Belen and Ross: A Candid, Vintage Boho Chic Wedding at The Old Rancho Estate, Carlsbad
DETAILS
The Old Rancho Estate
Carlsbad, California
Wedding Photography
Digital
VENDORS
Planning, Catering, and Dessert:
Personal Touch Dining
Florals:
Tess Fresh Flowers
Hair and Makeup:
Refined Beauty Inc.
A Couple Full of Humor, Love, and
Happy Tears
What can I say about Belen and Ross? Their sense of humor—top notch. The way they goof around with each other—my absolute favorite. And the way they love each other? Honestly, the best of the best.
Their wedding took place at the stunning Old Rancho Estate in Carlsbad, California, on a perfectly overcast day. I couldn’t help but smile—during their early morning engagement session in Riverside, I’d joked about harsh light, and they kept telling me they “planned” the overcast day for me so I could have that perfect, even light. Their thoughtfulness (and humor) is just one of the many reasons I adore them.
A Wedding Color Palette That’s Pure Genius
Let’s give a moment to obsess over their wedding colors! Rust orange paired with light teals and emerald greens? Absolutely chef’s kiss. The palette felt effortlessly boho chic, complementing the Spanish-inspired architecture of the Old Rancho Estate while perfectly reflecting Belen and Ross’s fun personalities.
From the bridesmaids’ outfits (flowy dresses and a pastel teal jumpsuit) to the groom and groomsmen’s crisp emerald suits, every detail was intentional, playful, and sophisticated. Honestly, it’s rare when a color scheme looks this seamless in photos, but these two made it happen with style and personality.
Candid Moments That Speak Volumes
One of my favorite parts of photographing Belen and Ross was capturing those big smile, tears running down, real moments between them. Whether it was a ugly crying during their first look down the aisle or an uncontrollable laughing during their vows, these are the moments that tell the story of their love.
Getting to know them beforehand allowed me to capture every emotion authentically. Being present and forming a relationship helped me photograph their day as true as possible, and also allowed me to edit the photos in a way that helps bring those emotions to life. The grain, the texture, the light—it all comes together to make these images feel timeless, like a story you’ll want to relive over and over.
The Magic of Old Rancho Estate: A Destination Wedding in California
For couples planning destination weddings in California, the Old Rancho Estate is a dream. Nestled in Carlsbad, it offers Spanish-inspired architecture, open-air courtyards, and lush greenery that make every photograph pop. Combine that with the warmth of an overcast day, and you have picture-perfect light for those cinematic and candid shots to come through without blotchy light being an issue.
It’s a venue that balances chic with fun—a vibe that mirrors Belen and Ross to a T. Whether you’re planning a California wedding or scouting for destination wedding venues in the U.S., this spot is worth considering.
From Strangers to Friends: The Personal Touch
One of the things I love most about my work is forming real friendships with my clients. Belen and Ross weren’t just “a couple I photographed”—they became friends, co-conspirators in making their wedding day as fun and authentic as possible. That personal connection allows me to capture moments that feel true to them, not just posed or cookie-cutter. So many parts of their day are so memorable to me - the way they started bawling when they first saw each other down the ceremony aisle, how their parents and their wedding party each cried throughout the ceremony, the jokes and never-ending teasing between the Belen and her sister, and Ross and his closest friends.
My absolute favorite was the way they honored Ross’s late mother during the ceremony and his parent dance, which he shared with his dad and his brother (the Best Man). Having seen that love and capture it is something that I hold close to my heart, and is one of the many reasons why I love this job so much!
When you’re planning your wedding, having a photographer who knows you beyond the guest list makes all the difference. Every laugh, every glance, every tiny detail feels intentional and full of love.
Dancing in the Rain: A First Dance to Remember
Just when Belen and Ross were about to start their first dance, the rain—thankfully gone after their ceremony—decided to make a surprise comeback. But did they let it stop them? Absolutely not. They popped out some clear umbrellas, laughed, and danced underneath one like it was part of the plan. It was the perfect, unplanned candid moment, full of joy, spontaneity, and love.
And while they technically had a cake to cut, what they really cared about was sharing a churro from the churro bar—because, priorities. They even invited me to stick around and party with them, and honestly, if I didn’t have to drive back to Los Angeles that night, I would have danced right alongside them! Moments like these remind me why I love capturing real, unposed, and intentional wedding photography—because sometimes the best memories are the ones you don’t plan.
A Wedding Day Full of Love, Laughter, and Memories
Belen and Ross’s wedding at Old Rancho Estate in Carlsbad, California was a day full of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments—from tearful traditional first looks to dancing in the rain and churros over cake. Their vintage boho style, combined with the Spanish hacienda architecture and dreamy overcast light, made for truly documentary wedding photography that tells the story of their love authentically.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in California or a Carlsbad based wedding, and you want candid, documentary-style wedding photography with an editorial touch, I’d love to capture your story too. Whether it’s dancing in unexpected rain, sneaking bites from the dessert bar, or sharing those moments between you and your people, I’ll make sure every memory is preserved beautifully—so you can relive your day again and again.
From the Bride & Groom
“Working with Marijo for our engagement shoot and the day of our wedding was nothing short of ideal. Every single picture from our wedding is worthy of being hung up on a wall (I already have 2 up there!) I show anyone who is willing all of our pictures, making them revel the way I do at how beautiful each shot is. I get excited any time I get to show someone who has not seen them yet. We loved working with Marijo!”— BELEN AND ROSS
dreaming of photos that feel honest, artful, and intentional?
Let’s CONNECT AND CREATE STUNNING IMAGES!I'm Marijo of By Evening Photography, a destination wedding and engagement photographer based in Los Angeles, creating timeless imagery for couples who love a mix of documentary storytelling and editorial flare. I shoot in film and digital, and I'm always down to chase sunrises and belly laughs wherever your story takes us.