Wedding at St. Dominic's San Francisco, Pavilion By the Bay, Treasure Island

Last month I had the honor of photographing the beautiful wedding of Phyllis and Chris. It was absolutely incredible. I met this adorable couple last year at a Bridal Fair.. and I quickly realized that their wedding was going to be extra special. I was able to get to know them a little better when I photographed their engagement session back in the summer.

The day started with everyone getting ready at the Four Seasons in San Francisco. It just so happened that Love Fest was going on that same morning. The parade was in full force on Market Street when I arrived. It was my first time witnessing the mass chaos! It was quite interesting getting to the hotel- luckily I was able to get a cab to drop me just a block or so away. I saw quite a few more nearly naked people than I cared to on the way over. :) The funny thing was that Phyllis and Chris had actually changed their date from October 8th to avoid Fleet Week! They didn't let this surprise get to them though-- and everyone was having a blast in the two suites where the guys and gals were getting ready.

The ceremony was at the incredible St. Dominic's. The cathedral was full of Chris and Phyllis's over 300 guests. This couple is clearly very loved.. the Bridal Party included 10 groomsmen, 8 bridesmaids and 20 sponsors!


After a cable car ride to Treasure Island the reception began at the new Pavilion by the Bay. What a fabulous location for a wedding! Theirs was one of the first few weddings at this new facility.



You couldn't ask for more spectacular views.. and Phyllis and Chris were blessed with clear weather- at sunset the view of both bridges and the city was just stunning.

I love love LOVED the centerpieces Chris and Phyllis put together- with goldfish!! One surprise for the guests was Phyllis and two of her bridesmaids performing a choreographed dance to "Single Ladies" just before the bouquet toss.. too cool.

Congratulations Phyllis and Chris. You two were awesome to work with and I wish you the best !!

A Sweet City Hall Wedding in San Francisco

On Monday, September 21st I photographed Allison and Aaron incredibly sweet wedding ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco. Allison looked absolutely adorable in her short white eyelet dress and strappy silver heels. They were lucky enough to have 14 of their family members with them for the ceremony, officiated by Mayor Newsome. Allison and Aaron have been together for over ten years. They met the same week that Allison moved to the city, and have apparently been inseperable since. You could just tell how in love they are with each other.




Congrats Aaron and Allison!!

Some time in the Tarheel State

Last month I spent some time in North Carolina, my home state. It was wonderful to see some of my wonderful NC clients,friends and family. It was a busy but incredibly fun time. I spent some time in the Triangle area as well as down at the coast in Wilmington. Here are a few of my favorite images! If you'd like to get on the calendar for the next time I'm on the east coast let me know- As of right now it looks like late December through January 8th. I am also planning a spring trip for mid-April- just in time for the azaleas and dogwoods :) Stay tuned!

A garden wedding in Danville, CA

On August 15th I photographed Amelia and Ted's absolutely gorgeous wedding in Danville. Amelia and Ted decided to change their original plan of having the ceremony at the Lafayette Park Hotel- and go with a simply beautiful wedding in Amelia's parents own fabulous backyard. It was absolutely the perfect choice for them. The weather was perfect and the ceremony overlooking the pool was just stunning. The sweetest part of the ceremony to me was the music- Amelia's own brother sang as well as her mother's choral group.



Amelia and Ted decided that they wanted to see each other before the ceremony so that we could all go to their neighborhood park- an area of the Greenbelt from Crow Canyon Country Club leading to Osage Park. It was simply perfect. Amelia met Ted downstairs in the home she grew up in - and they shared a special moment seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. Then, the wedding party and Sara and I spent some time with them at the park before the ceremony.

Newborn studio session

Wow have I been busy! I'm back in California from my two week trip to North Carolina and I have a lot of sessions to blog about. I couldn't help though but to go ahead and post this teaser from yesterday's session- I love newborns!

Wedding at St. Helena Catholic Church, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) St. Helena, California

On August 1st Sara and I drove up through Napa to St. Helena to photograph Eleonora and Al's stunning wedding at St. Helena Catholic Church. The reception followed at the Culinary Institute of America, or CIA, also in St. Helena. Sara was first with the men as they were getting ready at Tudal Winery while I was with the women at Eleonora's parents house in St. Helena. El's parents house is not far from their Napa Valley Olive Oil Mfg company. I LOVED the miniature olive oil bottles they gave as favors to their guests at the reception. With ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen there was definitely some excitement before the ceremony! The women were absolutely gorgeous in champagne and chocolate brown. Eleonora's gown was just to die for- complete with an antique broach on the front that was given to her by a family friend.



St. Helena Catholic was filled to capacity with Eleonora and Al's 330 guests, some of which came from Italy for the celebration. It was standing room only in the back as they took their vows. The full mass was absolutely gorgeous in the newly renovated church. I loved Al's celebratory gesture after they were pronounced! :) El and Al's wedding was actually the first in the church post-renovation. The "re"dedication ceremony for St. Helena Catholic actually followed directly after their wedding.


We stopped for some photos at Charles Krug Winery on the way to the CIA . There's a perfect view of the architecture of the CIA from Charles Krug- and we also took advantage of the opportunity to photograph the bride and groom with the carriage house and vineyard behind them.

The CIA was absolutely gorgeous lit by the candelabras on each of the 33 tables. The wine barrels that form the perimeter of the ballroom add such warmth to the room. I loved the combination of roses, lilies, and hydrangea's that formed the centerpieces.


Congratulations Eleonora and Al Morando!!

Portraits in North Carolina August 25-Sept. 5, 2009

To all my awesome NC clients-- I've just booked a couple of weeks on the East Coast and look forward to seeing you! I will be available for children and family portrait sessions August 25th through September 5th. Please contact me if you'd like to get on the calendar. All sessions will be on location in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area the week of August 25th, followed by sessions in Wilmington the week of the 31st. I'm instituting the "buddy" system for the Triangle area this season as well- So if you have a friend or relative who would like to get on the calendar too you can split the cost of the session! (same location, sessions one hour apart.) I am still honoring my 2005 Raleigh prices for this week, which means the session fee is only $125. Don't know where to go? Here are some suggestions of my favorite places to photograph children and family sessions- I will likely be visiting several of these spots:

Oakview County Park, Raleigh -just off of Poole Rd. and the beltline, behind the Wake County office complex
JC Raulston Arboretum at NCSU, Raleigh -on Beryl Rd. just off of Hillsborough Street near Meredith College
Bond Park, Cary on High House Road between Cary Parkway and Northwest Maynard Road.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham *please note Duke charges a fee for use of their grounds for photography*
UNC Chapel Hill Arboretum and campus
Wrightsville Beach
UNCW campus

In home or backyard sessions are always encouraged as well. As always, I recommend solid, neutral colored clothing in coordinated tones for your family members.

Please give me a call at 919-272-4049. I look forward to seeing you all!