Lake Arrowhead Engagement Adventure from Daniel Cruz Photography
You know what's better than spending the day basking in the gorgeousness that is this beautiful Lake Arrowhead engagement session? Nothing. Absolutely, positively nothing is better than hours upon hours of sweet, sweet time soaking in every last breathtaking moment captured by Daniel Cruz Photography. From the darling DIY details to the cool blue waters to one of the cutest couples you will ever virtually meet, it's a non-stop day of some serious pretty. See it all in the full gallery.
From the Bride... We chose to have our engagement session in Lake Arrowhead because we both have family history there. Our families use to own cabins up there, and the atmosphere brings back wonderful memories. Before we even started dating, we would go on trips with my family for weekends away. Also, the theme for our wedding is going to be rustic romance, so the mountains were the perfect choice to set off our overall vision for our big day.
We were so nervous and excited for the shoot-- we wanted everything to be perfect! We spent hours online looking at all of our favorite wedding blogs for inspiration. I really wanted to give a unique spin to the shoot, and include a lot of DIY products that were inexpensive and unique to us as a couple. I advise all couples to search Pinterest for DIY projects for the majority of your inspiration. It's free, doesn't require a monthly subscription, and gives a lot a lot of penny saving advice. Our outfits were super last minute. Everything we planned fell through when the groom forgot a bag at home in Arizona. We improvised and made my 10 outfits go with his two!
The props we incorporated into our engagement session included:
-- Hanging arrows were chosen and made by me (the bride). Original idea from Pinterest. Materials: felt and twigs from Michaels, strung with burlap.
-- Wedding date cake: Idea from Pinterest that I added my own twist to. Twigs and banner made from craft materials at Michaels. I love involving fun and DIY products into special events. Cake was homemade by me (with assistance from Wes).
-- "Better Together" banner: Made by me with help from my maid of honor. We have been in a long distance relationship for three years, and we are never as good apart as we are together. We bring out the best in each other and really are complete once we're together!! We cut the stationery paper, wrote the letters with glitter, and the bride drew the deer and moose.
-- Heart banner: Made by me. Inspiration from Pinterest.
-- Beanies handmade by Bride's mother.
-- Dream catcher: Handmade by me and my mother. Wreath made by my uncle from his vineyard, Grandma's doily, and sale fabric from Walmart. We strung everything and got the original idea from Pinterest.
We wanted Daniel as our photographer because of how comfortable he makes us feel. We knew that once he heard our vision, he would make it happen. Paying for a wedding on your own is stressful, but a creative DIY engagement shoot and wedding was exactly what we want other couples to see. You can have a beautiful picture of your special times together without having to spend the money! In the end, love is all that matters. We have been together for almost five years and wanted to share how special our relationship is with as many people as possible.
Photography: Daniel Cruz | Prop Design: Aurora Vilchis | Bride's Dress: Urban Outfitters | Groom's Shoes: Nordstrom Rack | Jean Shirt: Old Navy | Pants: H&M | Other Clothing Items: Borrowed
We were so nervous and excited for the shoot-- we wanted everything to be perfect! We spent hours online looking at all of our favorite wedding blogs for inspiration. I really wanted to give a unique spin to the shoot, and include a lot of DIY products that were inexpensive and unique to us as a couple. I advise all couples to search Pinterest for DIY projects for the majority of your inspiration. It's free, doesn't require a monthly subscription, and gives a lot a lot of penny saving advice. Our outfits were super last minute. Everything we planned fell through when the groom forgot a bag at home in Arizona. We improvised and made my 10 outfits go with his two!
The props we incorporated into our engagement session included:
-- Hanging arrows were chosen and made by me (the bride). Original idea from Pinterest. Materials: felt and twigs from Michaels, strung with burlap.
-- Wedding date cake: Idea from Pinterest that I added my own twist to. Twigs and banner made from craft materials at Michaels. I love involving fun and DIY products into special events. Cake was homemade by me (with assistance from Wes).
-- "Better Together" banner: Made by me with help from my maid of honor. We have been in a long distance relationship for three years, and we are never as good apart as we are together. We bring out the best in each other and really are complete once we're together!! We cut the stationery paper, wrote the letters with glitter, and the bride drew the deer and moose.
-- Heart banner: Made by me. Inspiration from Pinterest.
-- Beanies handmade by Bride's mother.
-- Dream catcher: Handmade by me and my mother. Wreath made by my uncle from his vineyard, Grandma's doily, and sale fabric from Walmart. We strung everything and got the original idea from Pinterest.
We wanted Daniel as our photographer because of how comfortable he makes us feel. We knew that once he heard our vision, he would make it happen. Paying for a wedding on your own is stressful, but a creative DIY engagement shoot and wedding was exactly what we want other couples to see. You can have a beautiful picture of your special times together without having to spend the money! In the end, love is all that matters. We have been together for almost five years and wanted to share how special our relationship is with as many people as possible.
Photography: Daniel Cruz | Prop Design: Aurora Vilchis | Bride's Dress: Urban Outfitters | Groom's Shoes: Nordstrom Rack | Jean Shirt: Old Navy | Pants: H&M | Other Clothing Items: Borrowed