Dec
04
Perhaps the best thing about getting married in Sonoma is the beauty. Unless, of course, you are a wine aficionado, and then it might be the grapes. Or if you are perhaps from Sonoma, it might be the connection to a place where you have spent so much of your life. For Allie and Matt, the last part was definitely true, but the views weren’t too shabby either.
Before I go on and on and on about the amazing-ness of their day, I want to thank all of the professionals who helped make it so:
Ceremony Location: Mission San Francisco de Solano / Reception Location: Buena Vista Winery / Photography: Allegro Photography / Flowers: Cozy Posies / Invitations: The Paper Source / Dress: Romona Keveza / Bridesmaids: Monique Lhuillier / Groom and Groomsmen Suits: Banana Republic / Lighting design: Wine Country Party & Events / DJ: PureEnergy Productions / Hair: Descend Salon
And with that, I continue their Sonoma wedding story with a few more portraits at Bartholomew Park Winery.
One of my favorites because it totally captures their personalities!
Following the portraits, we drove across the street to Buena Vista Winery for their dinner and dancing reception. They received quite a welcome from their guests.
Sisterly toasting love.
The venue gets even more romantic as the sun sets.
Dave’s vision for a mafioso shot with a few of their bridal party.
Another fave from the night because it includes people we love– Allie is the fourth in a family of brides and grooms. When you get to celebrate such wonderful moments with a family, you feel as you are a member of the group. And this crew is so welcoming that they have even said as much. So we were able to capture them all in this image- Lauren and Steve, Emily and Mark, Allie and Matt, and Leah and Dave. Each couple and wedding was unique and each one was fabulous!
Need more from this amazing group and Allie & Matt’s beautiful day, check out their PicFlick!
Nov
28
Following in the footsteps of her parents and her sister, Allie chose the Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma Square for her ceremony location. This intimate setting provided the perfect warmth and charm for Allie and Matt’s wedding- with just a few rows of seating, followed by standing room only, it feels as if your guests are right there with you. So the tears and the smiles and the laughter and the love were even more vibrant for our bride and groom. Plus knowing that the family has celebrated so many joyous occasions there adds to the ambiance.
And after the ceremony, a few portraits of our bride and groom around the grounds. Then off to Bartholomew Park Winery for more photos in another special spot to our couple, a park where they have spent many hours wandering, relaxing, enjoying.
Love the humor in this image.
We had great light during their portrait session, and it even drizzled a bit (yes, in Sonoma, in the summer, unbelievable). All making for some super fabulous photos still to come.
Nov
14
We had been awaiting Allie and Matt’s wedding for quite some time… actually since before they were even dating or we knew Matt existed. You see, we have been very lucky to know Allie since her sister’s wedding in 2007. She is one of the most lovely, gracious, creative people you will ever meet; we adore her. And so we continued our friendship on Facebook, and were lucky enough to “witness” her relationship with Matt grow, all be it from across the country. Then we got the call last January- he had proposed and would we be able to photograph the wedding. Our response, “Absolutely and we can’t wait to meet him!”
Then this summer, about a month before their wedding, we got to meet Matt (over ice cream at Ici, no less). He is absolutely everything I would have hoped for in a match for Allie- charming, handsome, adventurous, thoughtful. We talked about all kinds of things- their wedding, of course, but also travel destinations and sports and family and home decorating. Our excitement was definitely building.
The big day arrived in August. It was perfect. Allie started her day at her parents house in Sonoma, surrounded by family. We followed this with portraits at their home before going to the Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma Square (the same church where her parents and her sister had gotten married). And Matt got ready at the Lodge in town with portraits at City Hall and around the square. Portraits at a favorite park and a party at Buena Vista Vineyards capped off the day.
And so I share with you, Allie & Matt’s wedding, part 1…
Leaving you with just a hint of what’s to come. More soon!
Dec
23
Just thought we should kick off this rainy holiday weekend with a refreshing celebration from this past summer. Part deux of Soo Jin and Roger’s perfect Sonoma wedding at Viansa Winery.
Our last post was all about the beauty leading up to and through their wine cave ceremony. And now we share sunset portraits and one fabulously good party.
First up the bridal party, with signature white parasols, courtesy of Viansa.
And then some alone time enjoying the magnificent valley scenery as the sun was beginning to set. Warm light made their skin glow. Well, that, and the happy day.
So many beautiful spots to shoot. We honestly could have photographed here all day.
But we had a party to attend. And the guests were waiting.
Grand entrance through the bridesmaid and groomsmen gauntlet. Love that the girls took the guys sunglasses and handed off their bouqets to the gents.
Yup.
First dance.
Finished off with a dip.
Kiss, please!
Fooling around in the photo booth.
Check out this super fun ring shot. They had the letters on their dessert bar table. Picked up the little chairs which were holding the escort cards, and then placed the rings on each chair. Love the connection to their day.
All around good times and simply stunning wedding. Congrats to Soo Jin and Roger and thanks to all those who made it a spectucular wedding!
Nov
23
Soo Jin and Roger have style to last til the end of time, and planned an elegant wedding in Sonoma. I can’t imagine a more perfect backdrop than these vineyards and wineries with all of their romance. The skies were clear. The air was warm. And Soo Jin and Roger were so excited to tie the knot.
They both got ready at a private home with Roger and the boys taking over the main house, and Soo Jin and the ladies enjoying the guest house by the pool. Not a bad way to enjoy a destination wedding really.
Her dress and the view from her pad.
Roger primping and prepping.
The boys downed a shot of something- not sure what- but here’s how it went down. Hmmm….
Meanwhile, Soo Jin was getting gussied up. Finishing touches on her dress.
They decided to do a first look before their ceremony so that they could take portraits without time constraints at Viansa. Roger was peeking before he was supposed to. Who can blame him?
He made up for it with kisses.
And then the ceremony began. It took place in the wine caves, lit by candles. Beautiful and romantic!
Clearly a happy couple! And more to come from sunset portraits and the reception fun.
Sep
01
Junior is growing up and his family is simply growing. He has a new sister now. Of course, that meant a great chance to document his family and the ways it is changing. We joined them for a Sunday morning at their home.
First off, meet our superhero. Very serious.
He can wrestle them (or hug them).
And he can fly.
He loves being with his family.
He watches over his little sister (or at least that’s what I like to call it).
She’s a cute little gal.
Itty-bitty.
And sweet coy smiles.
A few more… did I mention that Junior didn’t really like to sit still? Yup, not so much. His dad was having fun playing with him.
A recurring look on his face. Hilarious!
Want more from our super hero session? Check out their slideshow here.
Aug
09
Seeing as Tami is a former wedding planner, it’s no surprise that all of the wonderful details of her wedding were absolutely beautiful and perfectly reflected her and Gio. You may recall that they had an intimate wedding at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley on a beautiful April day this spring. Now’s the time to enjoy a bit of inspiration and a few photos from the reception just for fun.
Check out the sweet flowers on her cake.
An elegant table setting.
Introductions and speeches are always fun.
Did I mention Tami’s beautiful red wedding dress?
A kiss while dancing, witnessed by more than one camera.
And since these two are tango dancers, they treated their guests to a show.
Loving our bride’s hair accessory- feathers and pearls.
Enjoying toasts.
This little munchkin was enjoying the gardens, and also happens to be one of our connections to Tami and Gio. Or more accurately her parents are. We photographed their Bernardus Lodge wedding, which Tami planned. So fun to see them and their growing family at Tami’s celebration.
A sweet bit of romance from their invitation for this ring shot.
Good music.
Means good dancing.
Congrats again to our fabulous couple! Extra special thanks to the team of professionals who helped make Tami and Gio’s day so special:
Getting ready, ceremony and reception venue: Laureen Novak from the Outdoor Art Club
Tami’s hair: Ashley Smith of Flower and Gold
Bride’s make-up: Alexia Ogle of Flower and Gold
Bride’s gown designer: Amy-Jo Tatum, custom design
Groom’s attire: Black Tie Tuxedo
Caterer: Alicia from La Mediterranee
Cake: Matthew Reilly
Floral Design: Erika Frank
DJ: DJ Olly
Ceremony musician: Leo King
Invitations: Delphine Doreau
Wedding favors: Vosges Haut Chocolat
Dance Instructors: Gustavo & Jessica Hornos
Want more from Tami and Gio’s colorful California wedding? Check out their slideshow and sneak peek. Or check out Tami’s thoughts on her blog.
Jun
16
I’ve known Tami for several years now. It all started when she was a wedding planner and Jo and I had the distinct pleasure of working with her. Since then, our paths have meandered in different directions, but we have been in touch throughout. So when Tami found Gio and they decided to get married, I was thrilled that she asked me to photograph their celebration. She and Gio selected one of my favorite intimate wedding venues in the Bay Area, the Outdoor Art Club, and spring couldn’t have been more perfect on their wedding day.
I started with the two of them as they got ready at the club.
Tami wasn’t particularly worried about western traditions. She chose a chic birdcage veil and a stunning red dance dress for her wedding look.
Our beautiful bride walking down the aisle.
Gio couldn’t be more smitten.
Or more excited to be officially married to Tami.
Sweet smiles leaving the ceremony in the garden.
During cocktail hour, I had the chance to capture a few portraits. Tami definitely planned another beautiful event. I loved her personal touches, like this sign.
We were all treated to some great music during the portraits and cocktail reception.
One of the many sweet little ones at the wedding. She is captivated by the flowers in the garden.
Tami and Gio were able to enjoy a few moments alone.
More to follow soon from Tami and Gio’s spring wedding in Marin County.
Apr
26
Love this San Jose family. Their older boy is full of energy and so engaging and his new baby brother is all about cuteness. We met up with them about a month after the little guy was born. We had a warm sunny California day. Their home and yard were the perfect backdrops for the portrait session.
Playing around.
Or trying at least.
Sleepy, sleepy.
Sweetness.
One more bit of fun. Anything for an orange.
Want more of this fabulous family? Check them out here.
Sep
06
That’s what Suzanne yelled to me on the dance floor. And I answered right back with a resounding, "Yes!" And boy was it! Suzanne and Andy picked an amazing 80′s cover band, Pop Rocks. And they played some of the best music ever made. The crowd couldn’t get enough of them. Really, so much fun.
But I am getting a little ahead of myself, because I left off at the end of the ceremony with Suzanne and Andy ready for their celebration. They continued with the cocktail hour on the patio. We had finished all of the formal portraits before the ceremony but they wanted to grab a few with their friends. Check out this image Dave captured of Andy and the boys.
Everyone headed inside for the reception. On the way, they were treated to some great details. Including family wedding photos in two spots and a little bird cage, complete with bird, to hold cards.
And check out Suzanne’s bouquet, loved the rich dark centers of these calla lillies.
I am always enamored when people wear hats to weddings. We so rarely wear hats for the sake of wearing hats these days; I think it makes a beautiful statement about the specialness of the day.
As soon as they entered, Suzanne and Andy made their way to the dance floor for their first dance. I was so excited to capture the dip.
Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of getting married and one of the few things that feels immediately different is the new piece of jewelry you wear to symbolize the occasion. Suzanne and Andy happily showed theirs off.
A welcome toast from Suzanne’s parents.
And from her dearest friends to "Anne and Andy." (Sidenote, perhaps one of the coolest things from this wedding is how many friends Suzanne and Andy have from throughout their lives. We did a photo of everyone who went to the same high school as Suzanne and there were like 20 people in the group. I am so amazed that she keeps in touch with and is still close to so many friends from that period in her life.)
And then things got started on the dance floor. It didn’t take long for this crew to show their appreciation for the music.
Makes me want to sing at the top of my lungs to some really loud music.
Which is exactly what Suzanne did with a few of her girlfriends, on the stage. Unbelievable! Awesome! So much fun!!!
Many thanks to Suzanne and Andy for including us in your day! It was an absolute joy celebrating with you.
And much gratitude to all of the fabulous professionals who helped make the day special for Suzanne and Andy:
Ceremony and Reception venue: Amanda Harris from StoneTree Golf Club
Getting ready site: Courtyard Marriott
Wedding coordinator: Shana Goldberg of Dee Merz
Caterer: Amanda Harris for Elaine Bell
Dessert treats: It’s-It Ice Cream
Floral design: Millita from Grant Avenue Florist
Rentals: Suzie from Big 4 Party Rentals
Band: Kalie from Pop Rocks
Ceremony musician: Glenn Carter
Hair: Nicole Hitchcock of NH2
Make-up: Nicole Saysette
Wedding Gown Designer: Matthew Christopher
Groom’s suit: Theory
Invitations: Spark
Save the dates: Costco
Special thanks to Brian Lee who joined as as a third photographer for this amazing wedding!
I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted more, more, more. And if that’s the case, check out their sneak peek, slideshow and their engagement session. Enjoy!
