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!