May 24, 2011
Erin and Jeff are getting married on the east coast, and while I won’t be there for that…I was lucky enough to photograph their engagement photos. They both came from a looong way away for this session. There was no rescheduling to be done if the weather was bad, so we all had our fingers and toes crossed in the days leading up to the session. Rain was predicted for the time of our session, but things were still looking ok as we headed out the door. My hopes were high. Until we saw a large black cloud coming closer. and closer. and closer.
And please explain to me how this one pocket of HEAVY rain ended up coming directly over the three square mile where I was photographing that day? What are the odds? I suppose the one great thing about that, however, was that for a short time it offered the combination of bright, late afternoon light with dark rain clouds behind. I’ve only been lucky enough to get that dramatic natural lighting for a wedding once before (Julie and Trisha’s wedding). When it happens it is absolutely jaw-dropping. Chills-inducing for photographers everywhere.
Thanks Erin and Jeff for braving the weather, running fast from the moving storm clouds, and your willingness to trust my suggestions in the face of such odd conditions. I think you’ll appreciate just how special those couple hours were now that you see the results.
May 18, 2011
Keri and Jeff are having a destination wedding at Castoro Cellars later this year. They both have high stress jobs in Southern California, so a relaxing weekend in Paso Robles wine country has always been an escape. We used some of my favorite backgrounds in Paso for our session because the timing was perfect. The rains had been recent enough that the grass was green and the oaks looked great. But, the rains were far enough removed that we didn’t have to be a muddy, wet mess in reaching some of our spots. The evening of our session was beautiful weather, and I was grateful all the way around. Keri and Jeff, thanks for driving up for our session! It was a pleasure!
March 8, 2011
Kenzi and Jeff are getting married in 2011. Coincidentally, Kenzi shares the exact same name as a bride from my 2010 season…matching first and last names. What are the odds? I would’ve been really freaked out if they both were marrying guys with the same names, but that didn’t happen. We braved the windy day at Avila for this engagement shoot and then they were off to a company work party. After hearing about the party, I was almost tempted to invite myself along. Luckily, I think I’ll just tag along to their wedding instead. *smiles*
March 7, 2011
Megan knows me from her sister who was a bridesmaid at a wedding I shot several years ago. Whew. How’s that for six degrees of separation? But, as it turns out we have a whole lot more connections than separations. We both live(d) in San Diego. We both love vacations…ok, who doesn’t? Best of all, we both have amazing husbands…or in her case soon-to-be husband. Enter Josh…her fiance. He scored major points in my book by loving my favorite donut place in San Diego (VG’s in Cardiff/Encinitas), my favorite Mexican place in Paso Robles (La Reyna Market on 24th), and even tried my favorite Mexican place in San Diego (El Porvenir in the Barrio).
We originally tried for an engagement session in Paso, but it was FREEZING cold that day and started to rain just as our session was about to start. We opted out and instead had a great dinner at La Reyna Market. Not a bad Plan B, if you ask me. So when I was in San Diego recently, we rescheduled and headed out to Coronado Island for the session. A great suggestion on Megan and Josh’s part…the day was perfect and the sunset was stunning!! Made me remember just why I loved living in San Diego.
March 4, 2011
Julie and Anthony are getting married at the coolest vineyard up in Morgan Hill. Can’t wait!! They are friends with one of my 2009 clients and so it will be like a mini-reunion for me. I’m also really hoping that their adorable little Yorkie makes an appearance. My daughter has been begging for a Yorkie, and I can see why. I just adored watched Anthony carry around such a pocket sized pooch.
August 8, 2010
Stephen and Alicia are getting married today. They didn’t want an engagement session, instead they asked me if I would come to Avila Beach and take photos of their friends at their beach rehearsal bbq. Those are the things that are important to them. Friends and family. From Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, Northern California, and even more states. They came because they love this couple. And, I absolutely adore this photo of Stephen and Alicia. Taken as Alicia teared up thanking her friends and family for coming all this way to watch her make a commitment to her love. I’m gonna bawl today at their wedding.
