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.
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.
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!
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.
Mar
09
We have great news! The March/April issue of You and Your Wedding Magazine, a UK wedding magazine, just came out. And one of our fabulous couples was featured. The bride and groom are Meredith and Bronson. They celebrated their wedding last winter at StoneTree Golf Club in Novato. Meredith chose shades of white to highlight the season along with beautiful candles and holiday lights throughout the reception area. Meredith’s inspired look came together with the help of Grace Dougan of A Touch of Grace. Check out the magazine at a New England Borders (I didn’t see the magazine in the SF Borders I visited) or read more from our blog posts here: sneak preview and the scoop.
Awesome style, Meredith and Bronson!
Jan
22
Deana and Nick had a fabulous wine country wedding at the beginning of fall. She did an amazing job with the feel of the day. Deana incorporated all sorts of special touches to highlight the time of year and the location, the gardens and wine cave at Hans Fahden Vineyards.
Read More»
Jan
12
For my last entry in the generations series, I wanted to focus on the mini-fam of Linda and Mike. When Linda and Mike found us for their 2006 wedding, we were so excited. You should see the way he looks at her- melts your heart. We were really looking forward to their fall wedding. They celebrated with their ceremony at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in San Francisco, their wedding portraits at the Legion of Honor and their wedding reception at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, coordinated by Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events.
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