Ryan Phillips Blog

A few weeks ago we were back at one of my favorite Southern California wedding venues, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. The property is absolutely gorgeous and so was Alyson! She looked stunning in Monique Lhullier and had a sweet pair of Jimmy Choos to boot. 

Make-Up: Cathryn Van Breene

Hair: Sheila Stone

Flowers: Mindy Rice

Coordinator: The always fabulous Jill Lafluer of Lafluer Events

Last week we got an opportunity to photograph one of the coolest hotels in Los Angeles. The Farmer’s Daughter Hotel across the street from The Grove. It is one of the last true local hangouts and boasts guests from Rock Stars to Ex U.S Presidents. It is reasonably priced and has an unbelievable restaurant which are two things that are very rare together in LA. 

Mike from Evoke Photography joined me for 2 days of intense shooting from mornin’ till late night to capture the essence of what this hotel is all about. We shot everything from food and living spaces to models with hotel guests. A big thanks to our model Ellice Schwartz who did an amazing job, Prop Stylist Robin Turk, and Quince from Vans who just happenned to be in the right place at the right time when he was asked to be our male model for the poolside shots. Another big thanks to the rest of the crew from Vans who were staying at the hotel and let us use them as background fodder.

These are just a few quick favorites but I may blog again next month after going through all the images.

Breakfast is amazing with egg scrambles in a cast iron skillet, huge stacks of chocolate chip shaving pancakes and yogurt, fruit parfaits. Lunch is down and dirty with Colossal BBQ Burgers to Salads and Mini-Burgers. Dinner….Go for the Cowboy Steak served in a cast iron bowl with a side of the best mac n’ cheese this side of the Mississippi.

Whether you are in from out of town or just want a cool place to hang out check out Tart Restaraunt and The Farmer’s Daughter Hotel. 

Do it at the Daughter….

Andrea and Doug had such a fun wedding at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa last month. Doug is like watching an exploding car full of clowns and his brothers are even crazier. They kept us laughing all day long! Andrea is as sweet as they come and they are the perfect balance for each other. These two are totally in love and you could feel that throughout the whole ceremony. They exchanged vows in the Hacienda Courtyard with sweeping views of the Ojai Valley behind them.

Co-Ordination: Bijou Events
Dress: Amsale
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Florist:The Hidden Garden

I thought this might need a little explanation to go along with it :-) After showing the groom’s brother a picture he thought my screen needed a little cleaning so he and Doug gave my camera a “Full Service” cleaning including a tie buff out.

Kristin and Dave had a beautiful Ceremony at Saint Monica’s Church in Santa Monica followed by a laid back reception at The Adamson House in Malibu. Kristin looked amazing in Monique Lhuillier and has such great camera presence. She was so happy and it showed all day long. Dave is so in love and couldn’t help but smile as he watched her throughout the day.

Make-Up: Michele Stewart - Yes there is a reason she does most of our brides :-)

If you are into soaps then you have already seen them on the cover of Soap Opera Digest this month. If not, then this is the family you will love to hate, they are all perfect…and to boot…some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Proud papa Joshua is one of the stars of The Young and The Restless. You may know him as Nick Newman. Mom Tobe has a much harder job of raising three Caaa-razy boys!

The newest edition to the family Cash joins brothers Cooper and Crew. My favorite picture is the fourth one which just sums up life with three boys perfectly.

Congratulations Tobe and Josh on the new addition!

I met Michika and Jayson downtown for a little urban engagement shoot. We started out at Disney Concert Hall and then headed out to into the streets. I tried to do a couple of “serious” shots but no go, these two are way too happy and totally in love with each other!

Jennifer and Bill had a spectacular wedding at the U.S Grant in downtown San Diego. The hotel recently completed a 53 million dollar renovation and it shows! Jennifer and Bill rented out the Presidential Suite and the Penthouse as their getting ready rooms and it was amazing. Giant windows poured light into every corner of the room. They had a beautiful ceremony at The Immaculata and after a short ride in a brand new 2008 Rolls Royce Phantom we were back at the Grant for the reception.

The wedding was a 7 day celebration. Tiffany Cannis Events produced the whole thing and it was all spectacular. Almost every detail in the room was custom made and it showed.

Event Production: Tiffany Cannis Events
Florist: Enchanted Florist
Ice Luge: Ice Magic
Linens: Wildflower Linens
DJ: Red Shoe L.A
Band: The Spazmatics

Jennifer looked stunning in Yolanda Couture and topped it off with a sweet pair of shoes from Rene Caovilla that she picked up on a recent trip to Italy.

Almost every detail of this entire room was custom made and it shows. The details were truly amazing! From custom table linens and the white cubed bar to the wall to wall cabana lounges the guests were treated to a one of a kind experience!

Jennifer’s sister and Bill’s brother gave great toasts and had the whole place laughing and crying simultaneously.

This is one of my favorite moments of the night! Jennifer and Bill chose to get married in the GasLamp district since they frequent the music scene here regularly. Bill was in charge of the music but kept it a surprise until this moment. One of the groomsman is giving a “speech” and this is the moment that Jennifer realizes that he is really announcing that one of her favorite bands is about to take the stage. The next two pics after that are her reaction to realizing that it is, indeed….The Spazmatics. They are truly the greatest 80’s cover band on the planet. I have never seen all 250 guests clear the seats and race to the dance floor like that. The Spazmatics played for hours and put on a great show.

As if the first dress wasn’t fabulous enough already, Jennifer slipped into an amazing gown from designer Amy Michelson. Since Bill was in charge of the band, Jen was in charge of late night snackage. She served Bill and their guests homemade chipwhiches and rolled out a full buffet of hamburgers, mexican food, corn dogs, white cheddar fries, chocolate fountains, etc. You name it, it was there!