Samantha and Geoff - Yosemite after dark
>> Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Samantha and Geoff traveled from Sydney Australia to marry in Yosemite. As far as I know, thats just about as far as someone can travel to get married. They were joined by Samatha's longtime friend Lindessa who drove up from Palm Springs just for the wedding (and back down after it was over)!
After finalizing a time and location, we decided on having the wedding in a meadow just behind the Yosemite Chapel as the sun set behind El Capitan. We met for the first time Tuesday afternoon and she looked stunning, just ask Geoff! Earlier in the afternoon Samantha had gone to Bellissimo Brides to have have her hair done and it looked amazing. Reverend Carol Dewey officaiated the ceremony which was simple and beautiful.
I have really come to love elopements--they are like a full blown wedding stripped down to the core, the love between a husband and wife. There was absolutely nothing to distract from the love of these two. But in this case, there was another little girl present, their soon-to-come daughter Winter who held her own special place in the ceremony. Have I mentioned I love what I do?
Samantha took a little longer to arrive than planned, but that just us more time to hang out and get to know Geoff. In case you are wondering, Geoff = very cool guy.
A spot just behind the Yosemite Chapel became the perfect sport for the union.
I love the simple representation of an amazing point in her life. Such peace.
It's amazing how something so simple as a pair of shoes can capture personality.
Passion.
We stopped to enjoy the last of the daylight as it slipped behind the horizon.
Once we got rid of all traces of daylight, things got interesting :) Shooting in the forest in complete darkness is not the easiest thing to pull off, but I always enjoy a good challenge. Fortunately, Samantha and Geoff ROCKED these shots!
Yeah, we were still taking photos late into the evening (think starlight). I was exhausted to say the least, but the result was well worth the work!
Mieke met Davide while she was living in Italy where she lived two years. When she returned to Virginia to complete her PHD program, Davide came with her. Together they planned their San Francisco wedding from Virginia. Just a few weeks ago they moved back to Mieke's hometown of San Francisco. With their traveling of traveling, it was fitting that we travel around San Francisco on the day of their wedding to take photos in a few of their favorite locations.
Their wedding was filled with unique touches, from the interfaith ceremony to the killer red Ferrari. But the coolest thing about Mieke and Davide's wedding was Mieke and Davide. Their honest love and open hearts were poured out for each other and touched everyone around them. It was amazing hearing their friends and family talk about these two and the influences that they have had on others lives and it reminded me that I have a awesome job!
We started off the day at the Palace of Fine Arts, one of my favorite places in all of California.
After a while we traveled to Alamo Square to take advantage of the views and classic San Francisco style.
Davide, who happens to be the most personable guy I know, made friends with everyone along the way and dragged many of them in front of the camera with him. Upon sighting these officers, Davide approached them and asked if we could all take a shot together. Thanks again officers!
The next stop on our agenda was the Civic Center.
Following in Italian tradition, their guests greeted Mieke and Davide with cheers as they arrived to the Fort Mason Chapel in a Ferrari.
After the ceremony everyone walked down to the Golden Gate Room for the reception.
Mieke brought a selection of her favorite wines from Virginia with her for the wedding.
DJ Wayne Noel of 
The toasts were honest celebrations of the love between Mieke and Davide given by longtime friends and family member from Italy bring both cheers and tears.
Did I mention they had a Ferrari?