Becky and Tosh's Engagement Session

Meet Becky and Tosh. They are getting married this summer, and I can't wait to photograph their wedding.

We had a whirlwind engagement session together last month, traipsing around from place to place

and getting a zillion great photos.

At first meeting, Becky and Tosh struck me as amiable and serene. I was delighted during our session, though, to catch a few glances of their silly sides.

How delightful are they?!



Becky and Tosh, I'm so glad to be working with you both. I can't wait for your wedding this summer!

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Laura and Scott's Engagement Session

I was so excited for this engagement session with Laura and Scott. And, they didn't disappoint :)



I knew from the first time I met them that Laura's red hair and cobalt eyes, combined with Scott's zenlike aura, and the easy relationship between them would make for a wonderful photography experience.


And, it did. It seemed like everywhere we turned, there was another gorgeous photo op - and the same gorgeous couple . . .

in the autumn leaves;

in the creek;


and, yes, even over the hot coal receptacle :)

Thanks Laura and Scott. You're a pleasure to work with, and I am so honored and excited to photograph your wedding this summer.

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Amber and Marc's Wedding, Palmdale Estates

I had so much fun at Amber and Marc's wedding.



As I mentioned in my earlier post about Marc and Amber's engagement session, these two are deeply fun-loving, and that spirit pervaded the entire wedding.



It didn't hurt that the light on their wedding day was perfect



or that they got married at the gorgeous Palmdale Estates.


The day was full of brightness and color

and the wedding details they chose were adorable.

The dancing was deep-down fun, a celebratory end to a thoroughly joyful day. Congratulations Amber and Marc - I can't wait to get your photo album to you.

Location: Palmdale Estates
Florist: Flower Bowl and Donna Kendall

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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

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