Monthly Archives: April 2008

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Mara & Michael in Nob Hill

Saturday night I met Michael and Mara at Grace Cathedral in Nob Hill. Until recently Mara lived just across the street from the church, so this area is very close to her heart. We had a big agenda for the night: 3 locations in two hours! So we quickly left Nob Hill and drove towards the Palace of Fine Arts. After parking the car we were so deep in conversation that we didnt realize the whole building was under renovation! Scaffolding and all! A little disappointing but we made the best of a bad situation and found small spots that were not covered in steel and wood planks. And luckily for us we found some trees that had a cherry blossom feel that were still in bloom. (Mara & Michael both expressed in our first meeting how nice it would be to find some cherry blossoms… so when they all bloomed over a month ago I was crossing my fingers to find some trees still in bloom!)

Our last location was at the Marin Headlands, where Michael proposed to Mara. In the time we waited for the tourists to subside I asked Michael if he had ever explored past this point in the road. Neither of us had. So I did what any photographer would do when we still had sunset light… I went exploring (thanks for letting me guys!) We ended up on a one way windy road thinking we would be on it forever! But we found some old forts and beautiful rolling hills. I’m glad we did, some of my favorite photos were at the end!

Check back in August for Mara and Michaels wedding. Its at this adorable church on the peninsula…. straight out of a movie!

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One of my favs even though its soft!

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Inna & Jay in North Beach

The start of the marathon e session weekend was Inna and Jay in North Beach… and boy was it hot! A nice change from last week! We explored where they had their first date ( Savoy -Tivoli ) and then decided to stop off for some ice cream to cool off. We ended up in the alleyway of Vesuvios enjoying our ice cream. In the midst of me stalking them with my camera I noticed their attention turned past me… I look down the alley to see Tom Green chasing after a pigeon! I was completely star struck while Inna and Jay were soooo laid back and cool. (I had this crush on Tom Green YEARS ago so to see him in person was pretty cool!) He “saved” aka bought a pigeon in china town for $6. The poor birds wings were clipped so he couldnt fly! Read more about it on his blog. He’s should be uploading a video soon!

After I recovered from my giddiness we took a quick trip up the hill a found this awesome ivy door! I think one of my favs from the whole session is Inna leaning in the doorway. Check back in August for Jay and Inna’s wedding at Ruby Hill.

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Such an awesome weekend!

I had such a great weekend…. I just had to share! Matt was hired on at John Muir in Walnut Creek so he’s finally moving HOME!!! I was a giddy mess on Friday you should have seen me! That only continued onto Saturday and Sunday when I had my “marathon engagement session weekend.” I always have such a great time getting to know my couples better before their wedding. I’m very excited at what 2008 has in store: incredibly fun couples and beautiful weddings! The e sessions should be posting on the blog throughout the week so make sure to check back! And my first wedding of the official season is this weekend at Hans Fahden… I cant wait!

A San Francisco Engagement Session: Jen and John

Wow. All I have to say is they were TROOPERS! Remember last Saturday and how blistery cold and windy it was???!!! Yep, thats when our session was! John did a good job of keeping Jen toasty warm throughout and we managed to make it through without any frost bite. (I know you east coasters are reading this and laughing!)

Jen had always heard about a place called Macondray Lane in SF, so of course we decided to explore it a bit. Think of Macondray like the secret garden meets the city: all grown over, yet still urban. Afterwards we made a point to stop at the Embarcadero buildings since this is where they met! After a quick change of clothes we headed over to the ferry building. WAY to windy… so we ducked inside for a few last shots before calling it quits to the elements!

I’m super excited for their wedding in June at Cornerstone. Not only is Cornerstone just too cool to explain (see website!) Jen has thought of so many special touches for her guests I cant wait to see how they will all be incorporated!

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The many faces of Jen and John:

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Belly Portraits: Ashley, Matt and soon to arrive Alyssa!

On Thursday I had the pleasure of photographing Ashey’s pregnant belly. I’ll be completely honest: it is so WEIRD to see your best friend of 13 years preggos! Especially since Ash is so small to begin with! She’s due in a month and I’m pretty sure her and Matt can’t wait any longer for Alyssa to get here! Afterwards we had a debate on the name. I threw another idea in the mix for them, saying I thought it would be cool if Alyssa had her moms middle name (and aunties) of Lynn.

What do you guys think: Alyssa Taylor Aldredge or Alyssa Lynn Aldredge?

You will never guess where we took these photos! Downtown Fairfield! Matt was so worried his friends would see him!!! LOL!

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Vintage 1870 Wedding: Lara & Barrett

Fun Fact: Barrett is a professional weightlifter. He’s a lawyer at his day job!

Most Memorable Moment: Lets see. I would have to say 4, so moments: 1. Their touching first sight 2. Dodging and weaving in traffic for the “perfect shot” 3. “canoodle” as said by Lara 4. “Pink Cadillac”

We could not have asked for a better day! All week long the weather called for rain! But throughout the day, we had some pretty beautiful light… thanks to the overcast weather! Lara and Barrett opted to see each other before the wedding, so after preparing at the Vintage Inn, we staged a first sight. It was so incredibly touching the way they reacted to one another. Lets just say they got the tears over with before the ceremony!

Afterwards, we hopped in Tab’s 1947 Packard and drove up to St Helena for some photos. In the midst of taking photos, we all noticed this beautiful bridge. I mean, stone, with ivy and all! Barrett and I walked up there and immediately deemed it UNSAFE to take photos. Cars were whizzing past us at 40 mph. Well sweet and brave Lara said she didn’t care and hopped right up and sat on the bridge. We were literally shooting in the middle of traffic, but you couldnt tell because they were off in their own little world! I swear… I think they practiced, but hey they have some amazing photos to thank for it!

We drove back to Yountville to Vintage 1870, where the ceremony and reception were to take place. Dee Merz and Jennifer French of Lush Florals completely transformed the place. The clouds parted and the ceremony had this amazing golden light. Afterwards, just as cocktail hour was ending, I approached Lara and Barrett and asked if they wanted a sunset photo. Immediately afterwards Lara says “now its your turn to pose for the camera!” Well, what I didnt mention before was Matt came along to help photograph. So here we are posing for Lara and she comes out with “now canoodle, kiss her on the forehead…” All these little prompts that we were hinting at them all day she turned around on us! We were laughing soo hard! I dont think I have ever had my photo taken at a wedding before by a bride!!

They had a wonderful reception in the barrel room and even had some cigars on the patio. What a great way to end the night!

Lara & Barrett: We had incredibly way too much fun photographing your wedding. Thank you so much! Have an amazing time is Costa Rica! -All the very best, Tiffany and Erica (and Matt too!)

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Their first sight:

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Dodging cars:

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Can you see it?

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This is when the ring would not go onto Barrett’s finger!

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Of course I couldnt leave this out:

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Beautiful cake from Perfect Endings
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They danced to “Gold to Me” by Ben Harper. Music provided by AMS Entertainment. Thanks for the video light Glenn! (Thomas Hughes)

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AJAXed with AWP