magnolia west

THE JOURNAL

Real talk, honest answers, and everything no one else is saying.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG!

I'm Ariel, a wedding photographer with over 20 years in the wedding and event industry. Welcome to my blog where you'll find bite sized nuggets of wedding advice on how to make your dream wedding a reality. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I'm here to here to be your guide...

A little about me: I was born and raised in Savannah, GA but now live in the greater LA area with my husband two boys. I'm inspired by all things French fashion and old world everything—books, architecture, music... The sounds of Johnny Mercer, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald fill my home. Oh, and I love a good romance.

You too? I'm always up for coffee or cocktails... Message me. I'd love to connect!

I'm so glad you're here!

welome to my blog

Hi there! I'm Ariel, a Los Angeles wedding photographer. Welcome to my blog where you'll find bite sized nuggets of wedding advice on how to make your dream wedding a reality.

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tented wedding in los angeles at lakeside golf club in burbank

Weddings

The Elevated Charm of a Tented Wedding in Los Angeles

A tented wedding in Los Angeles offers the perfect blend of open-air beauty and refined structure. At Lakeside Golf Club, a thoughtfully designed tent transforms the landscape into an intimate, elevated reception space—complete with chandeliers, layered lighting, and lush floral installations.

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A woman with painted nails delicately placing a french macaron on a plate with tongs during a bridal shower

For Brides

A Garden Bridal Shower in Santa Barbara

Tucked into a lush garden in Santa Barbara, this bridal shower was the perfect blend of elegance and ease—an intimate afternoon designed to celebrate friendship, connection, and the season leading up to the wedding day.

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wedding vendor tipping guide

For Brides

Tip Guide for Wedding Vendors

Consider this your refined Tip Guide for Wedding Vendors—a clear, thoughtful breakdown of what’s actually expected, what’s optional, and what truly matters. Because when it comes to tipping, there’s a lot of noise—and not nearly enough clarity.

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Wedding Budget Planning: The Smart Budget Breakdown for Weddings Under $200K

For Brides

Wedding Budget Planning: A Practical Percentage Breakdown for Weddings Under $200K

When couples begin planning their wedding, one of the biggest questions they ask is: How should we actually divide the budget? Everything you need to know…

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How to Choose a Wedding Photographer - Relaxed bride and groom. Black and white image of a groom with his bride thrown over his shoulder barefoot as he's running away with her.

For Brides

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

If you’re wondering how to choose a wedding photographer, you’re not alone.

Pretty photos are easy to find.
But choosing the right photographer? That requires discernment.

Here’s what actually matters.

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three beautiful blonde girls is vibrant colorful dresses holding wine glasses and charcuterie at a destination wedding welcome party in Santa Barbara, CA

For Brides

Destination Wedding Weekend: An Itinerary Guide for Couples in the Early Stage

Planning a destination wedding weekend? Here’s how to design a multi-day wedding weekend itinerary for 100 guests with ease and elegance.

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a couple running across the grass at the westin savannah resort during golden hour a their wedding. captured by savannah wedding photographer magnolia west photography

Weddings

A Modern Savannah Wedding Filled with Southern Charm

Modern love meets Southern charm in this destination wedding at The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort.

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The Wally Bag--best garment bag for your wedding dress and your groom's tux

For Brides

How to Fly with Your Wedding Dress

Traveling to your destination wedding should feel calm — not like a last-minute crisis about stains or crushed tulle. Below is a practical, airline-aware, step-by-step guide (with real airline examples and tested garment-bag picks) so your gown arrives hangable, wearable, and as close to perfect as possible.

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For Photographers

3 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Photography Mentor

Feeling stuck in your photography business? Discover 3 signs it’s time to hire a photography mentor—and how the right guidance can help you grow with clarity and confidence.

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soft ivory table linens with ivory, blush and blue flowers with greenery with blush taper candles, crystal glassware, gold flatware, ivory plates, and blue napkins

For Brides

White Linens vs. Ivory Linens: Choosing the Perfect Table Setting for Your Wedding Reception

Discover the difference between white and ivory table linens, how each photographs, and which best complements your reception style and color palette.

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