Aimee and Justin's Engagement Session

Aimee and Justin's engagement session was absurdly fun.

Partly because these two are a joy to be around and wonderful to photograph. Partly, because the day was perfect. And partly because of a great idea they proposed for the session.

They wanted to recreate their second date together - the one when they just knew. A brilliant plan.

The date started out with a trip to Aimee's favorite ice cream parlor, and a scoop of her favorite, blue (!) ice cream.



Next, they decided head to some local Japanese gardens. Though the gardens were closed when we arrived, this didn't stop us from getting some great photos outside the gates -

including in front of this irresistible bus.

Though they'd already spent several hours together by that point, neither wanted to end their date. So, Aimee suggested they take a walk at a local regional park. Turns out, this is where they had their first kiss :)

Now, many kisses later, they are preparing for their wedding this summer.

I loved this session so much, and am so excited for Aimee and Justin's wedding. Thanks you two!!

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Lynn and Mark's Wedding, Healdsburg Private Estate

Lynn and Mark were married in a tiny, intimate ceremony at a private estate in Healdsburg. Simple, understated elegance in every detail.



(Pay attention to those shoes . . . . . )


I've known Lynn for several years, and have gotten to hear the unfolding story of this romance in bits and pieces.



From a sheerly pragmatic view, it was an unlikly relationship from the start, given that bride and groom currently live half way around the world from one another.

Above: This gorgeous ring holder was a gift from Lynn's sister Colleen and niece Sophia. It is a geode, which Mark thought was especially cool, because he studied geology and is really into rocks.

Watching these two prioritize their love has been consistently inspiring to me. Getting to document their wedding was an honor and a privilege.

Above: Mark, just a moment before the walk down the aisle.


The wedding they created in Healdsburg felt like the opposite of a big, fancy wedding. Instead, it felt small, organic, and homegrown, the perfect backdrop for Lynn and Mark's love and marriage.

Above: the view...



Mark got a bit emotional during the ceremony; Lynn offered him her handkerchief :)


What did I tell you about those shoes?!


Newlyweds



Taking it all in at the Dry Creek General Store.

Beautiful bride

Lynn and Mark, it warms my heart that you are now husband and wife. I can't wait to watch the continuing evolution of your journey, and am so honored to have been a part of this amazing celebration.

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Kirsten and Scott's Wedding, Wente Vineyards

You may remember Kirsten and Scott from their engagement photo session, which was also a complete epicurean feast.

Kirsten and Scott are fine food-lovers, and they centered their wedding around an exquisite multi-course feast they planned themselves.

Among the litany of luscious menu items: Crispy Bacon, Toasted Hazelnuts, Mid-Night Moon Goat Cheese; Lavender and Juniper Marinated Muscovi Duck Breast; and Lentils De Puy, Frisée Salad, Blackberry Compote, Crispy Sweet Potatoes. (This was not an either/or thing, by the way. All guests got all of these things, plus a new variety of fine wine with each course, and much, much more.) Is your mouth watering yet?

Besides outdoing any tastebud lineup I've ever seen at a wedding, this was simply a beautiful event.
Kirsten's and Scott's love for one another radiated throughout the evening,

which, at Wente Vineyards, could not have had a more lovely backdrop.

These three siblings were another complete highlight of the evening for me. Even though they live across the country and are all under 12, I put in a request with their parents to come shoot their weddings one day. They were adorable.


These were party favors! Talk about picking a favor that will get good use.

Kirsten and Scott, I've been so inspired by you both. I can't wait to share the full set of photos with you.

Location: Wente Vineyards
Florist: The Flower House
Menu creators: Scott and Kirsten
Chef: Scott Ritchie, Wente Vineyards

Can't see the images in this post? Try clicking http://www.jklifestories.blogspot.com/

Laura and Shawn's Wedding, Marin County

I knew it would be amazing, and it was.


From beginning to end, love was present in abundance;

Care taken with every step;

Laughter constant;



And beauty present everywhere.

This wedding was full of beautiful faces


of touching moments

of poignant moments.

The bride and groom could not have been more delighted.

And neither, I think, could have anyone else.

For more images of this amazing wedding:
(If you can't see it, just click here: www.jklifestories.com/LauraShawnWedding/)


Congratulations Laura and Shawn. Your wedding was amazing. And so are both of you.

Location: Marin Art and Garden Center and Corinthian Yacht Club

Event Planner: Event Solutions

Florist: Natalini Flowers

Can't see the images in this post? Try clicking http://www.jklifestories.blogspot.com/

Timeless

I'm in love with these two photos. Can you guess the relationship between them? Give it your best guess in the comments section - no fair guessing if you already know the answer!

I promise I'll tell you in an upcoming post, so stay tuned....

Lindsay and Andy's Wedding at The Brazilian Room

Lindsay and Andy got married at the gorgeous Brazilian Room last month. The wedding was so beautiful and moving that I've had a hard time narrowing down the images I most want to share.

Among the things I especially loved about this wedding:



the three beautiful, loving bridesmaids, _two_ of whom were pregnant! (see baby bump #1 at left);




the relationship Lindsay's mom had with both Lindsay and Andy. I loved hearing the story of how, before asking Lindsay for her hand in marriage, Andy asked Lindsay's mother for her blessing.

Next, he moved onto her reassurance, begging to know: 'Do you think she will say yes?!'




I also loved the relationship between the bride and groom and their siblings.




Lindsay and Andy are both one of three, and the closeness on both sides was just palpable.




Andy's brother Alex designed these exquisite programs and other gorgeous ornamentations.



And this speech, given by Lindsay's brother, was one of the most moving speeches I have ever heard at a wedding.

Other things I loved: that Lindsay and Andy took a group of guests ranging in age from seven to 70+ on a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge in the days before their wedding; that the wedding was deeply spiritual; the joy on Lindsay's grandfather's face (see below); that the guests came from around the world - from as far away as Mongolia! - to share in this occasion.

Here are a few more favorite images:





Location: Brazilian Room

Catering: Carrie Dove Catering
Florist: Megan Haney Designs
Music: Denon & Doyle

And, just in case you still haven't gotten your fill, here's their slideshow:



(If you can't see it, just click on this link: http://www.jklifestories.com/LindsayandAndy/ )

Congratulations Lindsay and Andy, and thanks for the inspiration.

Laura and Shawn Engagement Session

Could these two be any more beautiful? Their Marin wedding is coming up in just a month.

While I don't want them to feel at all rushed, the truth is that I am sooo excited for their wedding.

Knowing the details about it that I do....

knowing it is these two I will be photographing...

I can hardly contain my anticipation.

Congratulations, you two. May you enjoy every last day of your engagement, and the anticipation of your new life as husband and wife.