Corrine and Kyle – Saturday, April 7, 2012 – Wine and Roses, Lodi, California – Sneak Peek

Can’t wait to work on Saturday’s beautiful Wine and Roses wedding! Corrine and Kyle are currently vacationing in the Bahamas – have a great time, you two!

Corrine is so beautiful!

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Andrea and Fred – October 22, 2011, Firehouse Restaurant, Sacramento, California

Andrea has been a dear friend for years now. If I could use a few words to describe her, some might be “spunky”, “beautiful”, “loyal”, and “ambitious”. She has started her own blog showcasing her fashion and style, which you can find here. Andrea has a magnetic personality that attracts so many friends. When she’s on vacation, she meets new people and plans new vacations with them in the future. She has been a bridesmaid so many times that I’m pretty sure she can relate to Katherine Heigl’s character in the movie “27 Dresses”. This time, however, she has found the man who deserves to stand next to her for the rest of her life. Fred is amazing, a perfect fit, and an incredible guy.

In the time that I have known Andrea, she has been one of my number one supporters. I know that she believes in my work, and she shouts it from every rooftop she can find. When Andrea told me she was getting married, I was beyond excited. This woman is one of the most stylish ladies I know, and I knew her wedding would be over the top. And (just to tease), you will be seeing more of Andrea and Fred’s special day in the near future.

Andrea and Fred, I love you two! I am looking forward to more Christmas cocktail parties, eventually a beautiful baby bump, backyard BBQ’s, some newborn photography, fun winery trips, and family sessions in the future. It is in your case that I have created close friends out of clients, which is one of the most pleasant and unexpected perks of my profession.

I LOVED Andrea and Fred’s first look. Andrea used her bridesmaids to shield herself from Fred’s view until just the right moment, when she revealed herself and allowed him to watch the rest of her walk toward him.

I must warn my readers that the next images will be overwhelmingly full of details. Andrea did not skimp!

The Firehouse Restaurant serves some amazing food!

I loved hearing Andrea recount her first encounter with Fred. Apparently, some of his first words to her included “I will CRUSH you!” Obviously, he got over that feeling pretty quickly.

More vendors from Andrea and Fred’s special day will be added soon!

A special thank you from Katherine Vess of Katherine Vess Photography for the support and lovely images she captured as my second shooter.

Ceremony and reception location: Firehouse Restaurant, Old Sacramento

DJ/Videographer: Premiere Entertainment

Photobooth: Sound Image Photo Booths

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Lindsi and Jason – October 1, 2011 – Taber Ranch, Capay Valley, California

Lindsi recently let me in on how she and Jason became an item – through a gathering at a BBQ thrown by Kari, a mutual friend. Lindsi remembered, “Jason and I hit it off right away talking with each other throughout the night until it was time to go to work the next morning. The next day I got his number from Kari, but chickened out on calling him. And according to Jason he got my number from Kari but was waiting a few days to call. Well a few days passed and I decided to hunt him down on Myspace… Yes, Myspace. From that point on we started talking had our first date at Willies Diner.” Lindsi went on to describe a future date in which the couple had planned to go hiking in some rather wet weather. Jason is very outdoorsy, and Lindsi believes that it helped seal the deal that she never complained about being cold and wet during their hike. On the other hand, the two enjoyed getting to know each other a little better while taking in the nature around them. Three years later, Jason proposed to Lindsi on the same hiking trail. This time, though, the weather was gorgeous and Jason came armed with a surprise picnic and wine. And in Lindsi’s opinion, it was absolutely perfect.

Love the perspectives from two different angles! First, my image:

Then a shot from Katherine’s perspective:

Taber Ranch is such a beautiful venue, and the owners dress it to the MAX for weddings. Lindsi had to do next to no decorating for her event. In addition, the views are amazing. I LOVE it!!!

Jason and Lindsi opted to see each other before the ceremony in order to help the wedding day schedule run a little more smoothly. Their wedding ceremony ran close to sundown, so we completed all the bridal party pictures before the ceremony began.

In love with the reception details. I have to say that even as a wedding photographer who is used to seeing a lot of detail, I was overwhelmed with the overall amount throughout the day. And the fact that my bride didn’t have to do most of it… Priceless!

Lindsi and Jason’s DJ ROCKED! He really knew what it took to get guests out onto the dance floor!

The antique hats used to decorate the bathrooms were just too irresistible – we had to grab a fun group shot!

A very, very special thank you to Katherine of Katherine Vess Photography for being my right hand gal for this shindig. I credit her for so much – keeping me calm when I got overwhelmed with all the beautiful details, fishing for hair flowers behind heavy furniture, capturing awesome detail shots, and much, much more. THANK YOU!!!

Cake: Sweet Cakes by Rebecca in Citrus Heights

Centerpieces: DIY mason jars with hydrangeas from Mom’s Wholesale Florist

Bouquets and boutonnieres: Mom’s Wholesale Florist

DJ: The Sundance Kid. Love him, he has done many of my family events and weddings.

Bridal Dress: Davids Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses: Two Birds Bridesmaids

Hair: Mel George, working at Studio 55 in Roseville

Makeup: Renee Gargano, working at Macy’s Impusle counter in Roseville.

Tuxes: Tuxedo Den

Rings: Giraux Fine Jewlery

Officiant: Bob Waegell

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Elizabeth and Keith – September 25, 2011, Crawford’s Barn, Sacramento, California (Part II)

Part two of this couple’s fabulous DIY shindig. Might I add a couple of tips for prospective brides?

One, if the bride and groom are on the dance floor, the wedding guests will be too. Note this in the images below, in which Liz and Keith amp up their guests by shakin’ it like crazy themselves.

Two, if your photographer offers the chance for “Golden Hour” portraits during the ceremony, TAKE IT!!! (Thank you Aimee Fredy!)

Three, if you feel the need to have your guests join you in singing Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of your lungs, go for it! This couple is going to look back on their lively reception with no regrets. The pictures say it all!

This is part of the reason I love these two!

The awesome bride and I:

It is very important that I give credit to Aimee Fredy of White Daisy Photography for all her support on this day. Without Aimee, many of the above images would not exist or even be possible.

I am sure that Liz would like to thank quite a few people, but I will do my best to mention a few. I know that Foster McManus, Sharon Wonder, Dianna DeLashmutt, Paul McManus, Jeff and Joe (in charge of music in the next post) and SO MANY OTHERS contributed to making this day happen. Other than that, here are the basics:

Ceremony and reception location: Crawford’s Barn, Sacramento, California

Catering: Hannibal’s

Cake and dessert bar: DIY – Liz, family and friends

Centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres: DIY – Liz, family and friends

DJ: Playlist designed by Liz and Keith, played by friends Jeff and Joe

Bridal Dress: The Collective Bride, Yuba City

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Chosen individually by each bridesmaid

Hair: Ashleigh at Details Salon in Sacramento

Makeup: Mandie Jackson

Tuxes: Keith’s suit purchased at indochino.com, groomsmen provided suits of their own

Officiant: Liz’s father, Mike

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Elizabeth and Keith – September 25, 2011, Crawford’s Barn, Sacramento, California (Part I)

The story of Liz and Keith’s wedding day is told by me in vivid, detailed images. The story of how they met and their proposal, however, will have to be paraphrased from their wedding website. It goes something like this…

Keith recalled that the first time he laid eyes on Liz, she was onstage at The Acting Company’s show “Into the Woods”. Liz played the role of Cinderella, and Keith remembered wondering, “Wow. Who’s that?” A few months later, Keith was given the opportunity to find out. It turns out that the pair were cast opposite each other in The Acting Company’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors”. In Keith’s own words: “The first day she arrived at the playhouse, I was outside the front entrance with friends. She rolled in on her favorite cruiser bicycle, her brilliant smile flashing. Her beautiful, kind eyes fell on mine and my heart fell completely for hers.”

Wow, Keith. Making a few girls jealous right about now, I’m sure!

Again, I am going to quote this sweet groom’s words about his proposal to Liz:
“By the beginning of March, 2010 (Liz and I had been dating just over six months), I was sure of two things regarding Liz: One, I’m spending the rest of my life with this woman. And two, the day the big question is uncorked will be a day neither of us would forget… On the eve of her twenty sixth birthday, I took her down to the foot of ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, Burney Falls, and, after she had opened her first two presents, I opted to open the last. The ring was wrapped, and safely hidden inside a gift bag so there would be no clues to ruin this moment I had worked so hard for. I knelt to one knee (’cause I’m a true sap at heart), recited my rehearsed line, and let the question fly…

… And, with the sun peaking over the top of the ridge to cast a few moments of sunset for my stage, she smiled. And laughed. And cried. And she said, ‘Yes!'”

As an extended family member of Keith’s, this couple and their special day meant a lot for me. I watched Keith change after meeting Liz, and I loved the person he had chosen. This bride has a beautiful soul to go along with those gorgeous eyes and the brilliant smile Keith referred to in his story. I loved watching Liz’s excitement as she witnessed all of her planning and hard work come together. Even on a tight budget, the details complimented each other so perfectly. Liz splurged where it was important and cut back where necessary. She is the ultimate Do-It-Yourself bride on a budget, and proved to all of us that an amazing wedding can truly be pulled off with enough inspiration and help from friends and family.

On to part one of Elizabeth and Keith’s day…

The view from Liz’s window. The skies threatened to let loose all day, eventually settling with a few “good luck” sprinkles during formals. Thank goodness!

SO beautiful.

Liz and Keith opted for a first look in order to make the best use of their time during the tight wedding day schedule. I want to take this opportunity to point out that typically, the schedule would allow us to spend more time with the groom as he is getting ready. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way during this event.

It is very important that I first give credit to Aimee Fredy of White Daisy Photography for all her support on this day. Without Aimee, many of the above images would not exist or even be possible.

I am sure that Liz would like to thank quite a few people, but I will do my best to mention a few. I know that Foster McManus, Sharon Wonder, Dianna DeLashmutt, Paul McManus, Jeff and Joe (in charge of music in the next post) and SO MANY OTHERS contributed to making this day happen. Other than that, here are the basics:

Ceremony and reception location: Crawford’s Barn, Sacramento, California

Catering: Hannibal’s

Cake and dessert bar: DIY – Liz, family and friends

Centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres: DIY – Liz, family and friends

DJ: Playlist designed by Liz and Keith, played by friends Jeff and Joe

Bridal Dress: The Collective Bride, Yuba City

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Chosen individually by each bridesmaid

Hair: Ashleigh at Details Salon in Sacramento

Makeup: Mandie Jackson

Tuxes: Keith’s suit purchased at indochino.com, groomsmen provided suits of their own

Officiant: Liz’s father, Mike

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Elizabeth and Keith’s September wedding – A VERY antsy sneak peek!

Here is a little look at why I am so head-over-heels with this wedding so far. And this is just the beginning! I seriously can. NOT. WAIT!!!

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Lyndsey and Eric – September 17, 2011, Wine and Roses in Lodi, California

Whenever I can, I try to get the complete story from my bride and groom in order to blog their special day. Lyndsey and Eric were a dream. The pictures say everything that I am not eloquent enough to tell in words, and Lyndsey is going to tell the rest. Here it is, in her own words:

“Eric and I met in Chico, CA. At the time I was living downtown Chico in a cute little victorian home with two of my bridesmaids (Lindsey Burnham & Sarah Scritchfield). It was summer time and us girls decided to invite some people over for some drinks and games. I had just met Eric’s friend Keola, who we invited to come over, and he brought Eric with him. After that fun night with the boys I continued to hang out with Eric more and more often. Eric and I became good friends, which eventually led to us both falling for one another!

It was a random summer day when Eric decided to pop the question – Friday July 9, 2010, to be exact. I knew he had something nice planned for me, but I was not expecting a proposal! The day started by waking up to my favorite latte from It’s a Grind. After I finished getting ready we were off to Lodi, CA for some afternoon wine tasting. Throughout the day we tasted at five different wineries, ending at Harmony Wynelands. Our last wine tasting was a champagne tasting, and the server suggested we take the tasting outside to check out the garden area. I agreed and Eric suddenly had to go pee (he was really getting the ring)! So as I am waiting for him outside in the garden for like ten minutes, he eventually comes out with two wine glasses full of champagne. I immediately cheers him and he replies, “Look down at your glass!” So I looked down and hanging from a ribbon at the bottom of my glass was a beautiful diamond ring! I couldn’t believe it! “Is this for real?!” “Yes!”

Oh and that’s not all folks…So after all the tastings I was ready for bed, but Eric had more planned! He had dinner reservations at the Rio City Cafe in old town Sacramento that we had to make on time. As we walked into the restaurant we turned the corner and there sat both of our families and friends! I can say that was one of the best days of my life!”

Lyndsey and Eric, thank you for sharing your story AND your day with me and so many others. I feel blessed to have such comfortable relationships with the people who hire me. Congrats on your wedding, and I hope your marriage is as magical as your wedding day was.

LOVE it when my couples share a first look moment! I think it’s much more intimate than sharing that moment with hundreds of other people.

This was a total accident – just the result of the sun hitting my lens at a certain angle. But I love it nonetheless!

I must mention that this post would not be possible without Katherine of Katherine Vess Photography. Thank you, girl!

Ceremony and reception location: Wine & Roses

Catering: Wine & Roses

Cake & cupcakes: Wine & Roses

Centerpieces: Little Flower Shop (Tracy, Ca)

Bouquets and boutonnieres: Little Flower Shop

Officiant: Jeff Tollison (Corning, Ca)

DJ – Elite Entertainment

Bridal Dress – Elizabeth Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Elizabeth Bridal

Hair – Kristi Stayton & Stephanie Furhman (Versailles salon and day spa)

Makeup – Danica Bravo

Tuxes – Tuxedo Den

Rings – Julianne Rings (Chico, Ca)

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Andrea and Fred – Firehouse Restaurant, Sacramento, California – Sneak Peek

Let me emphasize that this is ONLY a small peek at the deliciousness that was Andrea and Fred’s shindig. You could say that these 22 pictures are just a handful of my favorites, and a rather large post will follow soon. Thank you again, Andrea and Fred – you have blessed me by placing your trust in me for capturing your special day.

For me, this day was truly memorable.

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Lindsi and Jason – Taber Ranch, Capay, California – Sneak Peek

A few amazing shots from Lindsi and Jason’s special day on the 1st of October. No kidding – Taber Ranch was a photographer’s dream. Many, many more beautiful images to come!

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Lyndsey and Eric – Wine and Roses, Lodi, California – Sneak Peek

Here’s a quick look into Lyndsey and Eric’s beautiful wedding on Saturday. Wine and Roses is always a beautiful venue, but the whole evening was absolutely magical.

Lyndsey was so gorgeous:

And I was IN LOVE with her rhinestone-studded heels:

Have a great honeymoon in Maui, you two!

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