Elliston Vineyards Wedding – Aaron + Yumi

When Jen and I returned home from the JET program (teaching English as second language)  years ago, we wondered when, where, and how our limited Japanese skills would come into play.  Turns out, a little “Yoroshuku Onegaishimasu” goes a long way, because that simple greeting led to greater things with Aaron and Yumi.

And it turns out, language brings people together on many levels – for it’s the reason that these two are together as well. Yumi decided to come over to the US and attend school. First she had to get her English skills up to par.  That’s where Aaron and his TOFL goodness came in, instructing Yumi on the finer points of our beloved language.  Today, they got hitched at Elliston Vineyards.

Sweet…

Yumi, waiting. Hit from above camera left with a shoot thru umbrella.

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Aaron + Yumi

I met Aaron and Yumi at the Claremont Bridal Fair in Oakland last January.  They were just as they are now, chill and relaxed, cruising through all the chaos. They were kind enough to stop by and chat, and we sort of just hit it off.  After having lived in Japan for 2 years, I busted out some of my limited, but “well-pronounced” Japanese and got a few laughs from Yumi.  “Oh man,” I thought, “they could be a great couple to photograph.”

In all honesty, I really did have that feeling.  I really wanted to get to know them, and to photograph them as well. From a photographer’s standpoint – when you connect with you clients/subjects – the quality and the feeling of the photos improves dramatically.  My advice to all those looking for a photographer.  Make sure you connect.

Heading down to China Beach, it was all fun and games...

So a few months later, we met up for a cup of coffee and a chat.  Well, it all worked out and a bond was formed. We decided to shoot the engagement session at China Beach. I don’t know how we got so lucky with the weather, but Friday the 2nd was much like a day in September, with a fog-less sky, minimal wind, and a great sunset.

Thanks for a great day, being patient, and taking directions so well.  You guys rock!

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