Category Archives: Weddings

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My Vacation: Bryant and Seda’s Wedding!

I need a vacation from my vacation! Do you ever feel that way? Last weekend Matt was in the wedding of one of his good friends from DC. So we trekked out to the east coast on Wednesday and visited friends and family NON STOP until Monday morning when we left! I have to say Im so tired!!! And to make the trip home on Monday even more fun, we were both sick. (Matt was so bad he couldnt talk) OK DC… you kicked our butts!!

We had a great time nonetheless with all of the festivities of the wedding starting on Thursday. On Friday Seda paid tribute to her Turkish heritage and planned the rehearsal dinner at Cafe Divan, a posh Turkish restaurant in Georgetown. All I can say is YUM!

The wedding took place on Saturday at the Omni Shoreham. We were holding our breaths all day since there was a chance of rain to start an hour before the ceremony. Bryant and Seda lucked out and their ceremony took place on the beautiful back lawn of the hotel… with some pretty fabulous light! I was instructed to enjoy myself (not take photos) but of course I snapped a few.

The night ended with good food and dancing. And a bouquet toss. Yours truly caught the bouquet!!

haha!

Here are a few photos from the ceremony:

Matt Matt Matt! Always being funny!

Check back later this week for Michael & Mara’s and Jay & Inna’s wedding!

Reaves and Wendy’s Elopement at Auberge du Soleil

Fun Fact: Wendy and Reaves have the coolest jobs EVER! (next to me of course!) They both work on rescue flight helicopters. Wendy actually hangs out of the chopper! I asked her if it was stressful and she said “no. thats the best part!”

Most Memorable Moment: The mock ceremony on the deck, and tasting unripened and unrefined grapes!

This past Tuesday I finally got the chance to meet Wendy and Reaves from Utah. They flew out to Napa with a plan to elope at Auberge de Soleil. Wendy has it planned so that no one will know about their elopement until there is proof… ie the pictures! So here they are!

A tribute to dad…

After the ceremony Reverend Blane dressed up Wendy in his robe… it was beyond funny!

I’m 99.99999999999% sure this is making it on the “uncommitted” wall in the studio. Nope, 100% sure!

Photo Biz Bootcamp with Liana Lehman

I’m almost way too excited to announce that I’m hosting the Photo Biz Bootcamp with Liana Lehman on January 25-27 2009. I’ve been wanting to go to a Photo Biz Bootcamp for a while but my schedule never worked with when dates were being hosted so I jumped at the chance when I heard Liana was interested in coming to Northern California.

The Photo Biz Bootcamp is a workshop designed to whip your photo business into shape. Its is an intense, intimate two-day experience designed to help you take your photography business to the next level, enforce business health and profitability, and create a better work/life balance

A third-generation entrepreneur and graduate of an exclusive program in Entrepreneurship and Small BuSiness Management (ESBM) and Marketing, Liana Lehman has been bestowed with knowledge that she desires to share with others. Through consulting and work with a big four accounting firm, she has done extensive studies in communications and marketing and is hailed as one of the industry experts in e-Marketing. I cant think of a more qualified person to help us with our business!

If you are interested in learning more please click here or contact me! The boot camp will take place at my studio in Benicia, 30 minutes from San Francisco and an hour from Sacramento.

James & Andy: An Elopement at San Francisco City Hall

Last week was a very special day for James & Andy. Almost exactly three years ago James and Andy were headed to San Francisco to join the many others wanting a chance to wed who they loved and gain equal rights. Unfortunately the ability to do so was taken away. Thankfully the Supreme Court of California decided it was against the constitution… and Andy and James decided that July 28th was THE day the would get married!!

Promptly at 10:30 we headed to the County Clerk’s Office to find out we missed the ceremony! A bit of panic set in but they quickly rescheduled Andy and James for the next time slot. Soon thereafter Andy and James said their vows on the steps of the rotunda. It was an emotional moment for everyone involved. Andy and James, congratulations on starting out all over again after 13 years! I know there are many more happy years to come for the two of you!

The wait beforeĀ  the ceremony…


Alexis & Matt: Caribbean Wedding

Fun Fact: Alexis and Matt have known each other since they were 15.

Most Memorable Moments: Phoebe and Maya, two of the flower girls, spoke from their hearts and delivered two of the most adorable speeches we have ever heard. Even Tiffany got a little teary eyed.

This was a wedding to remember. Tiffany and I came to Nevis excited and a bit nervous because we had never actually met Alexis and Matt in person. Upon meeting the two of them our nervousness flew right out the window. We were invited to eat dinner with Alexis’s family as we discussed last minute details. This was the first time we had ever had dinner with a whole family and their friends prior to the wedding. What a treat! We learned a ton at dinner. Little tidbits about Matt and Alexis, the fantastic concerts that Alexis’s dad has seen, and the close bond that Alexis shares with her father. It was a great opportunity to really get to know a family before following them around for the next two days with my camera. I didn’t feel like such a stalker!

The wedding took place on the Island of Nevis in the Caribbean at the Montpelier Plantation Inn. It was like Matt and Alexis had their own private resort for the week. The food was fantastic and the staff was amazing. Thank you steady Eddy for serving up those delicious rum punches. We are sure the wedding party thanks you as well!

The day of the wedding the stealdrum band played, the guests took their seats, and Matt took his spot at the alter. Alexis’s dad stood waiting just out of sight of the guests. This moment would also be his first time Alexis’s dad would see Alexis in her wedding dress. Alexis walked through a tunnel of palms and saw her dad. I was so happy and yet a little sad because it was one of the moments when a dad is giving away his little girl away. This happens at most weddings, but when the bride and the father of the bride are close it is very emotional. Matt looked on adoringly as Alexis made her way toward him. I think I saw one of the groomsman shed a tear. The ceremony was beautiful. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting.

The night fell and the dancing started. Boy did it ever! This group was a bunch of dancing machines. The Rolling Stones seemed to do the trick, although this group would have been down to dance to anything. The whole hotel was in on the party. I have never seen such an event. It was fantastic!

Thank you Alexis and Matt and all friends and family for making this weekend such a memorable experience!

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All the flower girls in front of the big tree.

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It was adorable when they all wanted to help carry Alexis’s dress.

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The bridesmaids had these fantastic dresses with a unique twist in the front form Calyispo in Boston.

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Bits and pieces form the ceremony.

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And more kissing…

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Alexis and Matt’s slideshow


Nevis, West Indies

Actual wedding to come in a few days….

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Cara and Brendans homespun wedding at Puma Springs

Fun Fact: Cara and Brendan are both teachers in NYC.

Most Memorable Moments: The tears all around during the ceremony, thin mint cookies and the new spin on parent dances…

You know those weddings where everything just falls together perfectly? The site, the flowers, the food and details all amounted to one perfect day for Cara and Brendan, one of the sweetest couples we know. Its not too often that you can get married in the MIDDLE of a vineyard. Yeah, off to the side or in front of one, but never in the middle. Lucky for them Brendan’s uncle Tony owns Puma Springs Vineyards, a biodynamic vineyard and farm, complete with chickens, goats and a llama named Magic. Dee Merz handled all the details of the day, and as you can see…. she did an amazing job once again!

So many details in fact, I did a few storyboards. (I’ve been on Style Me Pretty too much lately if you cant tell!)

Brendan & Cara: I hope your having a relaxing time in the mountains! Have a safe trip home back to NY.

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Ceremony seating on hay bells…

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My new favorite jump shot:
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Yummy food by Jimtown Store
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Another golden sunset and lavender. A perfect combo since Cara LOVES lavender…

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MIA: Erica & Tiffany

We’ll be away from the office on Thursday July 10th and will return to normal on Tuesday July 15th. We will be photographing our first “international destination wedding” in the West Indies!!! Woo hoo! Check back at the end of next week for a sneak peek!

Shawna & Davids wedding at the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland

Fun Fact: Shawna and David both work in the theater designing light and music directing.

Most Memorable Moments: Their adorable love for one another, the heel mishap and of course the sword fight!

You may remember Shawna and David from their vintage inspired engagement session back in March. I have been sooo excited for their wedding for the past year because I knew Shawna would make it to true to the 1920s vision she had in mind. The site completely set the mood: the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland complete with a mansion built in 1899. Then it was on to her 1920s inspired dress from Forget Me Knots Bridal. Shawna also hand selected different bow ties for all of the groomsman.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the love and passion they have for each other is unreal. David and Shawna: I couldn’t be happier for you!

So I tested a few textures on some photos to give that 1920’s feel. I’m pretty happy with the results, very vintage:

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A few polka dots for her little sis:

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A little bit of two photographer action:

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Vibrant flowers by Lush Floral

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A little remake of their engagement session:

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Liz and Scott at Auberge du Soleil

Most Memorable Moment: The two cakes… you had to be there!

You know those days when your face hurts from laughing or smiling too much? This was one of those days for me. Liz and Scott have this adorable chemistry together. Liz and Scott decided to schedule a first sight before the ceremony to take advantage of all that Napa Valley has to offer. Even though smoky skies would be a downer to some people, they weren’t for us: we had amazing golden filtered light all day long. (Think sunset but without the intensity of the colors) After trekking around my favorite barn, we drove back to Auberge du Soleil for their wedding. All 40 of their guests but one came out from NYC to see the two wed. The night continued with delicious food and dancing. The next afternoon Scott and Liz were off to Alaska to backpack through the wilderness!! (I’m jealous again!!)

Liz and Scott: I hope you are having an fun time in Alaska. Watch out for those bears!

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This is 100% them!

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My favorite Officiant Judith Caldwell

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We were totally joking about this shot… but I love how it came out:

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Im telling ya, they are sooo happy together!

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AJAXed with AWP