Amy and Doug's Engagement Session

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.