It's been a few days since the wedding day, and I've had time to recover from the wedding experience. I spent nearly the whole day with Aria and Levi in Yosemite. Recently I changed all of our packages over to include an unlimited timeframe because it just works better. Seriously, I hated when we were in the photo-groove, making some killer shots, only to realize that we were out of time. Thankfully Aria and Levi took full advantage of this and made the full Yosemite wedding tour and got some rocking photos, some of which I already posted.
One of the weirdest things about my photos from this side of things, is that my favorite photos change as often as the weather - and right now the weather is changing. One day I like this about that photo, and the next day I can't stop looking at a different photo. All of that to say, that had I written this entry a five days ago, I would have had chosen different photos than I did today. And now without further interruption, we return to the main story...
Aria and Levi married last Saturday in Yosemite. The wedding was blessed by nature with great weather, sneaking in between the rain and snow. The sun was out, the trees showing their last hint of fall color and the waterfalls were still flowing. Surrounded by all of this, two families gathered to celebrate the foundation of a new family. Normally when I talk about weddings here, I focus on the love between the bride and groom. But this day it was so much more than that, it was the love between everyone at the wedding.
I met up with Levi first thing in the morning as he was getting ready for the wedding. Since I had not previously met with Aria or Levi, I take everything in pretty quickly to get a feel for the day. Something about these shoes said a lot as to where the day was going.
Meanwhile, just a few doors down Aria was busy getting ready. Amy and Marilyn from Bellissimo Brides started off their day (insanely early) by glamorizing Aria. I think it is pretty clear they know how to do their job.
It's pretty cool when you can have someone who means this much to you marry you.
After the ceremony, we returned to the Yosemite Lodge for their reception. The views out of the mountain room are simply amazing.
I must admit, this in one of the cooler things I have seen done at a wedding reception. Aria and Levi set up a tile painting station for their guest to create a special gift for the bride and groom. Everyone joined in, how cool is that? I love art.
After enjoying a tasty meal, friends and family began to honor the bride and groom with encouragement for the marriage.
After the reception was over, we began our second trip around Yosemite Valley.
When I asked Aria and Levi what Yosemite meant to them and what locations the wanted photos of, they knew Half Dome was near the top of that list. Knowing this, we headed up to Tunnel View to get a great sunset shot of the valley, but nature had a different plan. Clouds how moved into the valley, obscuring Half Dome but casting El Capitian in a beautiful warm glow. I love the changing place the Yosemite is.
After a while of shooting in the dark, we headed over to the Ahwahnne Hotel to make use of the surrounds (and warmth).
As we wrapped up a long day of shooting, we returned to the Yosemite Lodge where their friends had decked out their car for the trip home in true wedding attire.
Thanks again Aria and Levi and enjoyed your well-earned honeymoon!
Read more...
