Well, I am back in the office today, and waist deep in editing. It is a good day! I had planned to do a post on our recent trip to the coast, but time is getting away from me and I must stay the course with my weddding edits. Lucky for all of us, that means one more tease from Bobby and Lauren's wedding day. I just couldn't resist... Cheers to this happy couple! Much Love to all of my amazing clients! You are the best!
Bobby and Lauren are married and what an amazing day it was! We were so honored to capture this sweet couple on Saturday!
Cheers to this tease and a day off for us...
In our work, Kenny and I want to create moments and we want to freeze time. We want to capture life that is perfectly genuine, and sometimes that happens in between the frames of our work.... just like this...
Andrea, know that you are beautiful: Genuinely.Beautiful
I think this photo says it all! These two were married on Saturday and it was among the most joyful celebrations ever! Cheers to Simon and Veronika!
When I first met Bri, here in Chico, she was planning her dream wedding to Billy for this coming January. However, Billy is in the military and when he was told of a possible deployment early this fall, they quickly moved the wedding to August! I am so glad their date was still available for me because I can't imagine not photographing this wedding. Seriously, it was such an honor. Kenny and I got to road trip back to Washington and together, we loved being a part of their day.The wedding was gorgeous and meaningful and a whole lot of fun. Thank you so much Billy and Bri! We are so blessed to work with people like you.
Their first look was so sweet, followed by more sweetness...
My view...
Kenny's view...
Seriously, just so thankful to work with these two!
Bri, you are gorgeous and Billy you have the best smile!
Such a fun and stunning bridal party!
A few candids from the ceremony....
I could tell that Bri and her maid of honor were the best of friends -- here they are right after Billy and Bri tied the knot!
The details were beautiful!
Some of my favorite beach photos with the couple!
Yes, I like you two!
And these happen to be the paddles to the kayaks that they rode away in... Yes, are they fun are what?
Rather than traditional cake for everyone, Bri and Billy chose a bonfire with smores!
And as the party wore on at the end of the evening, this ring bear still had enough energy to celebrate! Cheers to Bri and Billy!
Have a great Thursday everyone -- I am out of the office for the next few days, so I will see you on Monday!!
Billy and Bri are married! Kenny and I were so touched to be a part of this day, especially considering that the couple would invite us all the way to Seattle, Washington. We love traveling for weddings, so this was especially sweet!The wedding took place at a beautiful venue, on the Olympic Peninsula, The Edgewater House. The details were stunning. Everything from the bridesmaid dresses to the shoes to the view. What a beautiful day.
When couples hire us for the entire day, we really get to capture all of the details from beginning to end. So here is the beginning of their day. Cheers to Billy and Bri! You put together such a special wedding day. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Billy serves as a part of the military, and so I can appreciate his serious looks. He is so awesome!
And in case you were wondering... This first look and the rest of the wedding will be blogged early next week!
Lately I have been meeting with quite a few couples, and I have begun to wonder how I could help more -- how can I help people make a good decision about their wedding photography? And when I say that, I do not assume that we are the best choice for everyone, because we aren't. There are so many choices and good choices. So what are some helpful things for couples to discern about the wedding photographers that they meet with. How can they make the best choice for themselves? I would say more than anything -- make sure the photographer is a professional. Ask them about their work, look at their photos. View a variety of their photos to see how they look in different situations, are they consistently producing high quality images? Interview them about their experience.
Once you are able to discern whether or not a photographer has the experience that you want, then I would say the second most important thing to determine, is whether or not this photographer makes you comfortable. Do you get along well with them and do you think that they will be able to put you at ease on your wedding day? A photographer spends a great deal of time with you on your wedding day and it is important that they are someone who you would want to invite into that day. Can you envision this photographer as part of your day? Kenny and I love the relationships that we get to build because of our work. You almost want your photographer to feel like a friend. At least that is how we want our clients to feel -- because this will give them the freedom to be themselves.
Obviously photographers have different styles, and you will see that, in the images that they produce. So make sure that their work matches what you envision as an end product. Also, does the kind of work they do, have a timeless value to it -- so that in ten years you will still love your photos?
Perhaps there is more I could say on this subject. Perhaps there is less I could say. I want the kind of clients who cannot wait to see what images we produce and trust us to the fullest. At the end of the day, if you can feel this way about the photographer you choose, then that is certainly the right choice for you.
Cheers to decision making (which I am slowly improving on).
And because I am steadily working on this wedding, I thought I would show you at least one more photo -- because I can hardly wait!
We made the trek on Thursday -- to the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. And on Friday, we photographed a beautiful wedding on the beaches of the Seattle Harbor. Congratulations Billy and Bri! We are so blessed to work with you! Here is a tease of the beautiful Bri! More to come this week....
Crystal and Matt were married on one of the warmest days this summer. The wedding took place at the Riverview Golf and Country Club and it was stunning.Crystal and Matt are both teachers -- they have a love for students and they were surrounded by the best of friends on their wedding day. I felt like I was with people that I had known my entire life -- they were that nice! They embraced Kenny and I, and we are so grateful!
Their love story is simple and together they are better. Thank you so much Matt and Crystal for letting us be a part of your amazing day. There isn't enough time or space to tell your whole story, but here is a start....
Cheers you two!
While girls get ready on a wedding day, boys just hang out :)
The first look:
Crystal's Mom had decorated a golf cart for fun!
Crystal, you are stunning... This photo was taken right before the ceremony began...
Just a couple from the ceremony...
The details for the reception were amazing...
A few more as the sun began to set...
Cheers to a great evening!
Well, there are bound to be a few cuties who steal the show at every wedding. This little man turned out to be just that on Matt and Crystal's day... And look for the bride and groom on here tomorrow :)
Alright friends, as promised, here is part two of Levi and Heidi's wedding day:When I met Levi and Heidi this past spring, I just knew that they would be an awesome couple to work with. Levi is a bit sarcastic, and we all just love him. Heidi is sweet. Together, they dance beautifully... Their wedding day was full of laughter and love and teasing. It was a pleasure for Kenny and I to join. Thank you so much Levi and Heidi. We are blessed to know you!
I am always taken by details. A wedding day goes by so quickly, and so I don't want my clients to forget exactly what their celebration looked like. Perhaps this is an inspiration for a blog post soon...
They were so happy... wouldn't you agree?
The flowers and rings were stunning...
Let me tell you, they nearly had a food fight with this cake :)
Ok, now here is the story behind the dancing.... Levi and Heidi are exceptional, ball room dancers. For their first dance, they began in the middle of the dance floor, and ended up dancing through the crowd, around the tables -- it was magical. I am tellling you... This is only a couple of the photos from their first dance.
I really appreciated Heidi's Dad -- he was so kind to us and you can tell he adores Heidi. (Here is my angle)
(Kenny's angle)
More portraits of the two of them.... They are so awesome!
Ok, just a few more... Loved being a part of this wedding day!
Levi was so proud of this "get away" car! Cheers you two!
Some of the Vendors: Venue: The Palms Lighting and DJ: Dream Lighting and Sounds Dress: David's Bridal Wedding Coordination:Naomi from Your Perfect Day Wedding Coordination
I had the honor of capturing a very intimate wedding ceremony and celebration a few weeks ago. Linda and Dennis are beautiful people -- and as I edited their photos -- I saw a unique love for one another and their families. The ceremony was held at their home, overlooking the beautiful canyons. I just loved that they invited me into their home, into their lives. They let me take photos of so many details -- that just told stories of their life together and each of their personalities. Six people were in attendance, each close family memebers. To me, it was a reminder of how special my job is -- I am invited into something so personal and I treasure that honor. In a celebration of eight people, I felt like a friend. Here is a look at some of my work before the ceremony, as the rest will be finished soon...
Cheers to Friday! I have a busy weekend ahead of me, and feel incredibly blessed to do what I love. Have a really good weekend everyone!
Because it was such an intimate ceremony, they didn't have a large reception. Instead, Linda had adorned the dining table with beautiful trinkets from the past -- china and silverware owned by her grandparents...
A sweet small celebration continued later that day....
A beautiful arrangement from the wedding I am editing right now... Cheers to Thursday and the sweet friend who brought me a chai tea today. I am so blessed!
I met Jared and Ashley at Starbucks -- they were so eager to get married. Jared is full of charisma and energy. Ashley is a little more reserved and adorable. When they booked me for their wedding, I was thrilled. Here are two people, who met in Junior High about to be married. The wedding ceremony held many stories of their romance and friendship. The day held laughter and tears and celebration.Again -- I stood in awe of the amazing stories I get to capture, this being one of them. Thank you to the Bracewells and Fosters for letting me into such an amazing day. Thank you for making Kenny and I feel like family. We left with hearts full and lots of memories.
Oh yes, and wouldn't you agree that any wedding day that begins with red shoes, is going to be a great day?
Ashley got ready in an old choir room... The photos may tell a bit of that story too...
Her accessories were so personal -- each holding a different story or pasttime.
A gorgeous bride for sure....
Jared -- you are awesome!
Ashley and Jared chose not to see one another before the wedding..
So, here is their first look...
Some of my favorite portraits of the two of them...
The details inside the reception were awesome -- and yes, the candy station did have chocolate covered corn nuts...
The cake was beautiful...
The reception began with their first dance and ended with even more dancing... I wish I could blog the entire thing, but enjoy these last few glimpses of their amazing day!
Wedding Information: Venue: Neighborhood Church Flowers: Chico Florist Catering: Italian Guy Gown: David's Bridal Cake: Mim's Bakery
In ancient culture, a wedding veil was worn by a bride to signify many things. Some cultures believed that the veil would ward off evil and was worn to protect a woman. Other cultures believed that the veil was a sign of modesty and morality. Still, other people groups, wore the veil to signify submission to the husband. At the end of a ceremony, the groom would lift the veil, as the first sign of headship to his family. Today,the decision to wear a veil, is usually based on personal choice, rather than tradition. Similar to how a wedding gown reveals the uniqueness of a bride, so too can a veil. I encourage my brides to find a veil that compliments their style and gown choice. A veil really is a stunning and unique accessory to a gown. It photographs beautifully and adds another dimension to portraits.
While I say all of this, there are also many brides who choose not to wear a veil. I think that even this choice, shows us something about that bride's style and personality.
The goal in this post, is not to sway you one way or the other. Rather to give you some food for thought. It is so fun for a bride to see the components of her wedding day come together -- including her gown and accessories. Look at photos and magazines and envision what you see yourself choosing. More than any thing, I hope you will find joy in giving thought to all these things. And at the end of the day, remember what really matters most is your marriage.
Cheers to engagements and wedding planning!
The same veil from above, added to the dimension of this photo...
These are some beautiful styles..
Both these brides chose not to wear a veil, and complimented their look with something totally different and equally as stunning.
Sometimes I wonder whether or not I am very good at this blog thing. Each day, I give myself a 4:00 deadline. And by this time every day, I am so waist deep in my editing, that I am lucky to get one photo on the blog. Oh, I am so sorry to all those who read this blog. Hopefully you won't give up on me -- because I promise, to share more than one photo with you very soon. In fact, the photo below is from a wedding that I am editing right now... their entire day will be blogged this week! As for all the teases last week, I was in the gorgeous Bend, Oregon with my family. For those of you who have never visited Bend, I highly recommend it, especially when you are surrounded by great people. Cheers to what is to come and the hope that my blog will soon be filled with many, many photos!
Oh yes, and doesn't this photo make you want to dye your hair a stunning red? Ashley is beautiful!
Crystal and Matt were married yesterday at a beautiful venue in Redding. As I began downloading their photos, I got lost in her portraits and just wanted to post these two for now... There will be so much more to show and I promise Matt will be on the blog soon as well. Crystal, you are beautiful!
There has been a moment in every wedding this summer where I have been overwhelmed to tears with how blessed I am to do what I do. It was during Levi and Heidi's first dance, that I felt the tears welling up once again. Congratulations you two! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your amazing day! Here is just a tease for now...
When I met Brent and Jade for their consultation, I knew that I wanted to photograph their wedding. They are two unique people, and have a blend of so many distinct traits about them. Jade is reserved, yet bold. Brent is brilliant with graphic design and loves music. Together -- they are stronger and loved. Their wedding day was fun -- it was filled with people, people that love them.These photos are just a tiny glimpse into their day... If only I had more time to fill more pages of this blog with stories. So, cheers to Brent and Jade. Thank you so much. I am honored to know you both.
Jade, you are a stunning bride. 
The first look....
Right before the ceremony, we took a few photos of Jade with her birdcage veil. Stunning for sure...
The ceremony was very casual and I really like how happy they are!
Some of the details... Jade hand picked each wine glass for their day and the treats were homemade as well...
This Taco Truck catered their meal...
Jade had a sweet cocktail dress for the reception...
They celebrated all evening, but for the sake of an already very long blog post, I will end here... There first dance as newlyweds.
And by the end of this night -- Kenny and I were tuckered. We had shot two weddings, back to back days, in different states. An unforgettable summer so far.
Wedding Vendors: Venue: Chico CARD Center Florist: Chico Florist DJ: Platinum Productions Makeup: The Powder Room Catering: The Taco Truck
What a stunning bride. I will be anxious to share more from this small, intimate wedding day soon. Thank you Dennis and Linda for allowing us into your lives yesterday. Once again, we are honored to work with such amazing people.
