Jun
25
There are so many ways for love stories to happen. Sometimes couples meet in high school, sometimes through work or through friends, sometimes online. One of my favorites is definitively a chance meeting which through time and space would seem improbable. Somehow the stars align and the two who were meant to be together meet. Mary and Jason’s is one such story. They met when Mary was in England. An American girl meets an Englishman. They fall in love and manage being long-distance. Then at last they get married and begin their life together.
Mary started the day at a close friend’s home; she got ready there and even did a few portraits with her favorite ladies. We’ll start off with this image by Brian Lee who joined me for the day. What a great moment he captured!
Checking in with her friends….
With mom.
With the girls.
We all headed over to the church. Jason was all ready to go and looked very dashing. He’s a Brit so that seemed a given.
And he was very happy to see his bride join him at the end of the aisle.
The guests from across the pond enjoying the ceremony.
The church is so beautiful- it has great architectural details with a modern craftsman flair.
After the ceremony, we took a few portraits around the church.
Then we headed over to Santana Row.
And the Hotel Valencia. Jo and I photographed a wedding at the hotel a few years ago but didn’t get nearly enough time to enjoy all that it has to offer. I was so excited when Mary said she wanted to go there for photos. There are so many opportunities for great images.
Brian knew about this fabulous wall around the corner from the hotel. We were lucky enough to catch a lady who was moving in upstairs. She had this great black leather couch and was happy to lend it to us for a few shots. The red wall, the lanterns, the black leather couch and our stunning couple- can’t imagine anything better. Teamwork made this one!
This super sweet portrait by Brian.
Off to the reception at Maggiano’s. The cake was really beautiful. Loved the sculputural quality of it, and I think the silhouette definitely captures that element.
Have a I mentioned how much fun everyone had on the dance floor? Mary and her ladies took the party to high gear. This one by Brian.
Old, young and everyone in between knew how to kick it up on the dance floor. Love the movement!
Weddings have so much energy and the nature of the energy changes from moment to moment. Mary and Jason took this opportunity during a slow song to hold on tight and enjoy being Mr. and Mrs.
Congrats Mary and Jason! I can’t express what a joy it was to photograph you and your families. (We have known Mary’s side since Krista and Andy‘s wedding a few years back and are so glad we can continue to be a part of these wonderful celebrations.) A million thank you’s!
Special thanks to all those who made their day incredible:
Getting ready venue: friend’s home
Ceremony site: St. Andrew’s Church
Reception venue: Maggiano’s
Wedding cake: Cake Expressions
Floral Design: The Wild Geranium
DJ: Joel Nelson Productions
Invitations: David’s Bridal
Hair and make-up: Nirvana Salon, Los Gatos
Gown designer: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew
Groom and groomen’s tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Much gratitude to Brian Lee for tagging along on this fabulous wedding. It was such fun working with you.
If you want to see more from Mary and Jason’s wonderful day, check out their slideshow.
Oct
21
Giddy, joyful, explosive enthusiasm, positivity, blissful, abundant smiles, cheerful, delighted, ecstatic, gleeful…. how many words can I come up with to describe all the ways in which Ellen and Edwin were two of the happiest people I have ever seen on their wedding day?! Before the wedding, Ellen was literally jumping up and down with excitement and happily sang a little song of joy with her niece about this being her wedding day. So much merriment is bound to be intoxicating; it’s no surprise that everyone, including Dave and I, wore smiles all day long.
Ellen arrived at Hans Fahden ready to go. Her sisters, mom, best friend, and neice got ready alongside her. She put some finishing touches on her make-up, and then put on her dress.
When Ellen and Edwin met each other at the end of the aisle, all of the built up emotions found an outlet- in laughter and in tears of joy.
Edwin’s parents watched on.
Ellen and Edwin sealed their commitment to each other with a kiss.
After the ceremony, we gathered the families together for portraits. Ellen’s sisters and best friend are hilarious. They teased Edwin with a long list of mandate’s regarding how to take care of Ellen. He was a very good sport.
Portraits of Ellen and Edwin in the gardens.
I love the way the gaze at each other.
Dinner in the wine cave soon followed. It’s so romantic in there- candles and flowers warm up the space.
As it turns out, Edwin’s friends are also hysterical. His best man gave a truly fabulous speech, which included actual emails Edwin had written during his courtship of Ellen. My favorite quote, "Game on!"
After dinner, Ellen and Edwin cut their cake. I am completely enamored with this colorful cake- actually a perfect representation of the feel of their day- bright, sunny, sweet.
Their first dance, as seen through the eyes of Ellen’s neice.
The father daughter dance. I can totally see where Ellen gets her joie de vivre.
Edwin getting down on the dance floor.
At the very end of our evening, Ellen and Edwin took their turn in the photo booth for a few shots. They have such a great sense of humor- the costumes were perfect and they totally played up the part. This is the very lost shot, as they tell the paparazzi, aka Dave, no more.
Special thanks to all of the professionals who made the day so special:
Andi and the team at Hans Fahden Winery
Sharon Van Geisen from Park Avenue Catering
Mary Ann Parker from Fleur de Lisa for their exquisite cake
Peggy Blatchford for the floral design
DJ Alexander Hansen from AMS Entertainment
Alisa from The Powder Room for her styling of Ellen’s hair
Groom and groomsmen’s attire by Hugo Boss
Margot Piper, Maid of Honor, and talented graphic designer for the printed materials
And to Ellen and Edwin, you are two amazingly adventurous kindred spirits- birds of a feather. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you. We are delighted that we could be a part of your celebration, and we can’t wait to see those photos from Guyana.
Want to see more? Check out their sneak peek on Facebook and their wedding movie.
