A Classic Wedding at L’Auberge Del Mar, Melissa + Paul

I am so excited to share this wedding today, I loved it! Love the colors, Love working at L’Auberge Del Mar, and loooove working with Lauren Mandler and EverAfter Events – she is the cream of the crop of coordinators!

Love Story:
Paul & melissa met through a mutual friend in Austin, TX…little did she know that she would soon end up moving to San Francisco where paul lived!

Wedding Venue:
L’Auberge Del Mar is a romantic and luxurious beach hotel with beautiful rooms, a relaxing spa, and wedding venues that overlook the beaches! The ocean views and beautiful ceremony sites make it really the perfect location for a local or destination wedding!

Star Vendors:
Coordinator: Everafter Events – Lauren Mandler
Florist: Organic Elements – Sharon Mintz
Wedding Cake and Bakery: Sweet Cheeks – Elaine Ardizzone
Music: SOS Entertainment
Rentals: Concepts Event Design
Hair: JDM Salon – Wendy McGill
Photography: Vallentyne Photography – Heather Moreau

My Favorite Moment:
Ok wow, there are several favorite moments! The first was the recessional song after the ceremony – it was Depeche Mode “Just Can’t Get Enough.” So awesome. Yes, this is my style so I loved that they chose this to celebrate being just married! If you need to just listen to this song right now, here ya go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6fbfaq-nde

The next super awesome moment was the father/daughter dance…I just love when people spend time on doing this together! They began with the classic dance together to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. But soon the music cut out and it honestly seemed like the DJ messed up big time! But no, it was a pause before their coordinated surprise dance performance to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. So much fun and I loved that they planned and practiced that father/daughter dance together!

Lastly, the bride had a surprise song to sing to her new husband. She performed “At Last” by Etta James and really, she did such an amazing job! I think everyone present was in awe of her voice and just thinking a little bit that the groom just married an incredible woman! So many beautiful moments. I loved this whole crew – congrats Melissa & Paul!

PS. Take a look at the rings below- OMG. I am in love with the sapphire engagement ring and the copper groom’s ring- the combo is so amazing!









Planning your own photos? Lets chat!

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As a mom and a photographer, I know how quickly the seasons of life pass. That’s why I create portraits that will matter just as much decades from now. Want to start planning? Reach out anytime.
Families come back to me year after year because they know I’ll capture them as they are—real, imperfect, and beautiful. If you’re ready for photos that feel like your family, I’d love to work with you.
What I want most is for you to feel taken care of from start to finish—planning, session, artwork. You deserve an experience that feels effortless. If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s chat.
Photography isn’t just my career—it’s been my life’s work for more than 20 years. Each session still excites me, and I’d love to bring that passion to your portraits too.
One of my favorite murals by @realfunwow 😍

Some of the best photos happen when nothing goes to plan—kids running, wind in the hair, real life unfolding. That’s where the beauty is. If that sounds like your family, I’d love to photograph you.
Full-service photography means I don’t stop at taking pictures—I help you design wall art, albums, and keepsakes you’ll treasure for a lifetime. If you’d like that kind of support, I’d love to work with you.
Oceanside California beach family portrait photographer

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Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, CA, with a newborn studio in Carlsbad, CA, serving North County and San Diego. With 20 years of experience, we specialize in natural, timeless portraits for families, maternity, newborns, and seniors—capturing genuine moments on location or in our beautiful portrait studio.

We’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable. Let’s start with a quick chat about what matters most to you. We’d be honored to create portraits you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

As a mom and a photographer, I know how quickly the seasons of life pass. That’s why I create portraits that will matter just as much decades from now. Want to start planning? Reach out anytime.
Families come back to me year after year because they know I’ll capture them as they are—real, imperfect, and beautiful. If you’re ready for photos that feel like your family, I’d love to work with you.
What I want most is for you to feel taken care of from start to finish—planning, session, artwork. You deserve an experience that feels effortless. If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s chat.
Photography isn’t just my career—it’s been my life’s work for more than 20 years. Each session still excites me, and I’d love to bring that passion to your portraits too.
One of my favorite murals by @realfunwow 😍

Some of the best photos happen when nothing goes to plan—kids running, wind in the hair, real life unfolding. That’s where the beauty is. If that sounds like your family, I’d love to photograph you.
Full-service photography means I don’t stop at taking pictures—I help you design wall art, albums, and keepsakes you’ll treasure for a lifetime. If you’d like that kind of support, I’d love to work with you.

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

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located in oceanside, california