Monthly Archives: June 2008

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Kelly and Ben and their wedding at Auberge du Soleil

Most Memorable Moment: Mr Spillane’s tear jerking speech. Not a dry eye in the room, including ours.  Oh, and the fertility statue from Kelly’s mom!

When I met Kelly over a year ago at Auberge de Soleil I knew this was going to be a fun wedding. One of those girls to “try anything for a photo” and I knew the wedding day would be just that way. After Ben and Kelly’s first sight, we all hopped in a limo bus for a “photo-tour” around the valley.

I  have to say a special thanks to their girls and guys, who endeared 96 degree heat to get the photos below. I think it was well worth it!

The rest of the night went off without a hitch. The smoky valley cleared for a beautiful ceremony overlooking the vineyards. The rest of the night flew by too quick. And the next morning they were off to the Maldives. [ insert serious jealously here ]     Have a great time you two!

Register to view their photos here.

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I had found this vintage rail car a few months back and called Kelly overly excited for my find… I knew it was right up her alley. I think they pulled it off quite well:

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Flowers by the ever so talented Jennifer French of Lush Floral:

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Jen and John’s wedding at Cornerstone Gardens

Fun Fact: John and Jen met at work… eight years ago!

Most Memorable Moment: Jens relatives getting down on the dance floor. Preston sure knows how to put on the moves!

Ah, Jen. I love every thought and detail she put into her wedding day. From the linens to the flowers to handmade chocolates for her guests, this girl really knows how to personalize her wedding. With the help of Celeste Popadiuk her dreams became a reality at Cornerstone Gardens. And hot weather would not stop her from marrying her fiance John of 8 years. Yes, this was the day! And it could not have come together more beautifully.

The ceremony took place on an expansive green lawn overlooking a reflecting pool. Dinner and drinks were in a modern barn and tent. Whats cool about Cornerstone is the variety of locations. Guests receive the full experience of what the site has to offer, since each wedding event takes place at a different location on the property. The night ended with dancing in the barn where the families let loose!

Jen and John, I hope you are having a blast in the Amalfi Coast!

Register to view their wedding photos here.

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The flowers by Simply Blooms were so unique:

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Adam and Shana: Anand Karaj at the Sikh Temple

Thursday marked the final day of marriage ceremonies for Adam and Shana. The ceremony took place at the El Sobrante Gurdwara Shaib Temple in El Sobrante. (Its that beautiful palace looking structure off the 80!) After the family welcomed one another outside of the temple Shana was escorted down the aisle by her brothers and other close family members. Prayers and hymns were sung and the official “you’re married” moment happens after they complete a walk around the Sikh Holy Book 4 times. Sweet pudding is served at the conclusion of the ceremony.

It was such and amazing week, emotionally and of course visually! Adam and Shana, I wish you the best on your new venture in your life together, as well as in the new business you are starting!

Register to view all of their wedding photos here.

This sword was given to Adam by Shana’s parents:

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Afterwards at the Claremont…

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And I think I have a new fav ring photo…

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Seeing Green

I have to say I am soooo jealous of my couples this season! Their honeymoon locations make me wish I was getting married! :) Jen and John are in the Amalfi Coast, Kelly and Ben are on a 25 hour plane flight to the Maldives, and Scott and Liz are preparing to backpack through Alaska.

Check the blog later this week for their weddings!

Adam and Shana: Mendhi

Wednesdays festivities took place at Adams parents house in Moraga. Typically Mendhi, or Henna ceremonies are big parties where the women of the brides family help prepare the bride for the ceremony to take place the following day. In this case however, Adam and Shana wanted everyone to partake in the days events, and to learn more about their culture first hand. The afternoon was full of good food, dancing, and Mendhi. Shana’s Mendhi took over four hours to complete! Both sides of her arms and both of her feet were painted by Kanchan Kapadne, a true Henna artist.

Register to view all of their wedding photos here.

Shana’s parents had this scroll made in India. Its contains a blessing to Adam and Shana:

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After it is applied, the paste will dry and flake off showing a orange-ish dye to the skin underneath. The next morning it will have turned a dark brown and will stay on Shana’s hands and feet for 2-3 weeks!

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Adam and Shana and their Napa Valley Wedding

I’ve been a bad blogger the past few weeks, but with good reason! Last week I was asked to document the full week long wedding of Adam and Shana. Adam met Shana while on a trip around the world. A girl in India caught his eye and I think he stayed a bit longer than planned. The two fell in love and traveled throughout Europe before coming back to the states.

Adam and Shana’s families are just amazing. They both have wholeheartedly accepted each others families as their own and have learned each other’s cultures and traditions. I have never seen a wedding before where everyone was so close, and so happy to see two people wed. And this only continued on throughout the week…

Register to view all of their wedding photos here.

More of their week to come…

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Flowers by Lush Floral:

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yummy light…

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Tell me they aren’t stunning… I dare ya!

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It all came together with the help of Dee Merz:

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The awesome bar:

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Adam and Shana had custom made wooden corkscrews as their favors:

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Little Luke

I met Debra and Reza back in October at Lydia and Rays wedding in Napa Valley. Debra and Reza just had little Luke last week, and I was lucky enough to take the first photos of him.

The most rockin rocking chair ever!

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The proud parents…

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Love the baby rolls!

AJAXed with AWP