Nov
30
It was a crisp fall day when Mollie married Matt. The sunshine brought out the blues, greens and stunning fall reds, golds and oranges, creating a beautiful backdrop for their celebration. There was also a warmth running throughout the day, the comfort of loved ones and special familial traditions. Mollie got ready at her grandmother’s house, as her mother had done before her. She and Matt wed in the same church as her parents had wed. And even some of the photography hearkened back to Mollie’s mom’s bridal portraits. Throughout the day, the family bonds shone through.
Dave and I started with Mollie as she was getting ready. And she actually started by helping her sister.
Her sister, of course, returned the favor. Putting on her beautiful long veil was no simple task.
Dave headed over to the gents who were arriving at the church, while I did a few portraits of Mollie. The warm wood panelling was a lovely accent to her photos.
As was this delicious light.
Dave arrived at the church and it was clear the fall was still bursting out.
A few moments with Matt, allowed for a series of portraits.
Mollie and her dad were ready to get the show on the road.
Loving this sweet moment of father and son, prior to the ceremony.
We also learned that the priest who presided over the ceremony was a cousin of Mollie’s. It added a personal element to the ceremony as he shared stories from the family’s history.
Loving this stolen moment between our bride and groom.
Perhaps my favorite part of the Catholic wedding ceremony is the moment when guests greet each other. It is such a warm way for everyone to connect.
And just a quick peek of what’s to come when I share from the second part of the day. All kinds of fun details and beautiful touches. These two lovebirds were inside a birdcage which collected cards. Sweetness.
Check back soon for more from the rest of Mollie and Matt’s beautiful fall wedding reception at the Crane Estate, including stunning portraits, inspiring details and one heck of a party. In the meantime, you can also check out the slideshow from their engagement session.
Nov
24
This one is just a quick post because we really wanted to give Jen and Brian a taste of what’s to come, basically whetting their Thanksgiving appetites for more. We hope you enjoy!
I promise there’s more to come soon with the story of the day and all the fun, including their super fabulous party at the Downtown Hyatt Regency. In the meantime, if you want more of Jen and Brian, definitely check out their engagement session.
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!
Aug
25
I can’t imagine a more perfect day to enjoy the photos from Suzanne and Andy’s wedding. I am sitting in our Boston studio and it is all dreariness and rain outside, but in front of me, on my computer screen, I get to see all kinds of sunshine. The day was beautiful, true, but I think the brightest part of the day was definitively our bride and groom. They couldn’t be more full of energy and fun. You will see it in the way they look at each other, in the way they interact with their friends and family, and in the way they celebrate.
Suzanne and Andy chose to see each other before their ceremony. They had a private moment in the gardens at StoneTree Golf Club to drink each other up. Suzanne approached Andy and teased him a little before she asked him to turn around.
He couldn’t stop looking at her. She was absolutely stunning.
We took the opportunity to do their portraits before hand. Not only did they look their freshest and had plenty of time for some great photos, but they were then able to enjoy all of their cocktail hour. It was the perfect choice for them.
So sweet and fun together.
I adored Suzanne’s dress. It was perfect on her- the best combination of sexy, glamorous, and playful. Check out the awesome mini-accordion crinoline underneath. Great texture.
And then it was time for these two to get hitched. Andy waited patiently at the end of the aisle for his bride to enter.
She walked in on her dad’s arm. And here, I have to take a little detour from the wedding narrative, because I got to hear a lot about Suzanne’s dad on the car ride from the hotel to StoneTree. He was an angel helping out with the wedding. Anything Suzanne or her mom needed, he took care of it. In fact, her mom said something along the lines of, "I love your dad more than ever today." She was so proud of and amazed by him. Probably the sweetest thing I have ever heard a mother of the bride say about her husband on her daughter’s wedding day. Really.
And now back to the story… Looks like he was pretty happy to help out, and especially happy to have his daughter on his arm.
The ceremony was beautiful, under clear blue skies.
With the rings, it became official.
And the celebration began immediately following the pronunciation of husband and wife. Let the party begin!
Did I say party? You betcha. Absolutely do not miss this one- coming soon. The 80′s cover band knocked our socks off and kept this party rocking!
Aug
06
On the radar, there was a rain cloud stretching from New Hampshire to Washington, DC and it was moving East at a steady pace. We had been watching the weather reports all week long, dreading what was to come for Maren and Steve’s wedding. They had chosen the most beautiful location for their destination wedding- an estate by the water in Portsmouth, RI- with an outdoor ceremony in the gardens. And they had planned a photo tour prior to the wedding which would take us around Newport‘s stunning coastline. Of course, this required a rain-free day. Dave and I were certain we would be relegated to Plan B. I brought the red umbrella for whatever photos we would be able to take outside.
What we didn’t count on was Maren and Steve’s good fortune. We had no idea they had some kind of extra special karma hanging out in their corner. Because what unfolded was nothing short of a miracle.
Maren got ready at the Pelham Court Hotel- a sweet boutique hotel with a great suite for our bride and her ladies. She didn’t seem at all concerned about the weather, which at that point was all sunshine in Newport.
She and Steve saw each other for the first time in the courtyard of the hotel. I love this moment where they get a good look at each other. And I love that Dave purposely captured the blue sky as part of the image. He wanted to make sure they had at least one photo with blue skies from their wedding day.
We took a couple of portraits in the courtyard. We actually had to have them sit in the shade, because it was still so bright out.
Then we headed off to Ocean Drive, for photos along the rocky coast line. As we drove there, we could see the storm clouds getting closer.
Check it out in this image. Towards the west an ominous sky.
In the same spot, but toward the east, the bridal party got to enjoy a few more moments of beautiful blue.
At this point, the sky was getting dark fast. Steve asked his groomsmen to bring the umbrellas to us, just in case. They were ready for the worst. Strangely the storm seemed to stop and hold it’s position.
We were able to capture a few more at this spot, and even stop at another along the coast.
I was so glad that we had been able to get those photos in. I figured that was all the luck we would have and was prepared for the inevitable indoor ceremony. When I arrived at the Glen Manor House, I was greeted with blue skies again. What?!? I thought. Then I saw that the gardens were set up for the ceremony. I honestly thought the coordinator had made a mistake. She told me she had checked the radar and it looked fine. I was shocked but happy.
Then of course, the skies turned to gray again. Didn’t bother the ring bearer one bit, though.
Maren and Steve took a moment to enjoy the view of the water, gorgeous even with the gray skies.
Then the ceremony began. And unfortunately just as the bridal party made their entrance little drips of water started falling very lightly to the ground. This is it! I thought. Now it’s going to downpour on their ceremony. The pessimist in me came out. I couldn’t help being concerned for all of the guests and our truly fabulous couple. And just as quickly as it had started, Maren walked out, and I kid you not, the drizzle stopped.
Not one more drop fell. Crazy? Maybe. True? Yes. A miracle? Absolutely.
Post script- I suppose all this sounds a bit overdramatic. And I can be prone to that, but just to give you a sense of how bad this storm was, everywhere but at Maren and Steve’s wedding that is, check out this article.
Jul
29
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.
During their first dance, guests enjoyed watching our couple show off their moves.
While they were visiting tables, a Persian game between the bride and groom and their guests turned into a spontaneous dance party.
Mina and George are not the only ones who felt the inspiration to dance. Almost instantly everyone was on the dance floor.
Mina and George took center stage.
Taking a break from the music, for a few toasts.
A sweet slow song.
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.
Boys! Boys! Boys! The garter toss. Mina giving George a little instruction about what to do and not to do.
One boy getting psyched up for the garter.
Closing the evening out with a lullaby, my favorite by Brian. This young lady was pooped from all the fun.
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.
Jul
21
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.
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?
When Mina arrived from the hair salon, it was time to get into her dress.
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.
Loving all the details of Mina’s look, from her sparkly earrings…
To the stunning back of her dress. And everything in between.
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.
We took a few portraits of our bride and groom before heading to Canyon View for the ceremony.
The ceremony was held on the terrace.
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.
Part of the tradition is for family friends to hold a canopy above the couple during the ceremony.
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.
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.
And just a hint of what’s to come, here’s one from their portrait session.
More soon from their fabulous party.
But if you want to see more of Mina and George now, check out their engagement session PicFlick.
Jul
19
A very happy 40th anniversary to Beth and Bud!
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.
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.
Mar
26
Huge congrats to our friend and colleague David Tutera for being featured in Vogue: Japan. And we are so excited that they chose one of our photos to highlight his amazing work. That’s right, we were recently published in Vogue Japan. International and chic, no?!
I’ll be honest I can’t tell you all about the article our work is part of, because, as you would expect, it’s in Japanese, but what I can gather is that they were highlighting several vendors celebrated in the international wedding industry. They focused on florists and event planners, in particular. And David Tutera, whom we have worked with on several occassions, was number one on their list. It’s no surprise as his work is astounding- it completely captivates all of my senses.
Our image was taken during a wedding at The Fairmont’s Plaza Hotel in New York City. The whole concept was based around crystals and they were everywhere. The ballroom sparkled.
If you want to see more of David‘s work, definitely check out:
David Tutera’s Metropolitan Club Wedding
Tutera’s Gotham Hall Wedding
Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Inspiration
More of David’s designs still to come from a fall episode of My Fair Wedding.
