Sharon Wharton Photography

Senior Portraits!

2011-09-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

I had the best time with Kelsey and Caitlyn at the CU campus this weekend. They are both so talented and funny, thanks for making my job so easy you two!

Libby and Patrick

2011-05-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

The spring rain didn't keep these two lovebirds from having the best day of their lives at the Greenbriar Inn with their friends and family to celebrate their marriage. Libby is a firefighter, and actually had to go back to California a few days before the wedding to fight a fire! Congrats to them both, they are perfect for each other.

Charleigh is 6 months old!

2011-04-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

I photographed Charleigh and her parents Megann and Joe on a beautiful spring day in Longmont, what a cutie!

Juno

2011-04-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Little Juno is growing so fast, this was her 6 month photo session.

Details, details

2011-01-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

If you're engaged to be married this year, you're probably thinking about the little things that will make your big day a work of art. Here are some ideas that will hopefully inspire...

The Unconventional Book Tour Comes to Denver!

2010-11-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across Chris' book a month ago when Amazon was doing its thing recommending other books I may like, and this time they got my attention. All I needed was to see the word "ART" really big, and then "Non Conformity"....Go on..... So my thing lately is to get the book from the library first, and if I love it then I'll buy it. I put the book on hold before Boulder Library even received it, and got it crispy fresh a few days later.

So I'm finishing the book on the airplane back to CO from Alabama where I was for a week for my grandmother's funeral. She was an inspiration in my life, and I was considering her legacy. I hadn't thought much about what my own legacy will be until that week, so the end of Chris' book had perfect timing. He mentions the Unconventional Book Tour near the end of the book as I'm landing in Houston, and I make a note to self to look up his schedule. Luckily I was able to catch him in Denver and take some photos of the amazing group of people that were there. (Sitting room only at West Side Books). If I had finished the book a few days earlier I could've caught him in Birmingham, we were there the same week. It all works out though doesn't it?
Oh and yes, I bought the book.

The Papierski Twisted Holiday Photo Shoot

2010-11-15T07:12:00.001-08:00

Meet the Papierskis. They are not afraid to shock you this holiday season with their holiday card. A traditionally innocuous card is not they way they wanted to go this year. Here is the photo we are going with, Caption to Read: Peace on Earth.

Pumpkins and Sidewalks

2010-11-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

Right before our first snow...

Boulder Library Kids at Storytime

2010-11-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

I love photographing kids when they don't know I'm there. Melanie at the Boulder Library is the bomb at reading stories to kids, she had them in the palm of her hand.

Laura and Jason at Hudson Gardens in Littleton, CO

2010-11-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Laura and Jason have known each other a long time, as their family reminded us during their toasts. Jason's brother began with quoting the president in office when Laura and Jason first met: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation..."
It was a beautiful day in every way at Hudson Gardens, a great place to celebrate their marriage.

Juno has arrived!

2010-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Dear friends Steph and Fish are mom and dad now, and they have a sweet girl named Juno (love it!) I brought my Rolleiflex old school camera over to take some photos last week.

Lori and Jake get married in Tilden Park

2010-10-05T06:52:00.001-07:00

Lori and Jake have great friends. And talented friends, they sang "For You" as Lori walked up the isle with her father to Jake, who had the Berkeley hills to his back reflecting the late golden sun.

Evening Bike Ride

2010-09-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

So I'm inspired by the book A Year of Mornings, and set out with my camera in my bike basket this evening. I hope it inspires you to get creative. Just take two unrelated photos that have similar design elements and put them together. It's addictive.

The Knot Features Rebecca and Ian's Wedding!!

2010-09-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased that The Knot has featured Rebecca and Ian for their Wedding of the Day today! Click here to see the photos chosen =)

Marie and Brian's Wedding at Pastures of Plenty with Big Bang Catering

2010-07-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a day at Pastures of Plenty Organic Farm in Longmont, CO, what a place! I'm in love with it, speaking of in love, have you met Marie and Brian? And their families? These people are amazing. They also have great taste in music, Colorado Wedding Band, featuring Lee Johnson and The Rhythm Method, with Jamie on vocals, watch out - that girl can sing. So this organic farm is where you want to go for your weekly supply of local. organic. goodness. Straight from the dirt to your table folks. You can sign up for their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) on their website, or just find them at the Farmer's Market. Big Band Catering is the secret to all the amazing food that is either grown on the farm or nearby. John and Lyle got a good thing going, thanks everyone for a great day, and congratulations to Marie and Brian and their families!

Abby and Eric's Wedding and Recption at the Evergreen Lake house

2010-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

A wedding by the river at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Evergreen was followed by a reception at the gorgeous Evergreen Recreational Center's Lake House. Guests enjoyed the deck overlooking the lake and the sun that finally peeked through later in the day.

Rebecca and Ian wed in Berkeley, reception at Hotel Shattuck Plaza

2010-06-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Rebecca and Ian were married in Berkeley on May 30th with views of the bay on a sunny day. Their families are from the south so my Alabama twang came out, with more than a few y'alls flyin around. 'Twas great fun, congrats you two!

Stefanie and Matt's Wedding at Denver Botanic Gardens

2010-05-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

When Stefanie and Matt met each other they knew pretty quickly they had found someone special. They have the perfect mix of goofiness and sweetness that will keep them both smiling for a very long time. Springtime at the Denver Botanic Gardens is just about as romantic as it gets, a fitting backdrop for this celebration. Congratulations to them on finding true love!

Cassandra and Hector's Wedding at Palm Dale Estates in Fremont, CA

2010-04-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

What a perfect place for a wedding, with an amazing and conscientious staff, Palm Dale Estates sets the bar for excellence. Cassandra and Hector celebrated their new life together with their friends and family on April 10th. There were some very talented dancers in attendance, thanks to everyone for a great time, and congratulations to Hector and Cassandra!

Rebecca and Ian's Engagement Session

2010-04-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Rebecca and Ian's wedding is coming up soon and I got to photograph them on my most recent trip to the Bay Area for their engagement photos. We spent time on the UC Berkeley campus which is an enchanting place. I can't wait for their wedding, thanks for such a fun day you two!

Natalie and Anthony at Chautauqua in Boulder

2010-03-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Natalie and Anthony asked me to do their Save the Date photo at Chautauqua on a sunny but freezing cold winter morning. They made the board with their names and the date themselves. Congrats on their upcoming wedding!

Julie and Mauricio Wed at Monte Verde Inn, October 24, 2009

2009-11-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

The day was intoxicatingly beautiful, the colors chosen for their wedding celebration were vibrant and said everything true about this couple, Julie and Mauricio. Monte Verde Inn is such a gem, everywhere I looked was a beautiful photograph waiting to happen. Their staff is superb, kudos to them for doing such a good job that all their guests had to do was have the time of their lives, and celebrate the marriage of two people, who by coming together, have given us all more to love about life. Thank you Julie and Mauricio, and congratulations!

Amber and Benny Bodega Harbor Yacht Club, October 17, 2009

2009-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Amber and Benny's friends and family came from snowy-cold Minnesota to celebrate their wedding on the beach in Bodega Bay, where Amber and her family have been going for vacation for most of her life. Cindy, the mother of the bride, pointed out all the houses they've rented over the years as we drove around looking for photo locations the week before the wedding. Their families treated me as one of their own, complete with a handmade place-card, and a seat with their friends for dinner. Amber and Benny's son, Aiden, was part of the ceremony all the way, and looked about as happy as his Mom and Dad when they said "I do" and kissed. Thank you, Amber and Benny, for letting me be part of your day, it was an honor!

Matt and Laura, September 19th at Saratoga Foothill Club

2009-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Matt and Laura had a heartfelt celebration of their commitment to one another at the Saratoga Foothill Club with their nearest and dearest. Their families are a tightly-knit group, and have become one larger family together. To see more of their wedding click here. Best Wishes to Laura and Matt!

Sue and Josip wed at Costanoa Lodge and Spa

2009-10-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

On September 19th Sue and Josip were married on a beautiful bridge overlooking the Pacific near Costanoa Lodge and Spa. They found this spot by accident one day and were struck with it's simple 1920's charm. After the ceremony, friends and family dined al fresco to the sounds of a jazz duet. Congratulations to Sue and Josip! Click here to see their slideshow of photos.

Amy and Doug, September 18th at Vintner's Golf Club

2009-10-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Amy and Doug tied the knot at the Vintner's Golf Club in Yountville with their family and friends and plenty of California sunshine. Amy was stunning in her gown, but still not taller than Doug--even in heels--as a friend at their wedding pointed out during his toast. Congratulations to them both! To see their wedding slideshow, click here.

Tami and Chris Wed at Freedom Hall and Gardens, Santa Clara, CA

2009-09-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Tami knew exactly what kind of atmosphere she wanted to create for her wedding, and with the help of the amazing staff at Freedom Hall and Gardens, and the exquisite floral arrangements by Nicole Ha, Tami's vision became reality. The weeping willows and flowers in the gardens created a beautiful backdrop to the ceremony. Congratulations to Tami and Chris!

Maddie and Rob, August 29, 2009 at Conta Costa Golf Club

2009-09-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Maddie and Rob are keeping the airlines in business by bringing together their friends and family for their wedding in Walnut Creek. Friends from the East Coast where they call home joined their families, Maddie's didn't have far to go as she grew up in the East Bay. Her sister Megan just welcomed a new baby to the family 2 weeks before the wedding, Charlotte, who thankfully came a little early. Congratulations Maddie and Rob!

Marci and John at Mira Vista Golf Club, Aug. 8th, 2009

2009-09-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Marci and John's wedding at Mira Vista Golf Club in El Cerrito was just beautiful. Check out the bouquets, Marci's family put them together-impressive! I enjoyed photographing these two and their families so much, congratulations Marci and John! To see their slideshow click here.

Pearl and Rafael's wedding at Mission Church in Santa Clara

2009-07-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Pearl and Rafael met here several years ago at Santa Clara University. It was Rafael's last year and Pearl's first, they say timing is everything... I especially loved Pearl's table adornments, how cute are the pearls?! To see more of their wedding click here. Congratulations to them and their families!

Nancy and Phu's Wedding at Hotel De Anza in San Jose

2009-07-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

Nancy was a vision in her wedding gown, she reminded me of Carrie in Sex and the City as we ran through the streets of downtown San Jose at sunset. Their friends and families celebrated their marriage at the gorgeous Hotel de Anza, whose catering was top notch stellar, thanks to Laura at La Pastaia. Nancy (wisely) chose Pink Lincoln Designs for her floral arrangements and bouquets, Christine and her team just made everything look magical. Congrats to Nancy and Phu on their wedding! Click here to see their slideshow of highlights.

Massud and Mostafa

2009-07-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Massud and Mostafah celebrated their marriage at the Marriott in San Ramon last weekend with their friends and family. I had the pleasure of working with Scott Reynolds, an amazing photographer from L.A. who had photographed the couple's engagement earlier this year. Their families welcomed us as if we were guests, making sure we tried all the delicious traditional fare served for their wedding banquet.

Michele and Alex's Engagement

2009-06-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

I spent a gorgeous afternoon with Michele and Alex in Golden Gate Park last weekend for their engagement photographs. To see more, go to their slideshow. Can't wait for their wedding in July!

Veronica and Kevin's Wedding in San Francisco

2009-05-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

What a perfect location for a wedding, The Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. I can't say enough about the professionalism of the staff, their attention to detail and the five star cuisine-phenomenal. It makes sense that Veronica and Kevin chose this classy place to tie the knot and throw a great party for their friends and family-they are a class act themselves. Congratulations Veronica and Kevin, it was an honor to be your photographer!

Amy and Doug's Engagement Session

2009-04-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful Sunday in Santa Cruz for photography. I met Amy and Doug at Wilder Ranch where we walked to a secluded beach, then returned to the Wilder Family Farm for some photos. We finished our day at the Boardwalk, in perfect time for the late sunlight. Amy and Doug tie the knot in September in Napa.

Tina and Mike get married!

2009-03-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

It was a little cloudy on Tina and Mike's wedding day, but that didn't stop anyone from having a wonderful time celebrating the marriage of two people who are so in love, and such great people individually. I was particularly moved during the dance between Tina and her Father, and Mike and his Mother. The kind of closeness they have is evident and rare, and brought tears to my eyes, which after nine years of photographing weddings, happens not too often. I felt honored to be their photographer.

Mike and Tina's Engagement Photo Session

2009-03-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Tina and Mike decided to have their engagement photographs taken in Golden Gate Park. We had a beautiful sunny afternoon, and lots of interesting places for photos. I have to give them credit for the best photograph that day, they noticed the light streaming through the trees at the top of a hill at the end of our time when we were finishing up. The image became the welcoming photo at their wedding. It's further evidence that it isn't me alone making the images, it's a collaboration. I couldn't do this work without the amazing couples I've met, I'm very lucky.

A day in the Bay

2008-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our friends Natalie and Earl took us and our friends Angela and Brian on a boating adventure last weekend. They've been fixing up their boat and have plans to live on it one day. I learned many things that day, one of which is that Alameda has the 2nd most slips per capita in the world was it Natalie or just the states? -after Marina del Rey. (For those of you who imagine Alamedans having numerous undergarments like I did, FYI, a slip is a space for a boat to dock, a rental if you will.) Here are some photos from our day, we were shadowed by a Zeppelin in the sky all day, doing tours of the Bay Area. I liked our view much better-we got to see the seals.

Jessica and MacKenzie wed at Mountain Terrace, Woodside, CA

2008-10-26T10:09:00.001-07:00

Finally Jessica and MacKenzie's wedding day came, I'd been looking forward to it all year. I knew when I met them that their wedding would be unique and full of personal artistic touches from Jessica. I was amazed at the beautiful bouquets that she designed herself, and all the details that made the day so memorable. Most of all, it was a relaxed and fun day, both for myself and their guests, who dined outside in the twilight at beautiful Mountain Terrace in Woodside. For a slideshow of highlights from their wedding, click here.

Sarah and Chris' Wedding in the Bay

2008-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

After almost 7 years of photographing weddings, I've photographed my first ceremony held on a boat. What an experience it was, especially since I'm still relatively new to the Bay Area. First, I toured the city with Sarah and Chris in the Cadillac of Minivans, hitting all the great spots around San Francisco for photo-ops. My favorite part was eating sandwiches with the bride and groom in the minivan outside a deli, wish I had a photo of that. Later that night, as everyone was dancing under the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge, the DJ played City by the Bay. I just about shed a tear for loving my job and where I live so much. Thanks Sarah and Chris for a wonderful experience, and Congratulations!!!! Click here to see their slideshow of highlights.

Whitney and Jake's Wedding at the Yates Family Vineyard

2008-08-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

At the end of Redwood Road, 9 miles from downtown Napa, is the Yates Family Vineyard. It has been owned and operated by the Yates for 57 years. Whitney oversees all aspects of the wine-making process, while her sister Mary heads up the business side. On August 16th, Jake and Whitney had a beautiful wedding there among the vines. They were married in the building where they process the grapes, which lent itself quite well to the ceremonious occasion with its high ceilings. Afterward, guests enjoyed wine made by the Yates while they danced as the full moon rose. Click here to see more from their wedding.

Sarah and David Elie wed at the Log Cabin in the Presidio

2008-07-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

How many weddings include mariachis and belly dancers? I can tell you for sure, not many. I had the pleasure working with Sarah at Civicorps Elementary last year where I taught photography club. Sarah is one of those teachers that kids will remember later as someone who sent their life on a different and better course. Sarah and David met in high school, so their friends and family were a tightly knit group, and were all very happy to be celebrating this marriage between two people who seem to be made for each other. A more beautiful day there has never been in the Presidio; the sun shone until it went down, and the fog began to roll in as the party started inside the Log Cabin. To see more from Sarah and David's wedding, click here to see their slideshow of favorites.

Jen and Jomel get married at Old Saint Hilary's in Tiburon, CA

2008-07-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Jen and Jomel chose a beautiful spot for their wedding ceremony in Tiburon, CA. Old Saint Hilary's Church is a Carpenter Gothic style building constructed in 1888 as a Catholic Mission Church. Today it is a protected historic landmark and museum, with amazing views of the bay area and the Golden Gate. For more from their wedding, see their slideshow of highlights.
Congrats Jen and Jomel!

Andy and Danay at Lionscrest Manor in Lyons, CO

2008-07-19T07:52:00.001-07:00

I got to photograph a wedding with my friend and collegue, Tim D'Antonio of D'Antonio Photography in Boulder, CO a couple of weeks ago. Andy and Danay were married at Lyonscrest Manor, a beautiful venue in Lyons, CO with amazing vistas of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I loved their color theme: summer yellow and white. The colors made up for the sun that was hiding that day.

More from Carolina

2008-06-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are good at Wheel of Fortune, filing in the missing letters won't be a problem. (Answer is at the end of this entry if you're W.O.F challenged)

I drove through the Nantahala River Gorge today on my way back to Birmingham. It was hard to keep my eyes on the curvy road whilst gawking at the orange be-vested river rafters bouncing their way along the rapids with paddles a-flailin'. Here are some scenes from the road, along with a few more of Nilah in a fairyland of purple hastas.

Sign said "Dont' worry, Moses was once a basket case" So good it made me turn the car around.

Trip to the Southland

2008-06-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

It's berry season and the fireflies are out at dusk here in the southern U.S.

This is an old rail car put to good use, found along the road to see my grandfather and his girlfriend, Betty.

Some nice people who let me take their picture.
Gardenias outside Betty's house.
We had BLT's and very sweet tea.
Granddaddy made me a blueberry pie.
Up in NC, I have just arrived to see my brother Sam play some bluegrass. This is my niece, Nilah.

I was with my sister Heather who kept mysteriously disappearing whenever the cloggers appeared.
Sam reading to Nilah in the late afternoon.

Jessica and MacKenzie

2008-06-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon with Jessica and MacKenzie, touring the great spots around Santa Cruz for engagement photographs. Check out their E-Session here. Their wedding is in September in Woodside, CA, at the Mountain Terrace, can't wait!

Jamie and Maki, April 12, 2008 at Mountain Terrace in Woodside, CA

2008-04-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Jamie and Maki had a beautiful Japanese style wedding, with many family members coming to California for the first time from Japan. The floral arrangements by Tomobi Floral Art were absolutely perfect. Mountain Terrace in Woodside, CA hosted the event beautifully and professionally, and the band had everyone on the dance floor. For highlights from their wedding, click here. Congratulations Jamie and Maki!

Christian and Stephanie, March 7, 2008

2008-04-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Christian and Stephanie, married at the Mormon Temple in Fresno, held their reception afterward at Copper River Country Club. It was a stunning setting and a beautiful day. To see a slideshow of their wedding, click here.

Becca and Ray are getting Married!

2008-03-10T11:57:00.001-07:00

I met Becca and Ray at beautiful Baker Beach for their engagement photo session last weekend. It was just warm enough to brave the cool Pacific waters. Congrats to them! For highlights of their E-Session click here.

Robin and Mike, February 14, 2008

2008-03-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

What's more romantic than getting married on Valentine's Day? Robin and Mike's wedding was held at Wine and Roses in Lodi, CA. They couldn't have had a more beautiful day, click here to see a slideshow of highlights from their wedding.

Students get Published!

2008-03-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Chronicle had a kids' photo contest in February, and I'm proud to say that 5 of my students were published winners: Anise Fernandez, Nate Williams, Justine Lewis, Mari Luna and Ajani Braggs. Go to sfgate.com/kidspix to read more about the contest and to see all the winners.

Best photo by my Students

2008-01-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

We ended the year with a slideshow of the kids' work at the year-end Showcase of Learning. They were pretty proud of their work, and the slideshow was a hit with the crowd (thank you iDVD). Here is the photo that proves to me that these kids really learned something about seeing photographically. I'm looking forward to a new crop of photographers next week.

Robin and Mike's E-Session

2007-11-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend I spent a few hours with Robin and Mike, getting to know them a little better, and creating engagement photographs. They each have strong personalities, and are very engaging and outgoing. They complement each other so well, and I'm pretty sure Mike will have Robin laughing for the rest of her life.

The Kids learn how to make portraits

2007-11-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

Last week in my class with the kids we started talking about portraiture. What is a portrait? Does the subject's face have to be in frame for it to be as compelling, as informative? Not always. Again, they impress me with their creativity and fresh eyes.

Kelly and Josh, October 26, 2007

2007-11-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Another great story: Kelly received a hot stone massage at a spa in San Francisco a few years ago, only the rock warmer was set too high, and left welts on her skin! So she alerted the management (Josh, of course) invited her to please come back for a complementary treatment. I don't know if that ever happened, but it led to dinner, and the rest is history.
Their wedding was very relaxed, set among the redwoods at Stern Grove. It was catered beautifully and deliciously by Fork and Spoon, and had the best DJ I've heard yet: Tommy Fullove.

Photos by the kids

2007-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

We had our first class with our new digital cameras this week. My students figured out how to use every feature within a few minutes and were off to photograph. Here are a few of my favorite photos they made:

Teaching Photography to Kids

2007-10-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

I spend my Wednesdays with kids at the Civicorps Charter school on the border of Oakland and Berkeley, teaching them how to make photographs. They range in age from as young as 6 years old to 11. They are so excited about it, which helps me get through the days when their energy is out of control. I am either brave or crazy or both.

Eva and Fabian, October 13, 2007

2007-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Eva and Fabian have an amazing story. Fabian told it to me as he was getting ready: They met over 10 years ago and dated, but in Fabian's words, he had some growing up to do, and the two parted ways. They happened to meet 6 years later, and the sparks flew again. Their wedding was held at the Dominican Church, and the reception at Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

Eva de Luna, I don't know of a more beautiful, downright dreamy name.

Brooke and Tom, October 6, 2007

2007-10-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

My first wedding after our move was held at the Chardonnay Golf Club in Napa, CA. I had no idea that a golf course and winery could co-exist. Brooke and Tom met through a mutual friend a few years ago. They have amazing families, and friends that know how to celebrate a wedding.

After 7 years of photographing weddings, a first for me: a post-nuptial mosh pit...

Welcome to My New Blog!

2007-10-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have so much about my photographic life that I'd like to share. Hopefully, this will be place you can visit for inspiration, or just to see what I'm up to here in my new home. I'm currently in the honeymoon phase of my love affair with the Bay Area.

This photo was taken with a Lensbaby.