: Churon Inn Winery

Date: 06.19.2021

Wedding & Elopement Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Brad & Breanna are the sweetest and most caring people I’ve ever met. They are also have amazing careers. Breanna is a nurse and Brad is an EMT. I’m so grateful for what they do an a daily basis and it was an honor for me to capture their wedding day.

Their wedding day took place at one of my favorite wedding venue’s in Temecula Valley, Churon Inn Winery. Churon Inn Winery does it all. They provide an all inclusive wedding package that takes care of everything from the the catering to coordinating your wedding day. In addition, they also have a enough rooms for your guests and family to stay over for during the wedding week.

Thank you again Brad & Breanna for trusting me to capture your most special day! Best wishes to both of you!

Laguna Beach Sunset Maternity Photography | Lily

Laguna Beach Sunset Maternity Photography

LILY

Location: Treasure Island, Wesley Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Date: 04.20.2021

Maternity Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

I’ve been loving all the maternity sessions at Treasure Island in Laguna Beach. By far my favorite location for maternity photography and the ideal spot for most of my clients. The location is not as crowded compared to the other popular spots in Laguna. The restrooms are clean and well maintained. There is usually ample parking at Lot #7 (Lot is located between Montage and Coast Hwy. Credit card, dollar bills and quarters accepted for payment.) There is also parking garage closer to the beach but parking is difficult to find here.

Lily is a soon to be mother of 2. Her baby Elva is a preemie and she’s a beauty. She also just recently graduated with a nursing degree from American Career College. Nursing school is super rigorous and stressful and I honestly don’t know how Lily manages everything in her busy life. Anything is possible, and Lily is a true representation of hard work and dedication. Can’t wait to meet baby Sophia Loria!

Dramatic Muay Thai Portraits | Heart & Pride Muay Thai | Fanny

DRAMATIC MUAY THAI PORTRAITS

Location: Heart and Pride Muay Thai, Ontario, California

Date: 04.12.2021

Fitness Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

Heart and Pride Muay Thai is one of the few traditional Muay Thai gyms in the Inland Empire that sticks to the old traditional way. I’ve trained here on and off for the past few years and the staff is super professional and always willing to teach the basic fundamentals. Don’t get me wrong, they will also push you to the limits and I absolutely love that.

Fanny was my subject today and she’s also one of the coaches at Heart and Pride. I wanted to show her dramatic side by using off camera flash and colored gels. Some of my favorites photos of the day was using a red gel to light the background. Another great tip is to have the person show movement. The other pose I absolutely love is the lead straight knee.

Thank you again Fanny and Kru Mickey for allowing me to capture these awesome portraits!