July 2010

Their Wedding Soundtrack

Mina and George first met during an Argentine Tango class. Music has followed them through their relationship and I honestly felt as if I heard a soundtrack accompanying their wedding day. So this post is primarily a tribute to that element of their day.

Starting with the birdsong backdrop during their portrait session.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride and groom portrait in san ramon ca

During their first dance, guests enjoyed watching our couple show off their moves.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- couple watches bride and grooms first dance at canyon view in the east bay

While they were visiting tables, a Persian game between the bride and groom and their guests turned into a spontaneous dance party.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride dancing after persian spontaneous music party

Mina and George are not the only ones who felt the inspiration to dance. Almost instantly everyone was on the dance floor.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- guests celebrating bride and groom with dance- seast of sf ca

Mina and George took center stage.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride and groom dance to persian music at nor california destination wedding

Taking a break from the music, for a few toasts.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- guests toasts bride and groom during their wedding reception in san ramon cali

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A sweet slow song.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride and groom grabbing another dance during their destination wedding reception in no cal

Girls just want to have fun… with the bouquet toss. This one taken by our associate, Brian Lee. The ladies had such a good time.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride playing with her bouquet before she tosses it to the girls= san ramon ca

Boys! Boys! Boys! The garter toss. Mina giving George a little instruction about what to do and not to do.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride telling the groom how to get the garter prior to tossing to the boys- east bay cali

One boy getting psyched up for the garter.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- boys getting ready for the garder toss at persian chinese wedding in bay area california

Closing the evening out with a lullaby, my favorite by Brian. This young lady was pooped from all the fun.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- little girl is pooped out after the party- san ramon california- canyon view

What a pleasure it was photographing Mina and George and their families, such fun spirits. Thank you for including us.

And much gratitude to the team of professionals who made their day so lovely:
Getting Ready Venue: San Ramon Marriott
Ceremony and Reception Site: Canyon View
Cake: City of D’lights
Floral design: San Francisco Florist
DJ: Aykut
Hair and Make-up: Victoria’s Salon
Wedding gown: Jenny Packham at Nouvelle Vogue
Invitations and other products: Lovebirds Stationary

Can’t get enough of this musical duo? I don’t blame you. For more of Mina and George, check out their engagement session, sneak preview, and slideshow.

Par-tay!

After seeing a glimpse of the first half of their day, you must already know that Donna and Jimmy were going to have a great time at their reception. In fact, everyone did.

Their grand entrance as husband and wife.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- bride and groom grand entrance to reception in new england

Enjoying the first dance.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- bride and groom's first dance during boston mass reception

Guests joined them for a slow song on the dance floor. I captured this image of the feel of the day- intense love, zooming.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- bride and groom slow dance with other couples on the dancefloor during ma reception

Then things really got underway. Some very serious dancing.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- guests enjoying the music during new england party

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- wedding party underway with serious dancing

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- massachusetts wedding dancing fun

Loving the rim of light around the lead singer.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- lead singer of the band at mass wedding party

At most weddings, the bride and groom get their first dance together and then maybe a few fast songs together, if they are lucky. Donna and Jimmy managed to get in several dances, and they enjoyed every single one.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- bride and groom dance together during their reception in boston ma

And Jimmy getting down on his own.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- groom dances with abandonment at his wedding on the fish pier

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- guests celebrate at wedding on the pier in massachusetts

After all that dancing, Donna needed a break. One generous gent offered her a foot rub. Definitely the way it should be for the bride.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- bride gets foot rub during her reception

Jimmy toasted his guests.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- groom offers a toast to his guests

Then, side-by-side Donna and Jimmy attacked, I mean, cut the cake. Hilarious!

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront- bride and groom cut the cake

The party continued, with guests joining the band, and singing a few.

donna-jim-wedding-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-guests sing with the band at the reception by the sea

And the band kept the fun going all night long.

donna-jimmy-wedding-band-1

Many thanks to our couple, Donna and Jimmy, and all of the talented professionals who helped create this magical party for them…

Donna’s best friend, Jane Pofcher Goldman, and planner of D’Lish Intimate Catering, for coordinating, designing and planning the event with Donna

And the rest of the team-

Getting Ready Venue: The Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Exchange Conference Center, Boston
Caterer: Legal Seafoods
Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister
Floral design: Winston Flowers
Chuppah Design: Jessica Erickson
Chuppah Rental: Tommy Wholesale Design
Linens: Rentals Unlimited
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Invitations and Graphics: Jessica Erickson of J.L. Erickson Design

If you still want more, check out their e-session in Ashland, their sneak preview, and their slideshow.

Wildcats Engaged

I’ve enjoyed getting to know Emily and James over facebook, but feel like their engagement session sealed the deal. They are both such lovely people, clearly enamored with each other and their families. But seeing them interact in person was a true joy. They have been together since their college days at The University of Arizona, and their comfort with each other definitely shows. They made my job a piece of cake.

The theme for their wedding is La Vie en Rose, so Emily wanted to incorporate flowers into their engagement session. The Elizabeth Gamble Garden has a lovely rose garden, plus lots of other great options as well. One of my favorite spots in Palo Alto.

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- gamble garden with roses- south bay, ca

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- bride and groom to be among the trees- gamble garden silicon valley, california

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- brick wall bride and groom to be- garden in south bay cali

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- bride and groom to be by the fountain- south of san francisco, ca

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They also wanted to hit the Cantor Arts Center on Stanford’s campus. This gave them a more cosmopolitan feel. Emily changed into a special outfit for the occasion. She is wearing the dress she wore when James proposed.

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- art museum on stanford campus- south of sf, ca

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- cantor arts center, stanford university- silicon valley california

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- stanford art museum south bay, cali

So love this photo. They are dancing and I caught this mid-twirl. Sweet!

emily-james-palo-alto-engagement-session- yoga instructor and her fiance dance at the cantor art center, san fran south bay cali

Such a fun couple! You should definitely check out their slideshow for more from Emily and James engagement session.

Can’t Rain on their Parade

Fun. That’s what Donna and Jimmy are all about. And they wanted their wedding to express that part of themselves. Donna explained the evening as "a party where where there also happens to be a wedding." She totally hit the mark. People were smiling and eating and laughing and dancing all night long. And even the wedding ceremony was filled with joy and cheers. The gray skies couldn’t bring anyone down.

Donna and Jimmy started their day at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge; breaking all the rules, they got ready in the same room, so we didn’t do a special first look moment. Instead we started right in on the portraits. First one of our dashing groom.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- portrait of the groom at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge; staircase

And one of our lovely bride, looking stunning in her Vera Wang gown.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- portrait of bride at the Hotel Marlowe with red background

Then off to the Exchange Conference Center on Boston‘s waterfront. The guests had already begun to arrive and were being treated to drinks and good company. Donna was excited to see everyone.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- bride greets guests who have arrived for the cocktail hour prior to the ceremony- new england

Soon Donna and Jimmy were whisked away to a room upstairs for their Ketubah signing ceremony. A few of their closest friends and family joined them.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- rabbi talks to family during the ketubah signing ceremony in new england

Totally cute holding hands under the table.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding-bride and groom holding hands during the ketubah signing ceremony- massachusetts

And one looking in from the outside.

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We had hoped to go outside for portraits on the pier, but the weather that day thwarted our plans. Dave was able to give them a taste of the view through a window.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- quick portrait with view from window due to rainy day- pier in boston mass

When getting married the second time around, there are definitely different people at your wedding. For Donna, the fact that her sons could walk her down the aisle made the day all the more special. Still she couldn’t take her eyes off Jimmy as she walked towards him.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- bride walks with her sons to meet her groom under the chuppah

The stories told during the ceremony were warm and funny, but my favorite moment was their kiss. Even the guests were super excited about it!

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- guests celebrate the official ceremony kiss- boston ma

And Donna and Jimmy look so happy to have sealed the deal.

donna-jimmy-exchange-conference-center-boston-waterfront-wedding- bride and groom walking down the aisle after the ceremony- massachusetts

More soon, but if you just can’t get enough of Donna and Jimmy, check out their Ashland e-session, complete with a Harley-Davidson.

East meets Far East

For Mina and George’s Northern California destination wedding, they brought together both of their cultural traditions and treated their guests to some really fabulous experiences. From the traditional Persian ceremony, complete with the Sofreh-ye Aghd (or spread), and Persian dancing to the Chinese tea ceremony and Dim Sum for Sunday brunch, their East meets Far East wedding was a perfect blend.

Guests traveled from near and far. Even Mina and George came all the way from Chattanooga, Tennesee. One of the other exciting elements for everyone was the fabulous Tri Valley view. Mina and George chose the Canyon View because the terrace offered 270 degree views of the gorgeous California hills.

Mina and George both got ready at the nearby Marriott hotel. Dave hung out with George as he prepped.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride getting ready in california destination wedding

Loving the detail on Mina’s shoes and best of all George did all of the crafty work to add the bling. Seriously. He put on all of the crystals. Pretty amazing, no?

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- brides shoes with bling added by groom at cali hotel

When Mina arrived from the hair salon, it was time to get into her dress.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding-bride getting ready in california destination wedding

Mina and George didn’t have a traditional bridal party, but Mina’s best friend Sarah was the best unofficial maid of honor ever. She helped Mina get all gussied up, and kept the whole day running smoothly.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride getting ready at san ramon hotel in east bay

Loving all the details of Mina’s look, from her sparkly earrings…

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- brides earring and jewelry for sf bay area destination wedding

To the stunning back of her dress. And everything in between.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- back of brides nouvelle vogue dress for sf bay area destination wedding

As soon as Mina was ready, we brought George to the hotel garden where they would see each other for the first time. Check out the big smile on his face as Mina walks towards him.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- groom sees bride for first time in gardens at hotel under gazebo, san ramon ca

We took a few portraits of our bride and groom before heading to Canyon View for the ceremony.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- bride and groom in gardens at hotel for portraits

The ceremony was held on the terrace.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- persian wedding in san ramon with views of the hills

I was particularly taken with the officiant’s use of the iPad. Never would have thought of that, especially given how bright out it was, but it seemed to work great for him.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- the officiant for the persian part of the wedding ceremony with ipad

Part of the tradition is for family friends to hold a canopy above the couple during the ceremony.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- enjoying the ceremony under the shawl held by the single friends; sugar was sprinkled

When the officiant asks the bride for her hand on behalf of the groom, she doesn’t speak at first. He asks 3 times and finally she says "Baleh." This moment is full of joy and laughter. Here it was captured by our associate Brian.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- enjoying saying no to the grooms desire to wed during the persian ceremony in san fran's east bay

And one of my personal favorite moments from the ceremony. Mina and George give each other a taste of the honey from the sofreh. Sweet and sexy.

mina-george-sf-bay-area-hills-wedding- the sweetest part of the persian ceremony feeding each other honey

And just a hint of what’s to come, here’s one from their portrait session.

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More soon from their fabulous party.

But if you want to see more of Mina and George now, check out their engagement session PicFlick.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Beth and Bud!

A very happy 40th anniversary to Beth and Bud!

Beth and Bud Sonoma Mission- July 18th 1980

We have had the great pleasure of celebrating 4 weddings with Beth and Bud and their family! It all started when their daughter Emily married Mark. Emily and Mark chose to get married at the Sonoma Mission, where her parents had wed. And amongst their portraits, they wanted their own version of this image from Beth and Bud’s wedding. Last year at Lauren and Steve‘s wedding, we discovered that Beth and Bud shared an anniversary with the newlyweds. And when Emily told us that her mom was an avid reader of our blog, we couldn’t wait to celebrate her nuptials as well. So 40 years ago, plus a day (I was out of the studio yesterday) these two fabulous people tied the knot. I am certain it was a beautiful event, filled with warmth, love and joy. We are so happy for you, Beth and Bud, and hope your ruby anniversary was amazing.

Their Bar Scene

One summer a few years ago, fate took hold of Suzanne and Andy’s lives and brought them together in a way neither would have expected. As Suzanne said, "Who meets in a bar?" Well actually, she and Andy did. And it was perfect.

Suzanne had been visiting her family at the time, but was living in Southern California. A friend took her to this neighborhood bar for a drink. A friend of Andy’s happened to bring him to the same bar. It’s the kind of bar that really is meant for the locals and probably sees a lot of the same faces. Not the kind of place you would expect to meet your future spouse, or even someone new. Neither Suzanne nor Andy went to the bar to fall in love, but love is what they found.

Fast forward to this summer. Suzanne and Andy are busily preparing for their wedding at Stone Tree Golf Club. We took a few hours to enjoy the city they have spent so much time in and create engagement photos for them. San Francisco gave us all its blustering cold dripping wet fog (yes it was gruesome) and Suzanne and Andy gave us smiles and warmth. It was a perfect night.

We started off in North Beach (for those touristy types, that’s the Italian district in SF) and wandered along the streets. Both Suzanne and Andy had lived in the neighborhood at various points in their lives so had strong ties to the area.

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- session with bride and groom to be in SF Italian neighborhood

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- kissing in the street with Sausalito couple

Meandered over to Washington Square Park for a little greenery.

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- checking out the scenery by Columbus Park in SF CA

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- distant views and snuggling close during foggy night in sf

Loving this shot. So San Francisco- you’ve got the MUNI lines criss-crossing over the street and the TransAmerica building in the background.

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- transamerica building in background as couple wanders through italian neighborhood in sf

Enjoying the architecture.

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos-1

A little Monet-esque as they are walking. Take a moment and enjoy the yellow sweater Suzanne is wearing. Love bright colors on a gray day.

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- motion blur of walking fiances during portrait session

Of course, we had to head over to the scene of the crime. So we hopped in their car and drove to Russian Hill where that neighborhood bar, The Buccaneer, is located. Could this be how it all started?

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- at the bar where they met in sf

They hadn’t been back since their first anniversary, which made it even more fun to relive their story. As it turns out, the same bartender was serving up drinks the night they met and the night of our shoot. I think all the memories brought out even a bit more romance.

suzanne-andy-san-francisco-north-beach-russian-hill-engagement-photos- at the bar where they met in sf- sausalito couple kisses

We had so much fun and now we can’t wait for their wedding in just a few short weeks. This was just a smattering of all the amazing photos we were able to get of this awesome couple. I would definitely recommend checking out their slideshow for more from Suzanne and Andy’s SF e-session.

 

They Got Chemistry

Hanging out with Becky and Neil during their engagement session was like hanging out with old friends. We had such a nice time wandering around paths by the Charles (chosen because they used to go running along the Boston side) and then meandering through the streets of Boston University. Neil filled us in on all sorts of tidbits about his alma mater. And both Becky and Neil shared stories about where they had lived and played in the city. Added bonus, they are both chemists and Dave loves getting a chance to connect to his science roots. Stimulating conversation all around.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- bride and groom to be e-session on the charles river- view of cambridge

We also wanted to capture a little bit of Cambridge for them, as that’s where the live now.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- e-session with view of cambridge

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- fiance- bride and groom portraits

Enjoying the moments by the water and being together.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- groom hugging bride by charles river boston ma

Crazy amazing skies juxtaposed by crazy fast cars and our couple focused completely on each other.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- crossing bridge over storrow drive a kiss in boston mass

Now on campus. So many beautiful architectural details and interesting buildings to get cozy by.

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becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- bu building with green door

We all loved the brownstones. Though Neil didn’t get to live in one while he was an undergrad, we couldn’t help dreaming about what it would be like. So we decided to claim one for our shoot.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- brownstone bu e-session boston massachusetts

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- couple portrait in boston mass

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- couple on brownstone steps in boston ma

After the daydreaming came some play time. I think Neil won this thumbwrestling match. But I am sure it was close.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- bride and groom thumbwrestling on brownstone steps of bu

We ended up at this super cool sculpture as the sun was giving us glorious light. I like how they are wrapped up in each other and the sculpture is wrapping around them.

becky-neil-boston-university-engagement- sculpture on bu campus overlooking charles river in boston ma

Becky and Neil, we absolutely can’t wait for your wedding at the Museum of Science. It is going to be fabulous!

But that’s not til later this summer, so in the meantime, if you want to see more, check out their slideshow.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you all a joyous Independence Day-
Let freedom fly!
With love,
Jo, Dave and Max

max marin frisbee 4-23-06_ 04

Intimate Beacon Hill Wedding

We get to see all kinds of weddings, for sure, from the most minimal- a couple at city hall- to the most extravagant- a bride and groom with huge numbers of guests in grand venues- and everything in between. And we enjoy them all; the beauty in each truely comes down to the people involved. When Meagan contacted me, I was very excited. You see, Meagan was referred to us by her friend Leigh-Ann, who also happens to be our friend and a wedding industry peer so we knew Meagan would be fantastic to work with. She and Chris and their wonderful families did not disappoint. And their intimate wedding was absolutely beautiful.

Meagan and Chris had been engaged for awhile, but hadn’t gotten very far into the wedding planning, until this spring, that is. At which point, they decided not to mess around and scheduled the date for early June. They planned a small ceremony at her parent’s home in Beacon Hill, with portraits to follow in the Public Garden, and then dinner at a favorite restaurant. The whole feel of the evening was warm, loving, bright.

Meagan arrived at the ceremony on foot. Calm, at ease, and joyful.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride in j crew wedding gown

She entered the living room where their guests were gathered. Some stood, some made themselves comfortable on the couches and chairs.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- intimate wedding ceremony at parents home

I found myself completely caught up in the meaning of the ceremony, truly listening and feeling the impact of the moment.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- ma bride

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- massachusetts groom

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- parents of the bride and groom

The kiss and the applause.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- the kiss and applause in mass

And the hugs and the tears. Pretty much everyone was in tears.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- hugging the bride and tears of joy

Meagan definitely thought about the details and they seemed to match her sophisticated taste to a tee. Her J.Crew wedding dress was modern and chic; her bouquet of cream roses with touches of whites and greens was the perfect accent.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- brides bouquet cream roses- greens and whites

Following the ceremony, we took a few portraits in the condo.

I love the moment just before the kiss.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride and groom kiss portrait

Snuggling up by the window.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride and groom window portrait

Then we ventured down to the Boston Public Garden.

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meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride and groom in the public gardens - reflection

The big tree in the back and the way Meagan casually holds her dress gives this one an old world romantic feel.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- boston public garden bride and groom portraits

I am thinking these tourists definitely got their money’s worth from their Duck Boat adventure.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride and groom with duck tours

We went back up to the flat to hang out for a bit before dinner.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride with friends

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- bride and groom reading a card and gifts

The yummy looking cake. Mmm…. I think I am getting hungry.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- cake

Then over to the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro for dinner.

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- beacon hill bistro dinner reception

And some more photos?!

meagan-chris-beacon-hill-boston-wedding- iphone camera wedding photography

Many thanks to Meagan and Chris. What a joy it was to work with you and be a part of your celebration!

If you want to see more, check out their slideshow.

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