Dena & Nathan

Photographing weddings is really unlike any other kind of shoot. You meet a couple, hope that your style resonates with them, agree to work together. And then on the wedding day, you're quickly brought into the folds of their lives. You meet their families, capture them reuniting with old friends, and hear the hilarious and heartfelt speeches into which people put so much effort. I felt the honor of this so strongly at Dena & Nathan's beautiful August wedding at Slide Ranch.

D&N clearly put a lot of thought and love into their wedding plans, including their choice to support a working farm in a stunning coastal Marin location. They walked down the (exceptionally wide) aisle with their siblings and parents and incorporated ceremony readings of song lyrics picked for them by good friends. The welcome table displayed photos from family members' weddings and glasses for the evening contained individual notes for each recipient.

And as the light fell, toasters reflected on how strong D&N were as individuals and how much they'd brought to each other's lives. Their bond was celebrated by their greatly-valued community, with tears shed during the ceremony, hearty laughs at the toasts, and an ever-full yurt dance floor. As we departed, we watched guests donning headlamps and carrying leftover liquor bottles working their way back over the hillside path to the campsite, surely to spend many more hours of celebrating this lovely couple in this exceptional spot. 

Wedding Venue: Slide Ranch / Coordinator: Casen Splain / Caterer: The Lunch Box Catering / Florist: Bellevue Floral Co. / Dena's Dress: BHLDN / Dena’s earrings: Sarah Neiman / Nathan's Suit: Anatoly’s / DJ: DJ Wayne Noel

Genna & Jesse

It's not every wedding that you get a day-of call from the coordinator warning you that the gorgeous coastal location may experience gale force winds. And more importantly, it's not every event that you meet a couple whose perspective is so right on that it doesn't phase them in the least. Genna and Jesse are two intelligent, kind, loving, and much-loved individuals and it was clear from our first shot that they would enjoy and soak in the day, however it unfolded. 

And unfold it did, with the support of their community clearly visible. From fellow musicians who played during the ceremony and first dance (including a circle of fiddlers!), to numerous pieces handwritten by friends, and an officiant who was also the bride's mentor- the love and respect for this couple abounded. Toasts spoke to their character, the good they brought out in people, and the many ways that they care for others and each other. 

Amazingly, after some top-notch planning by Heather and her team at All Set, the weather ended up working in our favor. Portraits were taken with just the right amount of wind to lightly lift some chiffon. The sun broke out right before the ceremony. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour without having to huddle under heat lamps. We were even able to take sunset photos! All in all, a beautiful day resulting in some lovely images, a few of which are below.

Wedding Venue & Caterer: Costanoa Lodge / Coordinator: All Set Events / Hair and Makeup: Kelly Jo Makeup and Hair / Florist: Brother and Sisters Flower Shop / Band: The A-List with Downbeat LA / Photobooth: 143 Photobooth / Wedding Dress: Loho Bride / Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss / Second Photographer: Noah Christman 

Eric & Matt

Weddings are delightful but they can also be stressful- so many moving parts, high expectations, months of planning wrapped up into a single day experience. Sometimes this can be seen on the fringes of peoples' expressions and behavior. And sometimes, like at Eric & Matt's wedding, it's absolutely nowhere to be found. From the moment we walked in the door to greet the grooms, their families and wedding party, they were all smiles and cheer. They immediately welcomed us into the fold of their calm but excited pre-wedding bustle and I knew right away that it was going to be a fantastic shoot.

Eric and Matt organized and executed a beautiful day, reflective of their thoughtful natures and great taste. The adjoining spaces of Clos La Chance's property meant that people were treated to one beautiful area after another (vineyard views to an olive grove to the bistro-lit patio...completely lovely). Against these backdrops, guests shed happy tears, shared big group hugs, raised glasses of wine to heartfelt toasts and danced their hearts out. You could tell how excited Eric and Matt's families were to have these new sons and brothers-in-law and how thrilled everyone was to celebrate the union of these two men who they clearly loved so much. 

Wedding Venue: Clos La Chance Winery / Coordinator: Kristin Murphy / Grooms' Suits: Suit Supply / Grooms' Rings: Joe Escobar Diamonds / Caterer: Cellar Door Catering / Cake: Sugar Butter Flour / Florist: Dig Gardens / Bouquets and boutineers: The Flower Cottage of Morgan Hill / DJ: Andy Acker of Sound in Motion / Second Photographer: Noah Christman