Author Archives: Todd

Melissa + Jason

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I’ve been having tons of luck with the weather recently.  That’s in stark contrast to last year, when we had a pretty rainy spring, and I was hoofing it around Pt. Reyes in the rain.  Melissa, Jason, and I met at the Palace of Fine Arts, and not only was the weather holding up, but there was a noticeable lack of humans that I found sort of ominous and advantageous.  I guess they were all out somewhere else enjoying the day.   And so with Zeus in good spirits, the sun shone down upon us, refracting through brambles, off columns, and making all of us look oh so good.  Don’t believe me?  Check it out!

Palace of Fine Arts.

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Kristen + Ryan – Stern Grove Wedding

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In the editing cave, my iPhone is rocking out to whatever Pandora deems a proper genre-specific song. I close the curtains to block out the hot sun that filters through the double doors leading to my garden, and bury my head to edit.  As I go through the photos, I’ll laugh and giggle about the funny times and quiet moments that I spent with the bride and groom.  I’ll get all sappy when it comes to the ceremony.  And when I get to the cake part of things, I get hungry and leave for a break in the kitchen.  Going through Kristen and Ryan’s wedding was no exception.  The mood was light and fluffy.  Nothing could go wrong.  Well, nothing that we couldn’t fix anyway.  We had a serious bow-tie incident in which we managed a work around, we found the lost button mixed within the grass and flowers, and the table cloth had dried out sufficiently.  We were on fire.  And that perfection carried right on through the ceremony, as the passion they share for each other was easily recognizable and conquered all.  I loved every minute of it, because real love was in the air.  It was palpable, honest, and forthcoming – and nothing says love like a groom getting all teary-eyed – but you’ll have to head in to see more of that.  But oh what a day…

Kristen + Ryan

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Nancy + Brady

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I watched the weather with hesitation.  All week the rain forecast kept eeking towards Saturday, and sure enough, I woke up to gray skies.  As I arrived at the Saint Claire Hotel in San Jose, the skies opened up.  But it was all good, because Nancy and Brady were having an indoor wedding.  The only bummer was we wanted to take some photos outside after the ceremony.  Well, wedding luck struck again.  The streets dried out, the sky was a marvelous blue with puffy clouds, and we got some great shots.  See for yourself!

 

Standing among the palms.

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Mary + Hai

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Yep, it’s been a while.  I’ve been busy though.  I joined a new gym, I’ve been walking a lot…  Just kidding, I didn’t join a new gym, but with another wedding season just around the corner, and only a few spots left for 2012, you can bet it’s going to be a wild ride this year!  I’m really looking forward to 2012, as I have some amazing couples that I ‘ll be working with.  Mary and Hai are an example of what’s to come.  Creative, warm-hearted, and fun-inspired, these two are a kick to be around.  One thing you should know – Mary’s a planner.  She had ideas for the session ready to be put into action.  I was game, and the photos turned out great.  We found lots of color even on a gray day thanks to her recon.  Here’s a smattering of a few of my favorites.

Enjoy!

Mary + Hai, just having a good time.

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Kristina + Tri

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I have nothing against cats, but I have to admit, I am a dog person.  Could be because I am slightly allergic to them, that in my opinion they don’t do much, and they are ill-tempered when they feel like it.  Dogs on the other hand…  Tails wagging, happy to see you, greeting you at the door; now this is my kind of animal.  Maybe that’s why Kristina and I got along so well.  She’s a dog lover, as is Tri.  Maybe I’ve said this before?  I don’t know,  it’s too cold in my house to worry about these things.  (Our heater crapped out, it’s 50 degrees inside, and no one can get here for 2 more days.  Brilliant).   Either way, I was thrilled to photograph their wedding and reception at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in downtown San Francisco.  Actually, the ceremony was held in the lobby of The Merchants Exchange, which was a very cool space in its own right, but I digress…

We had a gorgeous day, everything went to plan, and the girls ordered pizza in the room while getting ready, which means I got to eat pizza in the room.  It also made me fearful that someone would slop marinara on the dress, but that didn’t happen either.  Phew.  What follows are some great photos from a fine day.

Enjoy!

Kristina + Tri

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Rachelle + John John

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When your name is John John, you’re gonna have fun in life; that’s just a given.  Of course you’re going to snag a beautiful bride and party down with all of your amazing friends, because that’s what people who carry the name of John John do.

And so on an autumnal weekend day in the Shakespeare Gardens, nestled within the Presidio,  Rachelle and John merged their lives as one.  For as much as they love to laugh, joke, and have a great time, it was so moving to see these two lock eyes with everyone watching, and confess their love and commitment to each other.  I was honored to be there and capture their day.

Come take a look at this fun and fantastic wedding!

Even though this is one of the last photographs of the day, I couldn't resist showing it first. I couldn't believe our luck at GG Park. We had such great light and very few people to work around. Wedding magic kicks ass!

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Scott + Jeanne

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Been waiting to write this one up for a while.  So much love here, it was crazy.  The ceremony was gorgeous; the site, the words, and the moments as well.  When the officiant opened his mouth for the first time and spoke, I think rays of light emanated forth, and thus, I shed but a single tear.  That’s saying something – for my tears are as valuable as Phoenix tears – they can mend any wound.  But enough Harry Potter trivia and silliness.  Scott and Jeanne do share an insane amount of love, and it was a wedding I was proud to photograph and attend.

We had lots of luck, from an amazing spot, great light, and some rain that was in the forecast, but held off for just long enough.  Come on up to Mt. Tam with me and check out this amazing wedding!

In the trees at the Amphitheatre atop Mt. Tamalpais.

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Betsy + Michael

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I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while.  When Betsy, Michael, and I talked about the wedding and location, I was fired up to photograph a gorgeous spot so close to my own backyard.  Chateau La Joye is just over the hill on the way to the ocean via Old La Honda Road.  Along this road, I’ve done the following:  bicycled, picked fresh Chanterelle mushrooms, foraged on wild blackberries, and surfed the wild waters just a bit further down the road.  Why not add a wedding to the list?

And so it was that Betsy and Michael got hitched in front of family and good friends in a beautiful place.

Glowing in the woods.

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Liz + Mike

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When you know the love is there, it makes the day that much more special.  Liz and Mike are in love.  I know, because they are friends of mine.  I see them goof around, throw looks, and they have successfully camped together and are still a couple.  That’s the ultimate test I tell you!  Mike loves to laugh.  Liz loves board games at any hour.  And they both enjoy a good vaso de vino when the time is right (when is it not?).  So it’s fitting that we decided to get some cool shots at the amazing Castello di Amirosa.  This place is pretty cool.  The basic story is a very rich man imported stone from old degrading European castles and made his own in Napa.  They make a pretty damn good wine too (well, many actually).  Here are a few from the day, pre-wine tasting!

Enjoy!

Circa 16th Century Wine Press in the background. Liz, doing some pressing of her own.

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Filing through the database and cleaning out some files to make room for more, I came across this pic of Yukon.  This was a hike we did in June after that weird late season rain.  The wind was blowing on top of the ridge, but the light was good.  He sat still just long enough for me to grab a few nice frames.   He’s grown so much since then – mentally and physically – and he now weighs in at a little over 60 pounds ( he’s not done yet!).  He retrieves like nobody’s business, and duck season is only a few short weeks away.  I can’t wait for his first hunt, and many more to come.  Of course there will be more photos following his progress, but in the meantime…

Yukon, giving his best "Blue Steel"

Have a great day everyone.

See you down the road.

– Todd