{santa barbara weekend :part 3: couture wedding fashion}


The 3rd day of my trip was something I have been looking forward to for a while. I have always loved the California coastline North of Santa Barbara. From camping at El Capitan, surfing at Jalama, to wine tasting in Los Olivos, it is an incredible place to visit at any time of year. Since I already knew I would be up there (see the previous 2 posts:) I decided to self-produce a bridal fashion shoot. I started my career in photography coordinating editorial fashion shoots so this is familiar territory for me, and something I love to do.

I was luck enough to be able to borrow 3 gorgeous gowns from Chez Bride Moderne, all designed by Valena Valentina….they were amazing!!

Here are a few of my favorite images from the shoot:






Thank you so much to my 3 beautiful models, Lauren of JetSet La Jolla, Sarah, and Melissa of Sleek Models Santa Barbara. You were all wonderful to work with and I look forward to doing it again in the future!

Gowns on loan from Chez Bride Moderne, La Jolla
All gowns designed by Valena Valentina
Hair and make-up by Hanalei Spengler and Jill Hedeler
Geena of Bella Fiori Flowers: Solvang, CA, Phone: (805) 693-1111

 

Planning your own photos? Lets chat!

Woman in a long red dress stands on a path surrounded by greenery and flowering bushes, smiling at the camera.

Welcome

Take a look around, and click here to get in touch with me about your own photos!

Calm, clear shallow ocean water under a blue sky with Print Shop text in a hexagon in the center.

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Families often tell me they’re surprised by how much fun their session was. That’s always my goal—natural, relaxed, and full of laughter. If you’d like that too, reach out anytime.
Your photos shouldn’t just sit on a computer—they should live in albums, frames, and prints you see every day. If that sounds right to you, I’d love to help design it.
Being part of this community means I get to photograph people in the same places I grew up. That history makes each session even more special. If you’d like to create your own memories here, let’s connect.
My clients often say the hardest part was just reaching out—after that, I guide them through everything. If you’ve been thinking about photos, I’d love to make it easy for you.
When people ask what kind of portraits I do, the answer is simple: ones that show love, connection, and personality. If that’s what you want, I’d love to create it with you.
Every wall in your home tells a story. I’d love to help you design artwork that reflects the people you love most. If you’d like that, let’s start planning.
Oceanside California beach family portrait photographer

family

A couple embraces in a sunlit garden; the woman wears a white dress and appears to be pregnant.

maternity

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on a white bed, wearing a white diaper, with arms curled near face.

newborn

Woman in a white dress walks barefoot on a sandy beach, looking back toward the camera near the shoreline.

senior

A smiling couple stands on the beach, embracing, with a pier stretching into the ocean behind them.

couples

A person in a green dress holds soil with a small green plant growing in their cupped hands.

branding

 

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.

Families often tell me they’re surprised by how much fun their session was. That’s always my goal—natural, relaxed, and full of laughter. If you’d like that too, reach out anytime.
Your photos shouldn’t just sit on a computer—they should live in albums, frames, and prints you see every day. If that sounds right to you, I’d love to help design it.
Being part of this community means I get to photograph people in the same places I grew up. That history makes each session even more special. If you’d like to create your own memories here, let’s connect.
My clients often say the hardest part was just reaching out—after that, I guide them through everything. If you’ve been thinking about photos, I’d love to make it easy for you.
When people ask what kind of portraits I do, the answer is simple: ones that show love, connection, and personality. If that’s what you want, I’d love to create it with you.
Every wall in your home tells a story. I’d love to help you design artwork that reflects the people you love most. If you’d like that, let’s start planning.

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

A large, green, uppercase letter V on a white background.

located in oceanside, california