Heather & Ryder

When you’ve photographed weddings for a while, there are certain rhythms to the day that become familiar. It’s part of the fun and challenge of the shoot – finding moments, creating portraits, focusing in on details within the usual cadence of the day. It also makes it wonderfully startling when you’re completely surprised by something. At Heather and Ryder’s ceremony in the beginning of October, their friend and officiant spontaneously stepped out from under the arbor into the aisle and addressed the guests, encouraging family and the wedding party to express their feelings and how much they loved the couple. It was so unexpected and touching and I was definitely not the only one tearing up as a result.

Between that gem of a moment, two uniquely and utterly adorably dressed flower girls, bridesmaids in personalized tones and styles of dresses, a “best woman” supporting the groom, and wedding toasts that included a personalized slideshow and a mother/father duet of a custom song, it was clear that Heather and Ryder’s wedding was so very much their own. They made the day fun, easygoing, and a true pleasure to shoot. It was such an honor to be around so much love and hopefully the preview shots convey what a special day these two created.

Venue: Chileno Valley Ranch / Florist: JenniFlora / Catering: Firefly Catering / Oysters: The Oyster Girls / Cake: Pascaline / DJ: Ken Quam / Second Photographer: Noah Christman

Lindsay & Sky

You know it’s going to be a great day when you’re invited to spend it at Chileno Valley Ranch. Not far from the town of Petaluma, this venue (and home for the owners) is a magical getaway. Having shot a number of weddings there, I love to see which features will newly delight me and what my favorite spots will look like this time around. In mid-May, the sheep were partially shorn, hills were a verdant green, roses were in bloom, and it was the perfect day to celebrate Lindsay & Sky.

They took full advantage of the gorgeous grounds for their wedding, starting big with Sky’s arrival down the long driveway in his vintage convertible. Family and guests enjoyed an epic walk to the secluded ceremony site, took in cocktail hour in an apple orchard, and dined and danced in the superbly decorated barn. The light streaming through its cracks is unlike any other reception venue I’ve shot, and Lindsay & Sky enhanced it with rows of candle-lit tables and twinkle lights, making it utterly luminous.

It was clear from our first moments photographing this couple just how much they love being together. Their comfort with each other translated into a happy easiness throughout the day, and so many wonderful photographs of them and their guests. When it’s hard to find a photo without the bride and groom smiling, you know you’ve hit the client jackpot. With a couple so present and joyful on their big day, a wedding full of guests who radiated love and admiration for them, and a background of rolling hills, it was a remarkably fun and beautiful day to be a part of.

Venue: Chileno Valley Ranch / Wedding Coordinator: Sugar Rush Events / Florist: Poppy Stone Floral Design / Hair & Makeup: Rock Paper Scissors / Catering: Park Avenue Catering / Rentals: Encore Rentals / DJ: Golden Bell / Second Photographer: Noah Christman

Ashley & Julien

I'm not ashamed to admit how completely biased I am in saying how much I loved this wedding. When my friends Ashley and Julien asked if I would photograph their wedding, and then chose one of my all-time favorite venues in the Bay Area, Chileno Valley Ranch, I knew that it would be a gorgeous and unforgettable day. 

The pops of color that punctuated the day - from the pinks and reds in Ashley's floral crown, to the hand-painted blue and yellow photobooth backdrop, to the green of the custom-designed camping mug favors - were indicative of what a bright presence these two are in peoples' lives. Friendly, smart, energetic, hilarious, kind- they are a couple who you always want more time with and it was a clear how much they meant to their friends and family, who gathered from across the country to celebrate with them.

The wedding was the perfect combination of heartfelt reflection and blissful revelry and was executed flawlessly by the stellar team of vendors they brought together. What a joy to shoot, and to be present for. 

Wedding Venue: Chileno Valley Ranch / Wedding Coordinator: Lea Stafford Events / Hair and Makeup: Flower and Gold / Bride's Dress: Jenny Packham / Bride's Shoes: Miu Miu / Groom's Suit Tailoring: Spoon Tailor / Florals: Susie Nadler of Flora Grubb / Catering: Firefly Catering / DJ: Meghan of Heart of Gold DJs / Second Photographer: Jessica Monroy