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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Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about holding onto memories.⁣
⁣
I want you to look back at these photos and remember the way it felt to hold your kids, the sound of their little laugh, and all those tiny moments that make this time so special.⁣
⁣
Because they’re only this little once. 💕⁣
⁣
Book your session today! Link in bio.
As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture people just as they are in this moment—real, unfiltered, and full of personality.⁣
⁣
I work hard to see the real because that’s where the beauty is.⁣
⁣
As a mom, I want to remember my kids exactly as they were—messy, joyful, and completely themselves. And no one embodies that better than toddlers. They don’t pose, they don’t fake a smile—they just are. Whether they’re flashing a toothy grin or wobbling their way through those first few steps, every expression is 100% real.⁣
⁣
And that’s exactly why I love photographing them so much!
Preparing for your photo session? Keep it simple! ⁣
⁠⁣
I find solid colors (like white, cream, tan, or gray) or classic patterns like a soft floral photograph beautifully, and avoiding logos keeps the focus on you and your family. ⁠⁣
⁣
Let’s make your session fun and easy! DM me with any questions.⁠⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #carlsbadcalifornia⁣⁣
⁣
I’ve been photographing families in North County since 2005—bringing over 20 years of experience to every session! ✨⁣
⁣
With a timeless, minimalist approach, my goal is to create images that feel true to your family—beautiful, natural, and meant to be cherished for generations.⁣
⁣
💕 Ready to book? Link in bio!
Newborns don’t need anything extra to be beautiful. Their soft skin, sleepy smiles, and little movements are perfect just as they are, and I’m here to help you remember them exactly this way.
I'm often asked, "When is the best age to do photos?"⁠⁣
⁠⁣
My answer? ⁠⁣
⁠⁣
"All of them"⁠

 

Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, 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.

Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about holding onto memories.⁣
⁣
I want you to look back at these photos and remember the way it felt to hold your kids, the sound of their little laugh, and all those tiny moments that make this time so special.⁣
⁣
Because they’re only this little once. 💕⁣
⁣
Book your session today! Link in bio.
As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture people just as they are in this moment—real, unfiltered, and full of personality.⁣
⁣
I work hard to see the real because that’s where the beauty is.⁣
⁣
As a mom, I want to remember my kids exactly as they were—messy, joyful, and completely themselves. And no one embodies that better than toddlers. They don’t pose, they don’t fake a smile—they just are. Whether they’re flashing a toothy grin or wobbling their way through those first few steps, every expression is 100% real.⁣
⁣
And that’s exactly why I love photographing them so much!
Preparing for your photo session? Keep it simple! ⁣
⁠⁣
I find solid colors (like white, cream, tan, or gray) or classic patterns like a soft floral photograph beautifully, and avoiding logos keeps the focus on you and your family. ⁠⁣
⁣
Let’s make your session fun and easy! DM me with any questions.⁠⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #carlsbadcalifornia⁣⁣
⁣
I’ve been photographing families in North County since 2005—bringing over 20 years of experience to every session! ✨⁣
⁣
With a timeless, minimalist approach, my goal is to create images that feel true to your family—beautiful, natural, and meant to be cherished for generations.⁣
⁣
💕 Ready to book? Link in bio!
Newborns don’t need anything extra to be beautiful. Their soft skin, sleepy smiles, and little movements are perfect just as they are, and I’m here to help you remember them exactly this way.
I'm often asked, "When is the best age to do photos?"⁠⁣
⁠⁣
My answer? ⁠⁣
⁠⁣
"All of them"⁠

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

located in oceanside, california