{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!

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As a full-service photographer, my job doesn’t end at the camera—I help you bring your portraits to life in your home. If that sounds like what you’ve been missing, let’s talk.
MODELS NEEDED 🤍

I’m building out my new studio portfolio and looking for a few select models this April ✨

If you’re:
• Expecting (3rd trimester)
• Or have a baby 6–12 months (sitting, not yet walking)

I’d love to hear from you!

These are complimentary sessions designed to create soft, natural, elevated portraits in my new light-filled Carlsbad studio (or on location if you prefer).

To apply:
Email me at heather@vallentynephotography.com with a quick snapshot of your family + whether you prefer studio, location, or either.

I’ll send over details + next steps 💌

Please email only (no DMs) so I can keep everything organized 🤍

Tag a friend who would love this!
I’ve photographed everything from small families to big extended gatherings, and what they all have in common is love. If you’d like to capture yours, let’s plan it.
The real magic in portraits isn’t about perfect outfits or settings—it’s about capturing the love that holds your family together. If that’s what you want remembered, let’s connect.
Somewhere between childhood and everything that comes next…
this moment happens.

Senior year isn’t just about graduation.
It’s about who they’re becoming.

And this deserves more than just a quick yearbook photo.

If you’re starting to think about senior portraits, comment SENIOR and I’ll send you the details 🤍
Most people think family photos are just about getting a few good images.

But that’s not really what matters.

What matters is what happens after.

Because most photos end up sitting on phones…
or getting lost over time.

And the ones that actually become part of your life?
The ones you see every day… the ones your kids grow up with…

Those are the ones that mean something.

That’s why I guide my clients through the entire process—from planning your session to creating something beautiful for your home—so your photos don’t just live on a screen.

If you’ve been thinking about doing this, comment READY and I’ll send you the details 🤍
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 natural light 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 full-service photographer, my job doesn’t end at the camera—I help you bring your portraits to life in your home. If that sounds like what you’ve been missing, let’s talk.
MODELS NEEDED 🤍

I’m building out my new studio portfolio and looking for a few select models this April ✨

If you’re:
• Expecting (3rd trimester)
• Or have a baby 6–12 months (sitting, not yet walking)

I’d love to hear from you!

These are complimentary sessions designed to create soft, natural, elevated portraits in my new light-filled Carlsbad studio (or on location if you prefer).

To apply:
Email me at heather@vallentynephotography.com with a quick snapshot of your family + whether you prefer studio, location, or either.

I’ll send over details + next steps 💌

Please email only (no DMs) so I can keep everything organized 🤍

Tag a friend who would love this!
I’ve photographed everything from small families to big extended gatherings, and what they all have in common is love. If you’d like to capture yours, let’s plan it.
The real magic in portraits isn’t about perfect outfits or settings—it’s about capturing the love that holds your family together. If that’s what you want remembered, let’s connect.
Somewhere between childhood and everything that comes next…
this moment happens.

Senior year isn’t just about graduation.
It’s about who they’re becoming.

And this deserves more than just a quick yearbook photo.

If you’re starting to think about senior portraits, comment SENIOR and I’ll send you the details 🤍
Most people think family photos are just about getting a few good images.

But that’s not really what matters.

What matters is what happens after.

Because most photos end up sitting on phones…
or getting lost over time.

And the ones that actually become part of your life?
The ones you see every day… the ones your kids grow up with…

Those are the ones that mean something.

That’s why I guide my clients through the entire process—from planning your session to creating something beautiful for your home—so your photos don’t just live on a screen.

If you’ve been thinking about doing this, comment READY and I’ll send you the details 🤍

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

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

located in oceanside, california