Zen-style wedding

I sometimes wish I would have been as zen on my wedding day as some of my clients are on theirs. I've worked with some pretty chill brides who seem to have it under control on their big day. I've shared some pretty out-there stories about wedding day craziness, simply due to all the forces coming together on a single day. Nevermind what happens when there are family members with varying, and strong, opinions. Some brides take it in stride, which I admire. I am flexible in my approach to photographing weddings, and I always try to bring my own sense of calm, which helps when the bride, or groom, is having a moment of unease, or even panic about the schedule, the day, etc. It is a good reminder, to take a breath, watch the clouds, smell the air, enjoy the sun, the light, and know it is a day you won't ever forget.

Foodie!

I am a sucker for creative food at weddings. Anyone who has gotten married can tell you how challenging it can be to plan the wedding itself. But it takes the planning to a whole other level to take a creative approach to the food one serves their guests at the reception dinner. Many prefer to play it safe, which, when you are feeding that many friends and family members, who can blame you for wanting to try to make everyone happy. But for those who serve brussel sprouts, I salute you! The way I see it, if these guests at your wedding have been by your side throughout life, they know what they are getting into when you invite them over for dinner! But whether the menu is surf and turf, or barbecue, make sure you pick a chef who knows how to put it all together to make it taste good.

A Fly on the Wall

Sometimes I feel like such a spy, inconspicuously tracking for the perfect shot without drawing attention to myself and the camera equipment hanging off of me. I took this photograph at a wedding at Mission Santa Clara de Asis. The adobe wall and wrought iron gate made the light glow and dance on the bride and groom. A stunning day, with stunning Northern California light, and a very affectionate couple.

Love on a Golf Course

I've lost track of the number of weddings I've photographed at golf courses. Someone English once said that golf courses are the parks of America. Well, you'd be surprised how much fun you can have getting married on the green. The toughest thing is finding shade, as trees don't make for very good driving ranges. The bride and groom at this wedding brought lovely paper parasols for their guests, a luck thing since it was a 90 degree day!

Second line

This was an especially fun wedding. The couple was from New Orleans and they did not need any other excuse to make their wedding into a big parade, "Second line" style. I spent the entire evening chasing after the bride and groom for shots like these as they tirelessly danced and twirled around the room all night long, with the entire crowd following them.

The one that got away

Those who know my photography style may be familiar with how I have been known to get the occasional bride a little mud-spattered, the groom a little hay-dusted. It can be a lot of fun to take some photographs at an unusual spot that is meaningful to your relationship, or play in the field while you have on a stunning outfit that you will wear only once in your life. Just remind me to save those shots for after the ceremony because we don't want everyone to see mud on the dress at the church!

With Sauce

Sometimes it takes a little time to coax some 'tude from the bride, to bring out the real person who wants to strut her stuff. Remember that your wedding day is a great opportunity to live the fairytale. You've planned for months, now it's time to breathe, enjoy the party! It's your day. Bring the sauce!