The Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California is still my favorite hotel for weddings. Part of it is being located on the cliffs overlooking the gorgeous California coastline with beach access. But, it’s not just its location that makes this hotel so nice; it’s the style and service they provide the bride and groom that always impressed me. They take care of and look out for their clients by qualifying the vendors that provide wedding services at the hotel. As preferred vendors we were required to attend their orientation class and agree to the Hotel’s rules of etiquette. There is nothing onerous about it they just expect the wedding vendors to be professionals. That means that they have insurance (1-million dollars liability) and that they dress professionally and respect the facilities. These are things we always did at all of our wedding locations, rules or not. As full time professional photographers we wanted to return to all of the great locations that our clients choose for their events and be welcomed by the management and staff; that’s just good business practice.
Some favorite images….
 |
| f4.5 @ 1/1150 sec., ISO 400; Lens @ 112mm |
The Wedding party and family flew in from Texas and checked into the hotel a week before the wedding so we had the opportunity to do some bridals early in a relaxed and un-rushed environment three days before the wedding. This enabled me to pick the time and location for her bridals. We did this image one hour before sunset for this nice directional light. The only thing missing here was her bouquet so we dug up a rose for her to hold…
 |
| f4.0 @ 1/800 sec., ISO 400; Lens @ 80mm |
Then we went inside the hotel…
 |
| f4.0 @ 1/30 sec., ISO 400; Lens @ 50mm |
She wanted some high fashion inside the Ritz and changed into her “guest clothes”.
The wedding day….
 |
| f2.8 @ 1/80 sec., ISO 400; Lens @ 50mm |
Another reason we like doing Ritz Carlton weddings: the table settings and decor are a pleasure to photograph!
 |
| f2.8 @ 1/30 sec., Iso 400; Lens @ 27mm |
Then there’s the view…
 |
| f6.7 @ 1/180 sec., ISO 400; Lens @ 24mm |
This is the outdoor reception area which in this wedding was the spill-over area from their ballroom.
Meanwhile during the reception..
 |
| f5.6 @ 1/1250 sec., ISO 400; Lens @ 200mm |
Taking the bride and groom down to the beach is a Must-Do when we go to this hotel! It’s only possible because the hotel provides golf carts to transport all of us down to the beach; it’s about a half mile on a steep paved path. We usually spend about a half-hour on the beach getting some fun, romantic images and then it’s back to the reception for the rest of their events.
Should you have questions…don’t hesitate to ask…’Til next week…
Author: Jerry W. Venz, PPA Master Photographer, Craftsman
Training site: http://www.LightAtTheEdge.com
Client site: http://www.TheStorytellersUsa.com
