As Christina and Vincent were both getting ready at the Boston Harbor Hotel, we were able to spend time with both of them. Christina had already had her hair and make-up done at a salon near her mom’s house so the ladies came to the hotel to get into their dresses and complete a few finishing touches. The crew was very relaxed and pretty much just enjoyed the time together. Lots of laughter here.

One of the ways Christina and Vincent chose to share a bit of themselves was in the theme of their wedding- wine and chocolate. Sounds good, no? So they chose to incorporate deep reds and purples- burgundy, merlot, wine- into their color scheme. Check out the bridesmaids bouquets alongside their garnet dresses.

We had a little time before Christina was scheduled to meet Vincent for the first time so we captured a few portraits of Christina and a few details. She looked stunning in this halter style Vera Wang gown. So elegant.

And the veil with ribbon edges was a perfect match.

Dave popped into the room where Vincent was hanging with his boys and captured this portrait of Vincent waiting for his chance to see Christina.

Then it was time. Vincent was waiting in the Rotunda with his back to where Christina would enter. As she left her room, she gave her girls a high-five. Such a perfect moment.

As Christina approached Vincent, her mom and bridesmaids peeked around the corner to watch.

Vincent’s huge smile when he sees Christina.

Christina’s joyful tears when she sees Vincent.

Then they enjoy a few moments together amidst the architectural beauty of the Rotunda.

And that’s just the beginning. More to come soon from their beautiful Boston waterfront wedding.

Want to see more from Christina and Vincent? Check our their stormy engagement session in Beacon Hill.

Some things, like the get-away car, they could chose from a distance. The elected to hire Bow Tie Limousines for a vintage auto, completing the classic and romantic tone of their wedding.

Having chosen to have their wedding at Hans Fahden winery, Marla and Shawn were able to give their guests a taste of their fabulous wedding. A bottle of wine was the perfect remembrance.

And it wouldn’t be a fabulous california wedding without amazing food. What a treat for all of their guests!

As a playful farewell, they chose to exit amidst bubbles and found these adorable champagne bottle bubbles.

One of the most special elements was Marla’s something old. The spoon holding their wedding rings in the photo below, and attached to Marla’s bouquet in the next image, is a family heirloom. It was actually a wedding gift given to her great-grandmother over 100 years ago.

The flower girl dresses were especially cute. Check out the black embroidery at the bottom.

Similar style was brought to the design on the cake.

Another special treat, the guest sign-in book. The guests participated in making this book even more special for Marla and Shawn by including their well wishes for the bride and groom within its pages.

Marla selected black magic roses and wine calla lilies for her bouquet and Shawn’s boutonniere. The merlot color scheme fit perfectly with the setting. She also included pheasant feathers, a reminder of her hometown.

One final detail to celebrate… Marla’s veil. I love the delicacy of it, so very feminine.

Despite the long distance planning, Marla and Shawn were able to put their stamp on their wedding and include so many personal touches.

Special thanks go out to all of the professionals who helped them in their efforts:
Wedding venue: Hans Fahden Vineyards, Calistoga
Caterer and Wedding Cake: Knickerbockers, St. Helena
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, San Francisco
Florist: Claudia K Florist, St. Helena
Officiant: Harry Jackson
Limo: Bow Tie Limousine, Santa Rosa

A few of my favorite bits from the day:
Dave purchased his tux. He knew it would be tailored perfectly if he owned it and he wanted to look his absolute best for Leah. He even spent some time ironing earlier in the day.

Leah gave Dave a special cologne and Dave gave Leah a special perfume as a wedding gift. They had learned that emotion tied to scents are uniquely suited to bring back memories; they selected new scents for their special day so they had another way to recall their joy. I love this.

They wanted the first time they saw each other to be private and intimate. It was so beautiful.

Leah didn’t even blink at the cold, and it was cold. She looked totally relaxed for all of their portraits, and there were lots. She’s one tough lady.

Dave and his twin brother Mark took a moment before the ceremony. I don’t know what they said to each other, but I loved watching their closeness.

The look on Leah’s dad’s face when he was giving her away.

When Emily (wife of Dave’s brother Mark) and Steve (husband of Dave’s sister Lauren) had a special welcome for Leah as the newest in-law.

Oh boy, I have a lot of favorites. I could go on all night. But perhaps I should get to some photos….

So here’s the rest of their story. Starting with the ceremony.

I love this photo of Dave waiting for Leah to walk down the aisle, with Mark watching him. Dave has already seen Leah on their wedding day, in her wedding dress. And there is definitely something different and equally special about this moment. You can see it in his eyes.

Their ceremony was held under the stars in the pavilion on the grounds of Wine and Roses in Lodi, California. The candles, lanterns and flowers added so much romance to the space.

Leah’s parents enjoyed the ceremony…

As did Leah.

It was also filled with emotion.

Dave’s dad found the newlyweds after the ceremony for a congratulatory hug.

Leah and Dave’s reception was in the ballroom, a beautiful warm lodge-like space. They sat a sweetheart table in front the fireplace and enjoyed a toast to their new status.

First dance.

I mentioned this toast by Emily and Steve. Emily not only welcomed Leah to the family, but also shared advice on living with one half of a pair of twins. Emily is married to Dave’s twin and so she knows all about it.

Then the party got underway.

Some guests were caught up in the romance of the day.

Others got into the dancing frenzy with Dave.

The dance floor was never empty, to be sure.

What a great night, all around! And for those who can’t get enough, a little PicFlick….

If you want to see more from Leah and Dave’s stunning wedding at Wine and Roses, definitely check out their slideshow.

And a big thank you to all of the professionals who helped make their day so special.
Event planners: Emily Mattos and Kristen Jensen from Sugar Rush Events
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Catering: Wine and Roses
Gown Designer: Reem Acra
Make-up artist: Mina Drake
Cake: River City Cake Company
Floral Designer, lighting and room decor: The Big Bang
Rentals: Stuart Rental Company
Ceremony musician: guitarist Davis Ramsey
DJ: Music By Brian

But the greatest thanks go out to Leah and Dave. We have so loved getting to know you both and are thrilled that we could be a part of your celebration. And so much gratitude to your wonderful families. We love you all!

We started the day at the Boston Harbor Hotel and ran into Darren in the lobby first thing. Erin needed a little more time to finish getting ready before they got to see each other, but I honestly don’t think he wanted to wait a moment longer. We did not delay. We went right up to see Erin and capture her preparation.

The emotions on a wedding day are really what make it so rewarding to photograph. Erin and Darren’s wedding day was simply filled with great moments and expressions through and through. Here’s a series of my favorites, all from "first sights".

Erin’s mom takes her in- all decked out with the dress, the veil, the shoes- her completed look.

Erin and Darren had their first meeting outside the Boston Harbor Hotel, on Rowes Wharf. Darren stood with his back to Erin until she was ready. She told him to turn around and his eyes lit up.

Of course, this was also the first time she got to see him.

Body language says a lot, too. So sweet.

After they had a chance to enjoy the moment, we all hopped in their car (thank you to our fabulous driver Erika) and headed over to the Boston Public Gardens for a few photos. Erin had visions of willow trees and the swan boats and all the beautiful flowers, and I don’t blame her. What a stunning landscape! Still, those photos are definitively rivaled by the simplicity of this one that shows off Erin’s classic beauty.

We finished our portrait tour back at the waterfront with a few around the hotel. Dave and I had spotted this mirrored sculpture nearby on a prior to visit to the hotel. We knew we wanted to play there. Erin and Darren were amenable. So chic.

Then the day really got underway. The ketubah signing and bedeken ceremony took place in the board room. And they were officially married by Jewish law.

Followed by the ceremony under the chuppah in the Wharf Room. But for now, I leave you with just this one little hint of what’s to come.

Soon to follow… the ceremony, the party, and all of their special details.