San Jose

At Home Family Portrait

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.

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Playing around.

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Or trying at least.

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Sleepy, sleepy.

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Sweetness.

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One more bit of fun. Anything for an orange.

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Want more of this fabulous family? Check them out here.

From Chance to Love

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!

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride getting into her wedding dress in saratoga california

Checking in with her friends….

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride getting ready at friends estate- saratoga ca

With mom.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- mom of the bride and her daughter portrait in saratoga california

With the girls.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride and bridesmaids at home in saratoga northern cali

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.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- british groom portrait before his ceremony in los gatos ca

And he was very happy to see his bride join him at the end of the aisle.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride and groom during ceremony at St. Andrews Episcopal Church- Saratoga Cali

The guests from across the pond enjoying the ceremony.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- guests during ceremony at St andrew's episcopal church in northern california

The church is so beautiful- it has great architectural details with a modern craftsman flair.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding-bride and groom at the altar during wedding ceremony- st andrews episcopal church- saratoga- south bay

After the ceremony, we took a few portraits around the church.

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Then we headed over to Santana Row.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride and groom in limo on way to portrait location- san jose ca

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.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- hotel valencia portraits of bride and groom- san jose california- south bay

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride and groom by reflecting pool at hotel valencia and the south bay, california

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!

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- red wall and lanterns alley way in san jose california by hotel valencia

This super sweet portrait by Brian.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding-portrait of bride and groom at Santana Row- san jose ca

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.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- wedding cake silhouette- maggiano's little italy

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding-bride and groom enjoying the toasts during their reception at Maggiano's in san jose, california

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.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride and bridesmaids on dance floor at Maggiano's in san jose california

Old, young and everyone in between knew how to kick it up on the dance floor. Love the movement!

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- kids and parents getting down on the dance floor during wedding at maggiano's little italy in san jose, cali

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- grandma dances to rock on dance floor at maggiano's wedding reception- south bay

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.

mary_jason_santana_row_saratoga_wedding- bride and groom dance during their reception at Maggiano's Little Italy in San Jose, Ca

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.

 

A Toast to Jilanne & Doug

Jilanne and Doug’s wedding reception at Leal Vineyards was gorgeous, emotional, and downright fun. The skies were crystal clear, no fog in sight; the cool air moved in as the day progressed. The warmth of family and friends kept the party going until the very end, with a vibrant spirit of celebration.

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After their wedding at the Old Mission San Juan Bautista, we took portraits on the grounds in and around the mission church.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding-bride and groom kiss on the mission grounds in northern cali

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- at the old mission san juan bautista bride and groom pose and cuddle for portraits

Then everyone returned to the vineyard for cocktail hour outside on the patio and dinner under the tent. We captured a few more with the vineyard backdrop.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- bride and groom portrait among the grapes in wine country, california

The tables were all set up for dinner. The grounds at Leal are gorgeous- and smell good too- the yummy scent of heather is so welcoming..

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- table top for winery wedding- theme of whites and blues- autumn wedding

Jilanne and Doug opened up the dance floor.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- bride and groom's first dance, california winery

Followed by Jilanne and her dad. So sweet.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- father daughter dance in wine country ca

Doug escorted his mom to the dance floor, and they were soon joined by his siblings in a dance/hug. Doug is so close with his family. I was truly touched in the ways they supported each other.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- mother son dance where groom dances with whole family- cali

With dance floor open, the party really got underway. There were some mighty exuberant guests.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- guests enjoy the cocktail hour and dinner reception at a winery in cali

The money dance kicked things up a notch.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- preparing for the Filipino money dance at wedding party in holister, ca

Energetic dancing galore.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- guests dancing during reception in northern california

Jilanne and Doug closed the dance floor with a tango. We had seen them practice during their engagement session, and this was even better. They are simply stunning dancers.

jilanne_doug_leal_vineyard_wedding- bride and groom dance tango as last song of night, ca

Many, many thanks to Jilanne and Doug, and both your families for welcoming us into your wedding day celebration. We have so enjoyed getting to know you and it was such a pleasure to meet all the people you hold dear.

We would also like to thank the professionals who contributed to your special day.
Ceremony Venue: Rosie at the Old Mission San Juan Bautista
Organist: Edward from the Old Mission San Juan Bautista
Reception Venue: Andrew at Léal Vineyards
Wedding cake: Just Cake
Floral Design: Poppy’s Petalworks
Lighting Design: Hartmann Studios
DJ: Prosound Entertainment
Hair and Make-up Stylist: Athena
Our bride’s dress: Alvina Valenta, from the Bridal Galleria
The bridesmaids dresses: J. Crew
Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen’s attire: Alfani Red

If you would like to see more of Jilanne and Doug, definitely check out their engagement session, sneak preview, and slideshow.

Old World Sensibilities

A lady and a gentleman, through and through, Jilanne and Doug have old world sophistication, style, generosity and kindness right to their core. I have so enjoyed getting to know them over the past year and a bit. We had a blast on their engagement session playing at the Presidio and Fort Point. Then after checking out their wedding venues, the Old Mission San Juan Bautista and Leal Vineyard, and chatting with Doug about all of their plans, we really couldn’t wait for the big day.

So today I get to share just a little snippet of what’s to come.

Jilanne and Doug started their day at Leal, where they both got ready in the guest houses. Jilanne was practically all set when we arrived. Just a few finishing touches like the veil. I love the softness of this image; it matches Jilanne’s gentle side (mind you she also has a very spunky side, like when she told me about the prank she and Doug had thought about pulling on Dave and I for their engagement session- too funny!) but this one is all about her femininity.

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- bride wears veil for getting ready at leal vineyard

And Doug was already hanging out with his friends in the wine tasting room. Smart thinking.

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- groom relaxes with friends at vineyard in hollister

The girls and I hopped in the limo for our trip to the Mission. When we arrived, we made sure the coast was clear as Jilanne and her ladies walked to the church.

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Doug was just around the corner at the entrance to the church with his groomsmen, all of the sponsors and the ring bearer.

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- ring bearer shows off the wedding rings at san juan bautista mission

The ceremony was so beautiful; the back drop of this historic mission was a perfect setting.

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- priest during ceremony at san juan bautista mission

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- bride and groom on the alter for catholic ceremony

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- bride and groom at front of san juan bautista mission during ceremony

Another perspective…

bride and groom on the alter at mission san juan bautista during their wedding ceremony

I love the way Jilanne and Doug enjoyed themselves during the Catholic ceremony. They were totally in tune with each other.

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- san jose couple enjoy ceremony at mission san juan bautista

And they were certainly not alone in being affected by the momentousness of the day.

jilanne_doug_california_mission_wedding- bridesmaid cries during bride and grooms ceremony at old mission san juan bautista 

When I first saw this image Dave captured, I fell in love with it. It feels to me exactly how it feels to be leaving the wedding ceremony- like you are embarking on something big and exciting and bathed in sunshine and warmth. I can feel Jilanne and Doug’s smiles even though I can’t see them in this image.

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More to come next week. Can’t wait to share the rest!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We wanted to share a little of the joy we get to experience on a regular basis as wedding and portrait photographers. So here’s our tribute to all kinds of kisses and celebrations of love from 2008. We were so lucky to be a part of these joyous moments- simply inspirational.

And now on to the smooching….
Andrea and Eric- love of couple under tree in fall- enagement portraits- north shore of boston ma

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Details: Krista & Andy’s Wedding

Krista and Andy married this summer and you will not believe the fabulous touches she gave to her wedding. Everything from her wedding dress to the cake had her signature on it. The result was simply amazing.

Krista picked a beautiful dress by Paloma Blanca, but added her own look to it- a Japanese inspired sash.

krista-and-andy-wedding-bride portrait at Hakone Gardens - south bay- saratoga ca

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Generations: Part 2

While having a multi-generation mini-family like Karen and Willy‘s is so much fun, we also love our smaller mini-families. We have tons of these. Today I wanted to send a shout out to a bunch of the two generation mini-fams.

First mini-fam:

Sepi and Homan traveled from New York to get married at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco. They had an amazing Persian wedding ceremony followed by great food and endless dancing. We definitely wanted to capture their city sensibilities during the portrait session.

bride and groom outside the four season hotel during their wedding portrait session in san francisco- couple from new york city

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The Scoop Part 2: Shosh and Jon’s Wedding

It is with great pleasure that I share the second portion of Shosh and Jon’s day. We just couldn’t help ourselves; there are tons of images. Shosh and Jon included so many elements of fun and honored their Jewish culture in so many different ways. And they have such a cool urban aesthetic as seen in the fabulous architecture of their venues. What’s a photographer to do? So sit back and enjoy!

shosh_jon_bride and groom in the chairs for the horah at their wedding- san jose,ca

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The Scoop: Shosh & Jon’s Wedding

We are really excited to share a few of Shosh and Jon’s wedding images. They had an amazing wedding. It was filled with love, friendship, tradition, warmth and fun. We had a blast getting to know their family and friends. I loved all of the Jewish elements; I felt right at home.

Shosh and Jon are so clearly completely and totally in love. Jon was adorable; he really couldn’t keep his eyes off Shosh. And Shosh exudes a warmth and caring for everyone. On her wedding day she had an extra aura of joy around her and she couldn’t stop smiling. They were such a pleasure to photograph.

shosh_jon_bride and groom- san jose city hall, san jose, california- veil blowing

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Sneak Peak: Shosh and Jon’s Wedding

We wanted to share a quick taste of what’s to come for Jon and Shosh. They had an absolutely amazing wedding. Their ceremony was at the Fourth Street Summit Center (run by the Fairmont) and the reception was at the new San Jose City Hall. We had so much fun with this crew and we can’t wait to share all the details.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak. This was during the end of the Horah. They stole this kiss while all their guests danced around them.

shosh_jon_bride and groom kiss while guests dance the Horah around them- san jose city hall- california wedding

You can also check out their engagement photos on our blog here and the slideshow here.

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