Category Archives: Weddings
Ashley slipped into her wedding dress in the same bedroom where her mother got ready for her own. Her grandfather built this house by hand for her mother years ago and this is the very place Ashley grew up. Weddings are all about love and family, I simply cannot imagine a better place to get married than the house where one grew up. Congratulations, Ashley & Ty!
Years ago Ashley’s grandfather built this house for her mother. Her mother got ready for her wedding day in the very room Ashley also slipped into her wedding dress. It was a stunningly beautiful day, truly a feast for the eyes! Their engagement session was HERE.
A stylish and thoughtful wedding shined through the raining and cloudy June Saturday at the Forest House Lodge in Foresthill, CA.
The joke at the wedding is that Lester and Esther did not settle for anyone until they found someone who rhymed with their name. In many ways it’s true, happiness only comes when we find someone whom we feel we can be in perfect sync with. From their steps down the aisle to the way they let themselves go and danced freely on the dance floor, you can tell Lester and Esther have found their beat together.
Ceremony: Sierra Arden United Church of Christ (Sierra Arden UCC)
Reception: Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
I’ve known Isaac and Alison for less than a year. But I already feel like they have become dear and close friends in the process. I got to know them first when Isaac thoughtfully asked me to photograph HIS PROPOSAL (worth revisiting!) to Alison last March at High Hand Nursery in Roseville, CA. Since then, they’ve let me and my family into their lives.
Their wedding was a very simple one. From the outside looking in, there was no elaborate venue or decadent decor. However their day was very memorable for me because it was adorned by so many priceless things. Isaac’s face each time he looked at Alison, the way she sang to him with her incredible voice, the way they kept nothing back from their friends and family.
So genuinely good hearted, spunky, and fun. I’m so thankful they chose me to be their photographer. Because through that, I’ve gained two beautiful friends whom I love with all of my heart.
This amazing wedding in Sausalito holds a special place in my heart. You were first introduced to Lexie and Nick HERE. I have been looking forward their wedding for so long. Having worked with them before I knew their wedding would not disappoint. They are fun, creative, kind, expressive, and just drop dead gorgeous. Yes, Lexie and Nick…I’m talking about you two!
The bride and groom were accompanied by a fun bunch that made my job easy. From parents to grandparents, from siblings to friends, this crowd kept me and each other laughing. The foreground subjects were only made better by the amazing backdrop of Sausalito. Growing up I remember visiting Sausalito a few times, and each occasion I was struck by the beauty of the marina. It is by far one of the most stunning views of the Bay where you can see San Francisco in panorama. Every thing was tied together by the thoughtful details of zebra and peacock. No one could miss the shoes that matched the cake and the peacock feathers that found their way into everyone’s hearts and hair. It was perfect.
Lexie and Nick, you truly are perfect for each other. Thank you for inviting me into your lives!
Ceremony: Sausalito Presbyterian Church
Reception: OnDine Sausalito
I shot this wedding for my high school friend Vivian on the weekend of my 10 year wedding anniversary. It’s unbelievable how much weddings have changed in 10 years. I think if I had to do it all over again (Not that I am…don’t worry Phuong!) I would plan one very similar to this one. It was brilliant. They planned an entire weekend for their friends and family at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, CA. The entire place belonged to them. So for a a whole 3 days they had all the people they loved most in the world surrounding them in this very enchanting place. The wedding day consisted of yoga in the morning, river rafting for some in the early afternoon, then the wedding ceremony in the early evening. This wedding absolutely warmed my heart!
What were your first thoughts as you got out of bed on your wedding day?
Drew: Can’t remember.
Vivian: Nothing romantic, just “Oh good, it is still early enough for me to get coffee and hang out with friends before yoga!”
Drew, what were you thinking when you first saw Vivian for the first time?
Well, first I was relieved she was coming down the aisle (as a scheduling snafu had meant that my groomsmen and I had been hanging out alone in front of our guests for a long time). But mostly, I remember thinking how beautiful, relaxed and joyful she looked, and how wonderful that made me feel.
Vivian, what was going through your mind as you walked down the aisle?
Wow, I’m taller than my dad! Just kidding, I can’t remember a thing.
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Drew: For me, it was the opportunity to be alone with Vivian after the service. I say “alone,” but in fact, there were a lot of people around – it just felt like we were alone.
Vivian: Drew singing to me during our first dance. He knew I was nervous and knew also that there was no faster way to make me laugh than to serenade me loudly.
What was your favorite detail?
Drew: The porron, a communal Spanish wine drinking implement which also doubled as our table numbers. My college roommates and I had spent many years perfecting the art of the porron, and it was great to see how many porron novices were game to give it a try at the reception.
Vivian: Impossible to name one favorite, but a couple top contenders: invitations designed and letterpressed by hand (with a carjack!) by our talented friend Merideth; the guest card table set up with a camera and Skipper’s (Drew’s deceased grandfather) NASA helmet (Drew and I had started a tradition of requiring all houseguests to be photographed wearing Skipper’s helmet, now we have many more photos to add to our collection); favor tins with our favorite cookies from our local neighborhood cookie shop (Anthony’s Cookies); and last but not least, and hardly a “detail” – Natalie’s outrageously gorgeous flowers!
Venue: Dawn Ranch
Flowers & Design: Natalie Bowens Designs
I want to reintroduce you to Eliza and Bill. I took their engagement pictures back in the spring here and here. I first met them over a cup of coffee at one of my favorite places in Sacramento, Tower Cafe. They shared with me how they met and how lucky they felt to have finally found each other.
I feel very fortunate to work with brides like Eliza who have such an appreciation for the smaller details. She embodies such elegance and simplicity, her wedding truly reflects her style. I love her polka dot wedding dress along with all its accessories. Little touches here and there say so much about how much she values thing of the past, while effortlessly she adds her own modern flair.
Eliza & Bill, I’m so happy to have shared this beautiful day with and continue to know the two of you. Congratulations!
Ceremony: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Reception: The Citizen Hotel
Flowers: Twiggs
Cake: Freeport Bakery