Jennifer and Chris - Wedding

It seems like a lifetime ago when we first met Jennifer and Chris to shoot their engagement photos. It was actually only a little over a year ago, but that's a long time to wait to meet up with old friends again. Jennifer has been planning the wedding for quite a while and had her heart set on the perfect location - the Legion of Honor. Delicious food from McCall Catering and a great DJ ensured a great party.

We started off the day near South San Francisco shortly before a bumping ride with the bridal party in the party bus.





Warning, if you are likely to get motion sickness, starring through the view finder of your camera as you bounce down the road the the back of a party bus for half an hour may not be the best idea...


Perhaps the best part of this photo is what happened immediately after the photo was shot. Notice how the bridesmaid to the right of the bride looks like she might lose her balance? Well guess what happens next!





What an amazing place for a ceremony!






In the middle of taking photos, Ivailo from McCall Catering came out with a special delivery of food and chapange for Jennifer and Chris - class.




Jennifer and Chris took a few moments to enjoy a glass of wine together as the sun went down.


Inside, Amy Burke Designs created beautiful floral arrangements and centerpieces.






One thing is for sure, this group knew how to throw a party!




Perhaps the silliest ring shot I've ever taken, but I love it.


Congratulations again Jennifer and Chris, your wedding day was amazing!

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The land underground - Chaaktun

Although I had never been to Playa Del Carmen, Katie had been there before a few years back and was itching to go back. While describing the local area to me, she told me about a cenote and the importance it held to the Mayans. Instantly I had ideas in my head of a bride floating through the water of a cave and put a plan in motion. I contacted a local model named Valeria who was interested in my ideas and agreed to work with me. I was a bit nervous, as I honestly had no idea what I was getting into and wasn't sure what would come out of it. I had even started to have second thoughts about it and just doing a shoot on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean to "play it safe".

When we met in Mexico, my model Valeria couldn't have been more helpful and professional, especially in such a "photo unfriendly" environment. We decided on Chaaktun Cenote, which in Mayan means "rain of stone". While the cool of the cave and the water was refreshing compared to the heat of the day, it wasn't quite warm in a wet wedding dress. Once we were set up, Valeria was amazing! At one point she remarked on how much equipment I brought with me and that she was amazed that it was all waterproof. I had a good laugh at the waterproof bit as I swam around holding a camera and lights precariously above the waterline trying not to think of the cost of a camera dip. I think it might be time for a waterproof housing.











In the end, the shoot was far more difficult that I imagined but incredibly rewarding. Being able to work in such a beautiful and unique location with such a cultural significance was amazing. At one point I almost felt like turing the camera off and simply staring into the cave in awestruck stupor. If you ever find yourself in the Yuactan, you really owe it to yourself to check out a cenote such as Chaaktun. I love my job.

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A much needed vacation!

Yesterday was a long day. I woke up with before the sun, loaded up in the car, traveled on three airplanes through a few time zones, loaded back up in the car and drove until today. But it's okay -- I'm still living on the buzz of a great vacation.

For the past week, Katie, Tyler, Sophie and I have been in Playa Del Carmen Mexico with her parents enjoying a much needed break from the workload. We stayed in first class accommodations and spent most of our time exploring the local area. Tyler spent about 12 hours of each day swimming in the pools and ocean (he takes after his father) as we relaxed as a family. We visited Xel-Ha and Xcaret -- both amazing places that simply would not exist in the states. Imagine going to a water park where a sign pointed off a cliff and told you to jump into the water below (what lifeguard or saftey rail?). I love Mexico!







As we traveled, I kept my camera close by as I was constantly inspired by new sights and people. I think Katie got tired of hearing me say "I gotta get a shot of this! Keep walking and I'll catch up!" Thankfully I have a very loving wife!







Years ago when I would skip church to go surfing, we would say that we were busy getting baptized in the Church of the Pacific. This must be the Church of the Caribbean.

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Melissa and Rick - A Yosemite Wedding

Melissa and Rick chose a memorable day to be married- Father's day. They gathered with close friends and family to celebrate at the Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley and had a ceremony in the shadows of Half Dome. Their wedding was full of unique and personal touches, but their love spread across everyone and everything.
Once again, James Steed shot with me throughout the day and helped me keep my head on my shoulders!




These little guys were waiting outside of Melissa's room while all the girls got dressed. They tried their best to be patient...




Mystery and intrigue, or just cover model?


It really is hard to find a place more breathtaking than this to have a ceremony!




Melissa and Rick had an amazing bridal party who did everything possible to help out. What great friends!


The Solarium at the Ahwahnee is simply a beautiful room with expansive views of the surrounding valley.





In the middle of the reception, Rick shocked us all with his voice as he sung directly to his new wife who simply closed her eyes and soaked it in.




After the reception, we took Melissa and Rick through the park for a photo shoot.







A beautiful shot of Melissa, the bride/fashion model.


You should have seen the contorted position I put myself in. Actually, I'm surprised James didn't get a shot of it to blackmail me with.

Big thanks again to Melissa and Rick - I wish that your adventures never end!

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Shannon and John - The big day!

What can I say, my brother and sister got married! Well, my sister-in-law (I still think of her as my sister) married a man who is now my brother-in-law-by-marriage (I prefer to think of him as my brother!) You may remember Shannon and John from their engagement photos last year in the river. They had a beautiful and intimate lakeside wedding in her parents backyard. The family really came together and helped with every little detail to create an amazing. Carol of Bellissimo Brides did a beautiful job with Shanon's hair and makeup. Reverend Autrey Nassar officiated the simple ceremony that focused on the love between Shannon and John -- tears flowed and love was thick. And somehow, despite me making them swim during their engagement photos, they let me photograph their wedding. The funny thing was that much like their engagement photos, we planned on taking pictures in Yosemite. But one thing lead to another....


Shannon was making changes to her vows right up until the last minute.



Shannon's dog was never too far away at any time.


Tyler, my son, was the flower boy and having a blast all day.


I love the way this picture captures the humor and love of this man at the same time.


Just remember: If you brother is taking the photos at your wedding, keep an eye on your dress or it may be hung precariously from a tree swinging in the wind. Thankfully it didn't fall in the dirt :)





A perfect day and location for the perfect ceremony.








John learned how to look like a tough guy.







Shannon and John first met while working in a local grocery store. So when we decided to skip Yosemite, they wanted to take a photo at the grocery store. Did they know I would make them get into a shopping cart to do that?





As the day wound down, we all met at our favorite local restaurant Savoury's for a delicious dinner in great company.




Thanks again Shanon and John - I love you both and wish you the best!

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Sheri and Bo - Yosemite Engagement Session

Bo proposed to Sheri exactly 366 days ago in Yosemite. Every year they make a trip to Yosemite valley and enjoy a week of refuge from the city in natural surroundings. Since they are planning their wedding for next year in Yosemite, it was only right for them to have their engagement photos in Yosemite. They are a fun loving couple with a strong appreciation for art and nature, and an uncanny ability to trust their photographer!

I met up with them yesterday afternoon in Yosemite and we spent the afternoon traveling around the park and creating photos. We took photos at some of the classic Yosemite spots like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, but also took the time to hike and get out to less traveled placed. Thankfully the rain that was forecast never really came, but left dramatic clouds hovering in the sky. Eventually we made it up to Tuolomne Meadows and even Tenaya Lake just before sunset.






Sheri really loved these soft shots.



When we first met up, I asked them if they enjoyed hiking around. Not knowing what it would get them into, they told me yes. Here they were after a short hike near Olmstead Point.







Thanks again Sheri and Bo for such a fun afternoon!

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Zuleika and Stuart - Yosemite Elopement

Zuleika and Stuart came from Scotland to marry in Yosemite valley. They are truly beautiful people, both inside and out. John Paris officiated a beautiful ceremony in the shadows of Yosemite Falls and embraked on a photo safari from there. They wanted the photos to be geared more towards art and gave me free range to create. Together we travel through Yosemite, experiencing different light, lines and even weather :) We eventually found ourselves up at Tenya Lake and Olmstead Point to enjoy the breath taking views. I love what I do!


I only found out after taking this photo that Stuart is in a band - although I should have known he was a rockstar from this photo.




Yes, they are in the photo.



So much love and contentment in these arms.




Zuleika's dress was gorgeous. Beautiful colors and textures.











One of my favorites from the day, it made a long drive very worthwhile!

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