Life of La Vida bio picture
  • the life of la vida creations photography

    We LOVE what we do and LOVE that we get to work side by side each day!

    Photography is our passion! When we’re not out and about capturing couples and families, we’re cooking, traveling, playing bocce, or hanging out with our labra-chow Mace Windu. These are some of the things that make up our vida. You’ll learn more about our lives here as we seem to always have a camera in hand. :)

    Thanks for visiting the life of la vida. Leave a comment and open the dialogue!

    Warmly,
    Betsy and Jeff McCue

lesli + neil civil ceremony | san diego county courthouse wedding

Weddings come in many forms. We have been fortunate enough to photograph weddings of all sizes… some are in big beautiful churches with extravagant receptions in huge ballrooms, others are more on the small and intimate side, perhaps an outdoor venue with a hosted dinner at a fancy restaurant. The common theme with all of our weddings, of course, is love. Commitment. A ceremony that expresses the connection between a happy couple that is ready to take on the rest of their lives. Together!

Lesli and Neil’s wedding had no bridal party, no lavish flowers…there wasn’t even a reception afterwards. This was a ceremony just for themselves (and a few of their family members and friends). Betsy and I had the pleasure of documenting this beautiful moment for Lesli and Neil outside the San Diego Courthouse last week!

Lesli and our best friend Mace Windu go back a long time. Mace LOOOOOOVES hanging with other dogs at Dr. Boyd’s Pet Resort, and of course, all the human play and attention is pretty okay in his book too:)Dr. Boyd’s is located right near Old Town, just a hop and a skip from University Heights. Lesli is the Assistant Manager at Dr. Boyd’s, has many years of Veterinary experience, and has a soft spot in her heart for animals—which you know we love and appreciate! She and Mace are best buddies, and we were delighted when she invited us to tell her and Neil’s story!

Just look at those smiles!

Lesli’s kids were on hand to hold the rings and witness their mom’s ceremony.:)

Teehee!

MARRIED!! And of course, that post-ceremony glee we adore!

Right after the ceremony, we had a few minutes to spend with Lesli and Neil on the other side of the Courthouse. I think they appreciated the time alone.:)

Lesli and Neil, congratulations on your nuptials! We were honored to be there for you on your special day, and we are looking forward to sharing the rest of your images with you!:)
Lesli… Mace says “woof grr woof woof whiiiine”. We know you understand his labra-chow language:)

To Lesli & Neil’s friends and family: sign in to their Pictage Wedding Event Page… you will be notified as soon as the rest of the individual images go live in a few weeks, and you will receive a gift certificate toward your first print purchase!

May 21, 2013 - 10:11 pm

Desiree - These are amazing- you are lit up with smiles!!!!!!!!!

May 22, 2013 - 12:14 am

Joan Aftoora - Beautiful pictures of a special couple!
You both look so happy.

Congratulations!

May 22, 2013 - 12:15 am

Joan Aftoora - Beautiful pictures of a very special couple!

Congratulations & Happiness Always

May 22, 2013 - 12:15 am

Joan Aftoora - Beautiful pictures of a very special couple!

May 22, 2013 - 12:18 am

Melody - Beautiful photos of my fave couple at their beautiful wedding. Much Love <3

May 23, 2013 - 8:58 pm

Phaedra - Most excellent pictures! The bride and groom look wonderful…I’ve know Leslie since she was a little girl, always will be in my eyes. If ever anyone I know needs a photographer, you guys are it!

rachel + chris’ wedding – hilton airways | agua dulce airport, southern california

Rachel and Chris got married! IN AN AIRPORT SHUT DOWN JUST FOR THEM!

Sorry for the yelling, but we really wanted to just scream a bit about how exciting their wedding was! We’ve been looking forward to their nuptials for quite some time.:)We were fortunate enough to be able to shoot their engagement session inside Dodger Stadium (look forward to THAT post once the MLB gives us approval), and it was so much fun to watch Rachel and Chris bond with each other! Best of friends become the best of couples.:)

Just had to post one quickie detail of those shoes. We love us some cool shoes!

I met up with Chris down at the Agua Dulce Airport. Rachel’s dad has a hangar at this airport, and he was able to convince the owners of the park to shut down completely for his daughter’s special day! Chris and I headed on over to a nice sheltered part of one of the old hangars for their First Look. We just love that moment when our brides and grooms see each other for the first time on their big day!

So sweet, these two.:)

Rachel looked absolutely angelic in her gown!

Teehee!

And Chris looked rather dashing with his white on white vest and tie combo!

 

It was really cool to see all of the planes hanging around the hangars (is that why they call them hangars?!?), but the fact that Rachel’s dad’s plane was right there made it all so very special!

The bridal party needed a plane too!

The airport has a clubhouse as well, and that was where the big moment took place.:)This nice little lawn (that replaced an old pool…the no diving tiles were still there!) served as the perfect spot for their ceremony, which was beautifully delivered by Chris’ Uncle Bill.

Sometimes that little moment before the moment is the best. I was so stoked when I saw this happen in front of me with Rachel’s grandparents! Awwww!

Unity candles + wind + loving attitude = smiles. They actually stayed lit for a millisecond!:)

Laughter, followed soon enough by tears of unmitigated joy. <3

“Woooooooo!”

We love these few moments right after our couples tie the knot! It’s a great emotional mix of love, excitement, and a little bit of relief, too!

We only had a few minutes to spend with the two of them before they joined their guests, so we headed straight for this wide open runway for some fun!

And rolling foothills in the background…

OK. So we’ve established that this wedding was at an airport. That’s pretty cool. But what truly made Rachel and Chris’ wedding unique was the unbelievably well-thought-out event design, mastered by Peter with Goose on the Loose Productions. This guy did absolutely incredible work in designing Rachel and Chris’ airport/flight/travel themed reception.:)

The elegance inside the HUGE tent was simple and focused, which we love!

Hilton Airways is ready for it’s maiden voyage… destination: good times!!

The crew greeted every guest as they walked from cocktail hour near the runway and queued up for their boarding passes…

…where they were welcomed by bright and cheerful ticket agents…

…they received their boarding passes…

…waved “Hello!” to by the co-pilot/cigar lounge operator…
And yes, those are airplane seats in the cigar lounge! So clever:)

…and we have liftoff!:)

D’Awwwwwww!

The toasts to Rachel and Chris were hilarious, loving, and emotional. They are truly surrounded by friends and family who love and support them!

Sooooo, quick side note. See this happy family? On the left is one of our previous La Vida Couples, Kelly and Joel! Kelly grew up in Agua Dulce with Rachel, and are also great friends with yet another La Vida Couple, Kelly and Evan, who we can now call a La Vida Family (which is why Kelly and Evan couldn’t make it, of course)!:)Kelly and Joel, it was so great to see you, your parents, and your sister again!

Daddy and his girl… always such a beautiful moment!

And of course, mom and her son. Chris, you’re a good man.:)

Rachel and Chris, thank you so much for the good times! We had such a blast being there for you on your wedding day, during our time at Dodger Stadium, and of course over at Golden Road Brewing! We would love to meet you guys there again someday before a game. I can already taste the Dodger Dogs!:)

To Rachel & Chris’s friends and family: sign in to their Pictage Wedding Event Page… you will be notified as soon as the rest of the individual images go live in a few weeks, and you will receive a gift certificate toward your first print purchase!

Rachel &  Chris’s wedding vendors:
Photographers: La Vida Creations Photography
Coordination: Peter with Goose on the Loose Productions
Event Design: Peter with Goose on the Loose Productions
Cinematographers: Piece by Piece Films
Officiant: Bill Hilton-Pastor (Chris’ Uncle)
Hair: N Style Salon
Ceremony Venue: Agua Dulce Airport
Reception Venue: Agua Dulce Airport
Catering: Lapaz Mexican Food
Florist: Acton Creative Flowers
Photobooth: PhotoTouchBooth
DJ: SOS Entertainment
Wedding Signs, Invitations and Boarding Passes: Beaumont Ink
Airline Signage: Feathers Photo
Logo Design: Arnie Medel
Cake: Cake Goodness
Bar Service: Liquid Catering
Rachel’s Gown: Boutique Saks 5th Ave- Kenneth Poole
Lighting: SOS Entertainment
Event Rentals: Town and Country Event Rentals

May 15, 2013 - 5:52 pm

Rachel Hilton - These pictures are absolutely amazing. I am in love with everything you captured. So incredible! Thank you!!

May 15, 2013 - 8:58 pm

Jennifer Harman - Amazing wedding and pictures! Great recap of the wedding!

May 15, 2013 - 10:58 pm

Jeff - Thanks, Jennifer! Such a great day! :)

May 15, 2013 - 10:58 pm

Jeff - Awwww, so happy you’re enjoying the images and they’re helping you relive the day, Rachel!!! XOXOXO

May 15, 2013 - 11:49 pm

Linda Marshall - This Wedding was so much fun to be apart of! Thank you Rachel, I will always be smiling when I think of this great Event! Peter you are a Rock Star!!!!

May 16, 2013 - 4:21 am

Jen Terry - THE most beautiful wedding I have ever been to and the photographers did an amazing job capturing it! Beautiful pictures and beautiful bride and groom!

May 16, 2013 - 4:47 pm

Sue Collier - Beautifully captured!

May 16, 2013 - 5:07 pm

Peter Martinez - Amazing photos guys, it was a magical night! Don’t forget to mention my Photo Booth it was a hit!!

May 16, 2013 - 7:38 pm

Kristen - Every detail was amazing and Jeff & Betsy captured them all! I can’t wait to see the rest. Beautiful photos!!!

May 16, 2013 - 8:45 pm

Andy Harman - Great wedding and pictures!

May 17, 2013 - 2:12 am

Nicole bishop - The pictures are so beautiful. It was an amazing event beautifully put together. Rachel, you are the most beautiful bride!!!

May 17, 2013 - 2:13 pm

Peter Goossens - Betsy and Jeff, you guys did a phenomenal job at capturing one of the most exciting and beautiful weddings I have ever had the privilege to produce. Thank you to Rachel and Chris for trusting me with the concept: you guys were awesome to work with! Thank you to the White family for their kind friendship. Thank you to all the vendors, and our hosts at the airport, for stepping up to the plate, and beyond. And thank you to all the guests for playing along. This one will make the history books!

May 17, 2013 - 5:15 pm

Ashley Morley - These pictures are amazing! I love them! A very magical night indeed! :)

May 22, 2013 - 5:06 pm

Stephanie Lopez - These pictures are amazing!!!!! It was the wedding of the year… You guys did an excellent job, n you both were so much fun :)

whitney, jake, elin’s newborn session | rancho santa fe, san diego

Awwww! We’ve missed these guys!

We photographed Whitney and Jake’s wedding day at the Japanese Friendship Gardens back in 2009. Their First Look was one of the most romantic and meaningful moments we have ever had the honor of shooting!:)

We’ve kept in touch over the years (which we LOVE!), and now we have the joy of capturing the next chapter of their lives with a baby girl in tow! Elin is a little cutie that we photographed last week, and she certainly has strong opinions!:)Most babies less than a week old are quite malleable (up until a certain point, then it’s screamytime!). But Elin is all about knowing what is going on at all times—think she inherited that social butterfly gene from Mom and Dad.

Seriously, can you believe that head of hair?!

Daddy’s little girl! Elin is really in tune with Dad’s touch. Every time Jake picked her up, Elin would be quite calm, and as he got close to laying her down on a blanket, she would go ballistic! He’s going to have his hands full when she gets older!:)

And Mommy spent a little time soothing the wee-babe too. Think Elin is going to be a modest one… She was definitely NOT interested in exposing that her little baby bum!

A little moment of peace for Mom and Dad!

How precious is that little smirk Elin has looking up at mom and dad while they cuddle?!

‘Sup?

Nothin’. Just chillin’.:)

Such a sweet little face!
Cat-nap and stretching time!
Elin has these long elegant feet and toes… and those adorable little baby rolls.

Love the light grasp from a newborn!

Congratulations Jake and Whitney! Elin is absolutely beautiful, and you are going to be (well, you already are) magnificent parents! We can’t wait to share the rest of these images with you, and we also look forward to seeing baby Elin grow up and develop more of the character. She’s going to be a fun kiddo!:)

To Whitney, Jake and Elin’s friends and family: sign in to their Pictage Event Page… you will be notified as soon as the rest of the individual images go live in a few weeks, and you will receive a gift certificate toward your first print purchase!

May 12, 2013 - 2:49 am

Whitney - Love these so much! You two are amazing!! We were nervous that her tantrum left us with few options but you really did a phenomenal job. Thank you!!!!!

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