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.

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.

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

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.

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 and Doug opened up the dance floor.

Followed by Jilanne and her dad. So sweet.

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.

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

The money dance kicked things up a notch.

Energetic dancing galore.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Another perspective…

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

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

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.

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

And now on to the smooching….

Happy Valentine’s Day!

With love from,
Dave & Jo

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

With a chic bouquet of orchids and grasses to match.

Next she chose 3 stellar locations.

She selected the Hakone Gardens as a special spot to see her groom for the first time on their wedding day. And for the portraits with their bridal party. The results are gorgeous. This site has so many hidden nooks, lots of green and beautiful landscaped details.

Then the whole crew ventured to Andy’s family church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal, for the ceremony. I love the modern interior space.

And the amazing stained glass.

Finally we arrived at the Decathlon Club for the reception, where our bride and groom were treated to a glass of champagne upon their arrival.

The Decathlon Club does such an amazing job bringing the outdoors inside.

Throughout the day, Krista further emphasized their heritage and the special connection she and Andy had together.

The sign-in table honored their elders.

They created table cards with photos from their most special times together.

Mooncakes were given as gifts to each guest.

Krista chose lovely origami cranes as a theme for her wedding. They hung on the branches alongside notes written by their guests.

She used a pair of cranes on the cover of her ceremony program.

And the wedding cake was fabulously decorate with these birds.

I am sure it was a lot of work to create all these special details, but it was worth the effort. These personal touches and the care Krista and Andy took definitely made their day that much more special.

Krista and Andy’s Vendors:

Location of portraits: Hakone Gardens, Saratoga
Location of ceremony: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Saratoga
Location of reception: Decathlon Club, Santa Clara
Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca (bride designed sash)
Floral Design: Shawna Futagaki of Flower Divas Inc.
DJ: Rick from Joel Nelson Productions

Want to see more of Krista and Andy? Check out their engagement session, the scoop: part 1 , the scoop: part 2, and their slideshow.

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.

Homan’s mom, Golie married Nader the following year. And we were able to photograph the intimate ceremony at their home in Los Altos Hills as well as the reception at the Four Seasons in San Francisco.

Second mini-fam:

Mark and Julie celebrated their wedding at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

They brought us Tricia and Paul who had their reception at the Fairview Park Marriott Hotel in Falls Church.

Third mini-fam:

Judie and Luen were married at Tilden Park‘s Brazilian Room in Berkeley, California.

They brought us Sau-Lai and Keith, who had a Chinese Tea Ceremony at their family homes and then a Chinese Banquet at the ABC Seafood Restaurant in Foster City, California.

Fourth mini-fam:

Augie and Lisa got married in Tahiti and came home for a Chinese Banquet at Yank Sing in San Francisco. After the wedding, we had the good fortune to photographer their friend Sofia and Adil’s wedding at the Alta Mira Hotel in Sausalito.

Fifth mini-fam:

Hilary and Scott married at the Los Altos History Museum in Los Altos Hills.

They shared our info with Arianna and Jesse who held their Jewish wedding ceremony in the redwood grove of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden and then the rest of their wedding celebrations at the Brazilian Room in Tilden Park.

Check out more from Ariana and Jesse’s wedding: Engagement Session, Sneak Peak, The Scoop, and Slideshow.

Sixth mini-fam:

This one is a little hard to say who came first. Perhaps they are more like twins as both couples found us around the same time.

Teresa and Kyle were married at the Mission Santa Clara de Asis at Santa Clara University and then celebrated their reception at the Hotel DeAnza in San Jose.

Angela and Michael celebrated their wedding at The Lodge at Sonoma and followed with a private portrait session at Chateau St. Jean.

Check out more from Angela and Mike’s wedding: Sneak Peak, The Scoop, and Slideshow.

Seventh and final mini-fam:

Another mini-fam of twins. I believe Elsa and Tim found us. When Elsa came in to meet with us, she brought Emily along. So we actually met them both at the same time.

Elsa and Tim held their wedding ceremony at The Palmdale Estates, in their lovely gardens. They followed this with a lovely Chinese Banquet at the ABC Seafood Restaurant in Foster City.

Check out more from Elsa and Tim’s wedding: Engagement Session, Sneak Peak, The Scoop, and Slideshow.

Emily and Erik were married at the Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis Missouri. This totally hip art space is a converted jail designed in art deco style.

Check out more from Emily and Erik’s wedding: Engagement Session, Dress Fitting at Vera Wang, Sneak Peak, The Scoop, and Slideshow.

I am actually going to take a step back in time to the tish and bedeken. During the tish, the men and women were separated, but there was a gap in the wall where we could look over and get a sense of what the other group was up to. Dave stepped into the gap and took several images to create this panorama. I love how you can see the wall in the midst of the two spaces.

Jon putting the veil on Shosh. This was such a great moment; the intimacy was palpable. In this instant, there was quiet amidst a room full of singing and celebration.

And Shosh -veiled- after everyone has left to go to the ceremony. She is alone in the room with her family and the stillness has returned.

Shosh walked with her family from the San Jose City Hall to the Fourth Street Summit Center for the ceremony. The ceremony started with a Jewish custom. Shosh circled around Jon seven times. But Shosh and Jon added a beautiful twist. Shosh was accompanied by her mom and her sisters.

Shosh and Jon then walked under the huppah together.

After the ceremony and the yichud, we stole some time with Shosh and Jon around the City Hall grounds. We enjoyed utlizing the awesome architecture and the unique stone walls. Jon, Shosh and I all agreed they looked like Jerusalem stone.

Before they made their grand entrance, Shosh needed to take care of her dress. The bustling was an all-hands-on-deck affair. Jon looks like he is working hard.

Then right into the party….

The guests put on a show for Shosh and Jon to bring them joy on their wedding day.

Their first dance…

A view from above of the whole scene during the father-daughter/mother-son dance…

Followed by some awesome Israeli dancing. I couldn’t help moving with the crowd when I was in the mix shooting.

Crazy fun times with the boys…

And finally the delicious cake-cutting…. I love Jon’s expression here. It is like he might just do something he shouldn’t. Don’t worry, he didn’t. Shosh made sure of that.

Jon and Shosh, thank you for choosing us to photograph your wedding. You two are amazing; your loving, generous souls are inspiring. We are so happy for you!

Elise, thank you for making sure everything went off without a hitch. Shosh and Jon are so lucky to have you. We are still amazed at your thorough planning and your poise throughout the day.

And thank you to Connie from the San Jose City Hall. You and your staff definitely went the extra mile. Great work!

If you want to see more, you can check out The Wedding Slideshow, The Scoop- Part 1, The Sneak Peak, Engagement Photos, and Engagement Slideshow.

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.

We started the day at Shosh’s home in San Jose. We captured a few photos of everyone as they prepared for the day. And some of the dress before she put it on.

Shosh was surrounded by her family and closest friends. There were all amazingly calm. Until the two and a half minutes just before they left. Shosh’s mom Elise claimed that time to start the celebration. It turned into a bit of a party; there was singing and dancing to an Israeli song blasting on the stereo. Smiles were abundant as everyone ushered Shosh off to meet Jon.

Jon for his part was already at the reception site, the San Jose City Hall. He and his groomsmen were hanging out.

And one of Shosh with her sisters. They are such a fabulous trio.

And then it was time for their first meeting on their wedding day. We found a secluded spot and….

After seeing each other, the festivities really got underway. The men and women were segregated for the tish. Apparently, Jon told some pretty funny stories and his friends were there to "help." On the other side of the wall, the women were socializing and greeting Shosh.

Just before the bedeken….

The ceremony was held at the Fourth Street Summit Center. The decor was perfect. Shosh walked through this beautiful draping on her way to the chuppah (wedding canopy), which her mom made out of Shosh and Jon’s grandfathers’ tallitot.

This is immediately after the ceremony. Could they be any sweeter?

We look forward to sharing more soon so definitely check back.

In the meantime, you can also check out their sneak peak, engagement story and engagement slideshow.

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.

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