Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Spring Flower Sessions at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center

Spring is in full bloom at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, and there’s no better time to capture the magic of horse and rider among the wildflowers. In this dreamy golden hour session, Bryce and her horse Murphy, along with Veronica and her horse Skooter, brought such a peaceful beauty to the trails, surrounded by soft purple and white blossoms. Keep reading to see how the light, the flowers, and the bond between each pair came together in this unforgettable spring session.

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Tips and Tricks, Weddings Matina Cordell Tips and Tricks, Weddings Matina Cordell

Capturing the Details: The Magic of Wedding Flat Lays ✨📸💍

When it comes to capturing the essence of a wedding day, flat lay photography is one of the most beautiful and thoughtful ways to preserve the smallest yet most meaningful details 💍✨. From vow books and invitation suites to jewelry, perfume, and heirlooms, flat lays artfully tell the story of the day before it even begins. These styled arrangements provide a timeless snapshot of the couple’s personal style and the intentional touches that make their celebration uniquely theirs — and yes, that includes the groom too!

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Laura & Drake

There’s something effortlessly enchanting about the bond between horse and rider — a quiet, powerful connection that speaks volumes without a single word. During golden hour at the beautiful Artesian Valley Farm, we had the honor of capturing that bond between Laura and her stunning Friesian, Drake. As part of a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, we explored four unique locations across the property — each one offering a different backdrop, mood, and story. From tranquil paddocks to wide-open fields, every moment with Laura and Drake felt like stepping into a fairytale.

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Portraits Matina Cordell Portraits Matina Cordell

Rooted in Growth 🌱 | A Whimsical Garden-Inspired Shoot with Jennifer

Inspired by a whimsical concept originally photographed by Michael Betzner Photography, this dreamy garden-themed shoot with Jennifer was all about grounding, growth, and blooming into one’s own. Set against the lush backdrop of The Flower Field in San Juan Capistrano, CA, we reimagined the iconic wheelbarrow moment with Jennifer’s unique spin—blending softness, strength, and storytelling in one magical frame. 🌿📸✨

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Proposals, Engagements, Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell Proposals, Engagements, Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell

PDA is OK! Why Affection Belongs in Your Engagement Session

When it comes to engagement photos, one of the most common questions I get is, “Are we allowed to show PDA?” The answer? Absolutely, yes! Your engagement session is all about capturing the love, chemistry, and excitement between you and your partner—and that naturally includes a little affection. Whether you’re hand-holders, snugglers, kiss-on-the-forehead types, or just enjoy being close, this post is your gentle reminder that PDA isn’t just okay during your shoot—it’s encouraged!

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Weddings Matina Cordell Weddings Matina Cordell

A Second Chance at Love 💕 | A Wedding at Huntington Beach Senior Center

On a sun-kissed April afternoon in Huntington Beach, CA, two hearts came together — not just to say “I do,” but to celebrate a beautiful second chance at love. Surrounded by 80 of their closest friends and family, this intimate wedding at the Huntington Beach Senior Center was more than a ceremony; it was the blending of two families, the honoring of past journeys, and the joyful beginning of a new chapter. With heartfelt vows, a touching family dance, and a day full of gratitude and connection, this wedding was the kind that reminds us all that love always finds a way. 💕

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A Birthday Celebration for Ashleigh & Banjo

There’s something incredibly special about photographing a bond that’s stood the test of time. For Ashleigh & Banjo’s birthday session, we returned to the same wild mustard-filled field in San Juan Capistrano where I first photographed them back in 2011. With golden hour casting a soft glow and the flowers towering all around us, it was the perfect setting to celebrate this iconic duo—and to witness Banjo, still full of spirit at 31 years old, rearing with joy like no time had passed at all.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Lara & Wiz

There's something incredibly special about capturing the bond between a horse and rider—especially when that connection is as playful and full of life as Lara and Wiz's. Set against the stunning backdrop of Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center in San Juan Capistrano, this session at golden hour was a dream come true. From Wiz’s cheeky antics to Lara’s easy laughter, every moment of this shoot radiated joy, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Keep reading to see the magic unfold through the lens!

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Savannah & Gladstone

Some horses and riders share a bond so special that it radiates in every moment, and Savannah & Gladstone are the perfect example. During my mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, I had the privilege of capturing their playful, heartwarming connection at the stunning Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. From joyful interactions in the arena to striking black background portraits, this session was nothing short of magical. Keep reading to see the unforgettable moments we captured!

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Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers!

Planning a photoshoot can come with a lot of questions—what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect on the big day. To make things easier, I’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you feel confident and excited for your session. Whether you're booking your first shoot or just need a refresher, this guide has everything you need to know. Let’s dive in! 📸✨

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Equestrian, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Ciminiti

Imagine a breathtaking equine portrait session where elegance meets artistry—this was my experience shadowing Ashleigh Magnus Photography for a stunning black background session. Set against the picturesque Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center, we had the privilege of working with Ciminiti, a striking model who carried himself with grace and confidence. Capturing the beauty and power of horses in such a timeless way is truly mesmerizing. Want to see the magic unfold? Keep reading to experience this unforgettable session!

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Family and Maternity, Portraits Matina Cordell Family and Maternity, Portraits Matina Cordell

Caitlyn & Alex

Caitlyn and Alex are counting down the days until they welcome their sweet baby girl, Daisy—and what better way to celebrate this beautiful chapter than with a dreamy, flower-filled maternity session at Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center? With cottage-core vibes, golden hour light, and so much love in the air, this session was nothing short of magical.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell

Camryn & Feeling

Meet Camryn and Feeling—an inseparable duo whose bond shines just as brightly as the golden light at Blue Ridge Farm. From graceful moments in the dressage arena to Feeling’s adorable mirror check, this session was pure magic. Capturing their connection in such a picturesque setting was an absolute joy, and I can't wait to share more from this unforgettable day! ✨🐴💕

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider Matina Cordell

Ashleigh, Andy, & Moe

Some love stories are written in the stars—others are shared in the saddle. This session was extra special because I had the joy of photographing my dear friend Ashleigh, her boyfriend, Andy, and her beloved horse, Moe. Growing up with Ashleigh made life at the barn unforgettable, and capturing this chapter of her journey felt like coming full circle. With golden hour casting the perfect glow over Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center, every moment was pure magic. ✨

Ready to see the magic for yourself? Click the photo for all the dreamy moments!

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Weddings Matina Cordell Weddings Matina Cordell

Nikki & Allen

Love, laughter, and the magic of golden hour—Nikki and Allen’s engagement session was nothing short of breathtaking. Set against the dreamy backdrop of rolling fields and warm, glowing light, their love story unfolded effortlessly in front of the lens. From sweet stolen glances to laughter-filled moments, every frame captured the genuine connection they share. Come take a closer look at their stunning session and experience the romance for yourself! ✨💕

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Weddings, Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell Weddings, Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell

Why We Choose to Have a Second Shooter?

When planning your wedding day, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your photography coverage. While one photographer can certainly document your day beautifully, having a second shooter can take your gallery to the next level. In this post, we're diving into the reasons why we often choose to include a second shooter in our wedding packages—and why it can make a world of difference in capturing your story.

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Personal Matina Cordell Personal Matina Cordell

Thanks for the Memories…

Some moments in life deserve to be frozen in time, and as a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing so many unforgettable ones. As I look back on this incredible journey, I can’t help but feel grateful for the people, places, and stories that have shaped my work. From breathtaking weddings to heartfelt equestrian sessions, every click of the shutter holds a memory worth cherishing. Join me as I reflect on the beautiful moments that have made this adventure so special. 💛✨

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Reflecting on 2024: Highlights and Milestones

A Year to Remember: 2024 in Highlights

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible moments, growth, and milestones that shaped this year. From capturing unforgettable love stories to creative collaborations and personal achievements, it’s been a journey filled with passion, connection, and gratitude. Join me as I look back on the highlights of 2024—the lessons learned, the magic created, and the memories that will last a lifetime. ✨

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Engagements, Checklist, Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell Engagements, Checklist, Tips and Tricks Matina Cordell

5 Tips for Hot Engagement Photos

You’ve booked your engagement session—yay! Whether you’re already daydreaming about frames for the living room or scrolling Pinterest for outfit inspo, this is such a special time to celebrate your love. To help you feel confident and get those glowing, magazine-worthy shots, I’ve put together five of my top tips for how to make your engagement photos absolutely fire—and yes, we’re talking the "can’t-stop-staring-at-these" kind of hot!

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How to Coordinate Outfits to Get the Best Look in Your Photos

Choosing what to wear for your engagement session can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! Outfits play a big role in the final look and feel of your photos, and with just a little guidance, you can walk into your session feeling confident and camera-ready. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to coordinate your outfits to get the most stunning, timeless images you'll love forever.

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