One of my favorite parts about shooting weddings are all the pretty details that add that special spark to the day. I can’t get enough…I’m drawn to all the details and sometimes have to tell myself to stop! Like a great accessory, the details at the wedding can honestly make or break the overall look. Like wearing a plain tank top and jeans and adding an amazing necklace and bracelet to take the whole look from drab to fab. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to the little details in the day because I have a huge love for accessories and believe that style comes in small packages. The same applies to weddings…all the little pieces have to come together to create the full story of the day. The images I share with you here are some I captured from a wedding I shot with Jose Villa in Napa, CA.
Bay area wedding photographer, Mountain View | Irene & David
I’ve never seen a couple more in love than these two. The moment I met Irene and David I could see it in the way David looked at her and the way Irene would glance back at him. They have a sweet sweet love for each other and this wedding was such a celebration of that. Their family and friends were so warm and welcoming, there were times where Arash and I had to take step back and remind ourselves that we’re working…they treated us like family too! From the set up, decor, catering, and music their friends and family went the extra mile to be a part of it all. The Rengstorff House is truly a hidden treasure, tucked away in the brushes of Shoreline Park. Its such a great place to get married and explore! There were so many great spots to shoot and so many great details in the house itself. The adorable bird cake toppers were probably my favorite thing ever and the lanterns and autumn flowers against the backdrop of the house made for a perfect backyard wedding. If you want to see more from their wedding, be sure to watch their slideshow!
bay area wedding photographer, walnut creek | JT & Ann Marie
JT & Ann Marie’s wedding had unique touches sprinkled throughout the day. From a twitter #hashtag to track all the wedding festivities to an entourage of classic cars and JT’s magenta kicks, it was one of my favorite weddings to be a part of, for sure. Everywhere we traveled, the caravan of classic cars were to sure to turn heads and create a warm welcome at every stop. I had the honor of meeting and assisting San Diego photographer, Chaz Cruz who is super cool and super talented. We had such a fun time hanging out with JT, Ann Marie and their bridal party and family. With everyone I interacted, I could feel the love for these two; there was such a strong bond between everyone. It was beyond evident, too, to see how much JT loves Ann Marie. At every mention of her name before the wedding, he would get this look on his face as his eyes would swell with tears. It was her card to him that really set him over the edge and I think I had to hold back tears myself as he read her note to him before they walked down the aisle. Ann Marie has one of the most contagious and electric smiles you have ever seen, she has such a sweet spirit and is truly a classic beauty inside and out. It is obvious why these two have fallen truly madly deeply. 
bay area wedding photographer, cupertino, CA | Sareh & Rob
I’ve worn many hats in my day but never had I worn these two at the same time…until this wedding. Being a bridesmaid and the wedding photographer is quite the task but I have to say it was a special one. I had the pleasure of having Gladys Jem to second shoot with me so I can juggle my hats for the day. We had such a fun time and I couldn’t be more happy for Sareh and Rob. Throughout the wedding, I’d look around and everyone present was either dancing, laughing or just having a good time. We were surrounded by friends and family and danced our hearts out all night long! They make a perfect couple…to read more about their story, check out their engagement post. Until next time, I think I’ve retired my bridesmaid hat for a while now but I the photographer hat will not be coming off any time soon. Rob and Sareh, thank you for letting me share the day with you! I wish you both the very very best…can’t wait for what’s in store! Check out their slideshow for even more images from their wedding–
WATCH HERE! 
Bay area wedding photographer | Mary’s Bridal Shower
Her eyes say it all don’t they? She’s a proud mama to a daughter who is getting married this weekend. Its moments like these that I just love, pure emotion captured. Mary is the oldest child, first to be married and the only daughter to Ora. This shower was such a celebration and this photo, to me, sums it all up. I have known Mary for years and can’t wait to stand by her side this saturday as she says her vows to Savva. The Iranian culture is very warm and friendly one and we know how to party…and from what I hear, the greeks are just as warm, just as friendly and know how to party just as hard. This shower merged the women of both cultures and what else was there to do but eat, open presents and of course…DANCE!
Bay Area Wedding Photographer, San Francisco, CA | The Callaways
Vanessa and Quinn got married at Fort Mason in San Francisco. It was probably one of the most gorgeous days in the city and one of my favorite places to shoot. I loved the old school feel of the chapel mixed in with the modern industrial feel of the buildings surrounding it. The reception was overlooking the water with gorgeous sunlight pouring into the large windows. The wedding, as a whole, had such a sense of warmth to it; you could feel the love in the room amongst all of their family and friends. The beauty that Vanessa carries with her is not only on the outside. She has such a peaceful spirit and I loved spending time with her especially right before she saw Quinn. As Quinn waited for her outside their hotel, she walked towards him in her gorgeous Monique Lhullier lace dress and the anticipation and excitement was rising; for all of us! I was so excited for them…to see them come together was as if they were never meant to be apart. Quinn loves Vanessa so much, you can see it in the way he looks at her. They are perfect for each other. Congratulations you two! To see more from Vanessa and Quinn’s wedding day watch the slideshow here!
Event Planning: Sally Steele Weddings // Ceremony& Reception Location: Fort Mason, San Francisco // Shoes: Betsey Johnson // Dress: Monique Lhullier // Makeup: Kenya Pusey // Hair: Ernie Sierra // Decorative Paper Accents: Papersource // Hair Accessories: Anthropologie // Catering: Miso Full // Rings: Reader’s Jewelers, Santa Monica
To view Vanessa and Quinn’s custom Wedding Invites click here to view the post
Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Lindsey&Frank, Santa Clara
I had the pleasure of shooting alongside the talented Lili Durkin at Lindsey and Frank’s fourth of July nuptials at Santa Clara University. It was such a beautiful wedding in the warm summer sun, it was really cool to be back on campus at Santa Clara too. It was kind of a surreal experience to be working a wedding where I once was running late to class, ha! Their wedding was so sweet and filled with so much love. I could feel the love their family and friends had for Lindsey and Frank, it was so apparent, it felt like one big family reunion. On a day that is traditionally filled with family and bbqs — these families celebrated the fourth in style!
northern california photographer, palo alto | Jennie&Donnie
Jennie and Donnie got married in the bay area and held their reception at a hotel in Palo Alto, CA. I love Palo Alto, its one of Arash and I’s favorite places and one day dream of owning a home there. The hotel was located in the center of downtown, which if you’ve ever visited downtown Palo Alto you know of its unique vibe. There are hidden gems all around Palo Alto and as a photographer its always fun to go explore. Second shooting has been so much fun, there is so much room to play and capture the moments that may be a bit more candid, which I love. I had a great time shooting alongside Ashley Maxwell, as always! Jennie and Donnie are such a sweet couple. You could tell how much they truly loved each other because all nerves went out the window once Jennie saw Donnie. Their bridal party was so much fun too…the guys made me laugh quite a few times with their jokes…nothing like a good ole’ “manly bonding” (The Wedding Planner reference, anyone?!) The girls were just beautiful in their black dresses and pink accents, weren’t they?! I always thought black bridesmaid dresses would look amazing with bright flowers, love it!
