Danielle and Adam are two of the sweetest people you will meet. Genuine, humble, funny and just adorable together. Their wedding was set overlooking the gorgeous vineyards in Santa Rosa with some of the most luscious light. The moss covered rocks and tall trees made perfect backdrops for what easily has become some of my favorite portraits. I can go on and on about these two so I thought I’d just share some of my faves from our portrait time together. More details from their wedding will be published soon enough but until then…I just had to share.
Brittany & Chase, Engaged
As this season unfolds, I get more and more excited about all the fantastic couples I get to spend time with this year. I truly feel blessed! Brittany and Chase are getting married this spring season and these are only just a few of my favorite photos from this session…there were so many more! Can’t wait to photograph them in Carmel in just a couple months.
NAMED A TOP WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BY MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS
I am so honored and humbled to be included in Martha Stewart Weddings’ list of 69 Top Wedding Photographers in the Spring 2014 issue. Thank you so much to the editors of MSW for including me! Speechless.
Wedding Paper Divas: In Bloom!
As wedding season begins we all know that paper products are a key player when it comes to every wedding. I absolutely love graphic design and can really appreciate a great card when I see one. It wasn’t too long ago that I was designing cards myself and its definitely so much fun to get to spend the day with some pretty talented women in the industry over lunch in honor of Wedding Paper Divas. They have introduced a whole new line of cards and have collaborated with some great designers like Claire Pettibone and BHLDN, too. From save the dates and invites to menus, programs and thank you cards – they have got you covered! We had the pleasure of hearing the super talented Jillian Clark share about the blog world and how she started the infamous 100 Layer Cake. It was quite a full afternoon with some gorgeous decor and florals that brought the entire space to life…wouldn’t you agree? Its almost as if the entire space was in bloom.
Wedding Invitations and stationery – Wedding Paper Divas // Styling and Event Design- A&B Creative // Guest Speaker- Jillian Clark of 100 Layer Cake // Floral Design- Twiggs Floral Design // Baked Goods- Batter Bakery // Chairs- Classic Party Rentals // Cake pop favors- Sweet Lauren Cakes // Cinematography- Reb6 Studio // Venue- The Box SF
Erin & Greg // Beltane Ranch Wedding
Dreamy, sweet, romantic…these words come to mind when I think about Erin and Greg’s wedding. It was a magical night complete with dancing under the stars. The day was filled with tons of unique elements from the hanging florals at the ceremony to the hand-dyed place settings for each guest. The gorgeous florals were done by Brown Paper Design and the entire event was dreamt up and executed by the one and only Tori of Sitting In A Tree. Erin and Greg oozed a certain sophistication that truly is hard to put into words — they were the essence of cool. Their wedding was one of my faves from the year and their day is featured on Green Wedding Shoes — be sure to check out their feature for more photos!
venue: Beltane Ranch Glen Ellen, California // event planning + design: Sitting in a Tree // floral design: Brown Paper Design // wedding dress: Jenny Packham // shoes: Christian Louboutin // groom suit:Freeman’s Sporting Club // paper goods: Mr. Boddington’s Studio // catering: The Girl and the Fig // music: Austin Hendrix Productions // rentals: One True Love Vintage Rentals // tabletop rentals: Hostess Haven
Featured! 100 Layer Cake // Christina & Justin, Durham Ranch
Christina and Justin got married at one of my favorite venues, Durham Ranch. A romantic wedding with the gorgeous backdrop of St Helena, rolling hills and a lush landscape made up a perfect ambience. It was magical. The ladies of Enjoy Events Co did it again with their gorgeous styling and modern design. Shotgun Floral Studio killed it on florals, with the pops of orange and pink against the black and grey accents. I can’t say enough about this wedding and how much fun it was to spend the day with Christina, Justin and their families. They are such a sweet couple who are just too cute for words. You can read more about their story and see even more photos from their wedding featured on 100 Layer Cake.
Planning + Design + Paper Goods: Enjoy Events Co. / Videographer: Shakewell Studios (Jesse Garrison) / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Durham Ranch, St. Helena, CA / Catering: Paula Le Duc Catering / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Florals: Shotgun Floral Studio / DJ: Boutique DJ’s / Photobooth: Magbooth / Hair + Makeup: Misty Spinney / Transportation:Mosaic Global Transportation / Cake: Susie Cakes / Wedding dress: Rivini, purchased at Marina Morrison in San Francisco / Wedding shoes: Valentino / Reception sash: Lela Rose / Earrings: Jenny Packham / Groom’s Suit: Ermenegildo Zegna / Shoes: Magnini / Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo / Aidan
The year that changed it all.
This year has been the most life changing year of them all. From my personal family life to my business and career, 2013 proved to be the year that changed it all. I feel like I could write a novel about all the different things that happened this year and all the friendships that have really shaped and blessed me. Words can’t do that any justice — I’m just so thankful to God for blessing me with such a solid community and friends who encourage and challenge me artistically and spritually. It’s funny how things work out and how we have no idea where our lives will take us but this year really felt like everything in my life just clicked. Our photography business grew so much this year…for one thing we brought on Becky who has been so incredible and supportive! We reached some major goals like getting published in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine — which is nothing short of a dream come true. We had the best season working with the most special clients and vendors. Seriously, our clients make me love my job so much and I feel so blessed to be able to photograph some of the most important events in their lives. I can’t thank you all enough for the support, friendship and love!
On a more personal note, I turned 30 this year and you know they say…for a woman, that’s a big turning point and it really has been. I feel like I’ve come into my own and becoming a mom was something that blew me away. I was mentally prepared for it, excited and ready but what surprised me the most was the love I have for this little doll of a daughter. In April, Delara was born — and instantly our lives became richer and our priorities shifted. I became a mother. A mother to one of the sweetest, happiest babies I’ve ever come across. She couldn’t be more of a blessing to us. I can easily say, that Delara has been the biggest and best thing that happened to us in 2013 — and that’s saying a lot because this year has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all our friends, clients, vendors and family who have walked along side us this year, supported, encouraged and laughed with us along the way. Your presence in our lives truly make us feel so much joy. We can’t wait to see what 2014 has for us! Cheers friends! Here’s to another exciting and life changing year…2014 we’re coming for you.
Our family photography was done by our good friends Encarnacion Photography
White Like A Unicorn // Glitter Guide Holiday
Getting to play dress up is one of the perks of the holidays…and the best excuse to throw a party, right? This gorgeous set up was designed by Tori and Myka and featured a long list of talented women, each bringing a unique element to the table. From the linens to the jewelry, everything came together so beautifully. I absolutely love collaborating with other talented artists who I can be inspired by as well (see all links at the bottom of the post). The shoot was held at none other than Margaret Elizabeth’s gorgeous SF studio which houses some of the most unique jewelry I’ve seen in a while. Check out those bangles — I wear mine all the time!! You can read more about the shoot and see more photos on Glitter Guide.
Photography: Delbarr Moradi | Styling: Sitting in a Tree + Modern Sequins | Concept: Glitter Guide + Sitting in a Tree | Flowers: Natalie Bowen Designs | Chairs: One True Love Vintage | Linens: La Tavola | Makeup & Hair: 1011 Makeup | Desserts: Pretty Please SF | Wine: One Hope Wine | Invitation & Unicorn Poster: Kelli Murray | Plastic Unicorn Cutouts: Pitbulls & Posies | Glassware & Plates: Frances Lane | Studio & Jewelry: Margaret Elizabeth | Crowns & Glitter Unicorns & Snow Globes : Sitting in a Tree | Wardrobe: Our own & Taylor’s dress by More of Me Maternity | Glitter Garland Photo Backdrop: Striped Cat Studio | Models: All mentioned above except Caitlin Flemming + Julia Hengel
TIm & Anna // Costonoa Wedding featured in Martha Stewart Weddings
Oh I am so happy to finally get to share this wedding! I am so so thrilled to see it featured on the cover of the November issue of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine too! Can we say dream come true? Yes. It truly is such a sweet reward on top of being a part of Anna & Tim’s day, to see it grace the pages of the ultimate wedding mag. To say this wedding is near and dear to my heart is an understatement and I have been anxious to share it. It was a gorgeous day from beginning to end — with a team of incredibly talented vendors who came together to create a memorable day. Anna and Tim, although from the East Coast, chose Costanoa as their wedding destination and family from near and far gathered together for a weekend full of celebration. We had the best time exploring and shooting in the sand dunes overlooking the gorgeous views. The outdoor setting really captured the warmth of love that connected everyone together. Anna and Tim are two of the sweetest people you will meet, it truly was a joy to photograph and share this day with these two. You can also see more from their wedding on Ruffled!
Location: Costanoa | Event Coordination and Design: Enjoy Events Co | Floral Design: Shotgun Floral Studio | Catering: Costanoa | Wedding Dress: Mark Ingram | Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridal Accessories: vintage | Farm Tables & Benches: A&B Creative | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Music: Santa Cruz DJ | Wedding Pies: Mission Pie | Salt Water Taffy: Marini’s Candies | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Groom’s suit: JCrew | Groom’s Tie: Fox & Brie | Stationery Design: Designed by Bride and Happy Menocal| Hair stylist: Katie Nash Beauty | Makeup artist: | Wedding Bands: Bride, vintage from Erie Basin; Groom, Grandfathers Band | Tattoos: Tattly |
Martha Stewart Weddings Cover & Feature, November Special Issue
This is a special day, today marks a milestone, a goal reached, a dream manifested…my heart is overflowing with gratitude to the people who have taught me, encouraged me and have worked along side me over these last 5 years. Words can’t describe how excited I feel to not only see Anna & Tim’s wedding featured inside the November Special Issue of Martha Stewart Weddings but to also see my photograph on the cover!? It truly is a happy day…I’m still pinching myself over here. Five years ago, when I decided to photograph weddings, I had written down my goals for what I wanted to achieve as a photographer in the wedding industry. At the top of my list was to get published in Martha Stewart Weddings, a goal that at the time seemed so so far away. Now, to see this day arrive is the most affirming feeling I’ve had yet. You will probably see me smiling from ear to ear for a long time! I truly love what I do and feel so blessed to be able to do it for a living; I’ve found what makes me come alive. This business has been a labor of love, one of true passion, jumping in head first years ago and learning so much about running my own creative business from scratch — and never giving up. This feature, to me, means so much more than a cover of a magazine. It represents dedication perseverance and more importantly, it represents all the talent that I’ve been blessed to work with including the ever so talented Enjoy Events Co and Shotgun Floral who is featured here in the mag too. To me this feature represents every single couple who trusted me artistcally and allowed me to share their day with them. It represents the vendors and teachers in the industry who I have worked with and learned from, pushing me and inspiring me creatively every time. And most importantly, it represents the unending support from my husband and family and friends who have encouraged me with unconditional support. It felt like just yesterday when I decided to leave my graphic design job in SF to pursue this crazy photography dream. For any dreamer, for any risk taker, or any creative business owner pursuing what they are passionate about, I say never give up and just keep your head down and work at what you love. You’ll be rewarded in so many inexplicable ways and just maybe, you’ll reach those bigger-than-ever milestones before you know it! Cheers all around!