Traditional Polish Wedding

I feel as if I’ve been in a whirlwind! This past month I had the privilege of photographing a wedding in the highlands of Southern Poland in the town of Zakopane.  Magda and Lucasz are both from Zakopane and they are truly proud of their heritage.  They wanted to incorporate as many customs as possible into their two-day event.  From the horse-drawn carriages that carried the guests to and from the church to the very last polka, Magda, Lucasz and their families thought of everything.  The local guests too, were excited about bringing on the old ways and the women dressed in colorful skirts and  traditional dresses, while the men wore heavy felt pants, fluffy white shirts and regional hats. From the kitchen came a never-ending stream of savory meals (we were fed AT LEAST every 2.5 hours!), while a live band played solid sets of perfect polka music. Dancing and laughter filled the lodge and poured out onto the surrounding decks, which provided beautiful views of the surrounding Tatra mountains.   I plan to do a more in depth write up as soon as I can, but for now, here is a highlights video of this 2-day celebration. It’s very fast paced, so be ready for that!done

Lake Natoma Inn – Engagement Session with Nick and Nicole

Nicole and Nick chose Lake Natoma Inn as their wedding venue and as they were planning the wedding they realized just how beautiful the area is down by the lake.  They asked if I minded shooting their engagement photos there as well and I agreed.  We had perfect weather and they looked so good together.  It was a fun photo session and we had a chance to discuss details of what they wanted as far as wedding photography and what we needed to do to capture those moments.  One reason why I really love to do engagement sessions is that it gives us an opportunity to work together before the wedding day, when tensions can be high.  These two were so relaxed.  I knew their wedding would be fun and beautiful.

Baker Beach Engagement Photos

I had a great time photographing Spencer and Breanna a few weeks ago in San Francisco. They are really fun to work with and we had a great day at all the fun photo spots.  Here are a few of my favorites from Baker Beach.

Spencer and Bre cruisin Baker Beach.

Mexican Doors

Here’s a video I’ve been meaning to post for a while.  A collection of some of my favorite Mexican doors.  Most were taken on the mainland, but there are a few from Baja California and Baja California Sur. Enjoy!done

Morris Chapel Wedding – Daniela and Marcus

What a wonderful couple! I had such a great time working with Daniela and Marcus.  It was hard to take a bad photo of these two. And the wedding and reception details were just exquisite.  Both families and the wedding party were all so very easy to work with and so appreciative.  With Morris Chapel as the backdrop for the ceremony and the Stockton Country Club as a reception site,  it was a magical day and a fantastic  experience. Thanks again, Daniela and Marcus for allowing me document your wedding!

Daniela and Marcus at Morris Chapel

Inside Morris Chapel

Windmills and Weddings

Oak Farm Wedding Hightlights Video

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Michele and Ivan’s Wedding at the Ryde Hotel

Here’s a highlight video of Michele and Ivan’s wedding at the Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove, California

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Trash the Dress? Or not!

I’ve had several after wedding photo shoots where the bride didn’t really care if she ruined her dress or not.  This was a fun one in the Central Valley. Tammy was a very willing subject and after I dragged her and her husband all over the Delta, we ended up in her backyard pool in Ceres! She did a great job, we were all exhausted, but I got some great images. Here are a few of my favorites.

John and Sarah: A+ Ceremony and Reception at Amorosa Inn and Gardens!

John and Sarah had a really sweet ceremony and reception at Amorosa Inn and Gardens in Lodi last month.  Here are a few highlights of their wedding day.  Congratulations to this happy Lodi couple!

John and Sarah

The Gals

Sarah and her Maid of Honor

Sarah

Sarah ready to head outside

On the Bridge

Some clouds moved in and we had a dramatic sky!

In the Vineyard