Category Archives: Weddings and Engagements

Rachelle + John John

Posted on by

1

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!

Continue reading →

Scott + Jeanne

Posted on by

3

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.

Continue reading →

Liz + Mike

Posted on by

2

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.

Continue reading →

Robert + Niki

Posted on by

0

Wait for it.  Wait for it. Wait… for… it…  Done.  Robert and Niki complete the craziness that was 15 engagement sessions discounted at a crazy good price on The Wedding Channel’s website, in a Groupon style deal.  It was a lot of work, but I got to meet so many amazing people, share a few hours with them, and stoke them out with some great pictures and my sometimes wild antics.  I often did most of the talking, and our subjects often included my current hobbies, such as backyard chickens, beekeeping, surfing, yoga, sailing, cycling, foraging for wild mushrooms (not the loopy type), hunting, and my new pup.  Within all this blabbering, I was seeking one thing, an in with my clients.  A door to something they enjoy, thus a mutual relationship, and the doors of safeguarding being broken down.  I always say, “The best photos on our session will come towards the end.”  Once again, it was so true.

Take a look for yourself.

Nicely backlit, Niki and Robert have plenty of reasons to smile.

Continue reading →

Shannon + Joe

Posted on by

1

Met Shannon and Joe downtown.  Joe was having a beer to ‘calm the nerves’ as it were.  Once again, I heard the old,
“Oh, we don’t photograph well,” line.  Yeah yeah.  That’s like telling me I can’t do it, and you know, that’s only going to make me try harder 🙂   So with a beer in the belly and our light fading fast, we got to it.  So should you.  Get to looking at these photos!

Starting out with a great view of the city.

Continue reading →

Yuri + Jenny

Posted on by

3

Indian Summers suck when you’re getting married.  Guys are in suits, brides are in big ol’ dresses, and the wedding party will get noticeably more inebriated as they try to stay hydrated with gin and tonics.  Let me tell you, Santa Rosa can get hot too, even on a normal day in the summer.  But guess what, that wasn’t the case for Yuri and Jenny’s wedding.  The crazy cool summer weather continued on, and the stars aligned for these two lovebirds.  The wedding and reception were held on the lovely grounds at the Vitner’s Inn.  The setting was gorgeous, the food was great, and the day went smooth as butter.  And the last tidbit was thanks to a lovely lady named Lindsey who just started her new wedding coordination biz, called Ooh La La Weddings.  If you’re up in Santa Rosa and want a smooth wedding day, contact this gal!

Back to Yuri and Jenny… actually, I have nothing more to say.  I’m not a talker… not a talker…  (Love Vince Vaughn!)

In the vinyard with sunflares, love, and great light.

Continue reading →

Heather + Chip

Posted on by

0

This one has been a long time coming.  Well, the blog yes, but also this marriage.  Heather and I met way back a few years ago at a bridal show…somewhere… I can’t even remember now.  Then we touched base, the three of us, at the studio in SF.  It was a go from there, as Chip and I got on like long lost brothers.  We were talking about surfing, camping, his two boys, and everything else that was streaming out as we finished each others sentences.  I think Heather was a go from the start, but gotta get the hubby’s approval for some stuff, right?  JK!

As the three of us raced around with our lives, Firefighter, Project Manager, and lowly photographer, we somehow managed to meet up one fine day in Livermore at Murietta’s Well.  The weather was perfect – not too hot – and we had nice light into the evening.  The grounds were gorgeous, and the barrel room had just the right amount of grit, edgy and soft light, and ambiance to round it out.  Not much more you could ask for.  I’ll let you visit the inside to see for yourself.

Enjoy!

Heather and Chip, lookin on together.

Continue reading →

Ali + Peter

Posted on by

0

Lots of new things happening.  I got a new car.  Well, it’s more a van than a car, but it has style.  Can you say VW Vanagon?  This also means that I got a new mechanic (who I will, unfortunately, get to know all too well.)  Jen got assigned to a new school.  She’s got some great little students to work with.  And Ali and Peter got a new marriage.  Bam!  Out of all of them, I would say the latter is the best of the three (except I do sort of feel married to my van for some reason – call me old fashion).  So it was off to the Golden Gate Club for a wonderful and heartfelt Buddhist inspired wedding. The colors were popping and the views were amazing.

Take a look and see for yourself.

Yep, they're pretty happy.

Continue reading →

Betsy + Michael

Posted on by

0

My mother-in-law was a teacher, and she’s got some theories.  One theory in particular that resonates with me is the one about people named Michael.  “The worst trouble makers I ever had in class were named Michael,” she always says.  Now this rings a chord with me, as my middle name is Michael.  Does that mean I am only half trouble?  Ask my mom and you’ll probably get a “humph” and a “…no, he was full trouble.”  So I guess my mother-in-law is right?  Dammit again!  Back to the point – Michael, Betsy’s Michael, gave me trouble.  Whenever I would press the shutter down he would scowl.  I mean like grumpy old man,  I have a hernia, don’t bother me face.  Immediately after I would finish a series of shots, he would laugh and look natural.  So I had to adjust my style, make more off color jokes, and hope for the best.

 

Well, I like to think that I cracked the ice and mellowed him out.  But take a look for yourself and see…

Michael and Betsy warming up at Land's End. The flowers were beautiful.

Continue reading →