Stephanie and Russell :: Berkeley Wedding

Stephanie was beaming from the moment I first saw her on her wedding day. The room was buzzing with excitement as the girls put the finishing touches on the Stephanie, completing her transformation from beautiful woman to radiant bride. Then we headed up to Tilden Park for the festivities! Russ was waiting patiently to see his bride and was a (very handsome) ball of nerves when we arrived. Russell and Stephanie opted for a "first look" which allowed for lots of extra time to take pictures (which I was naturally super excited about!!). Despite the weather report calling for showers and rain all day, we got through the entire day without a drop! It was a magical day and I am so honored to have been a part of it! Good luck with everything, Russ and Stephanie!!!

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Chris and Bre :: Pleasanton Engagement Session

When I first met Chris and Bre, I fell in love with them.  They have a peacefulness about them that is magnetic and they are effortlessly stylish.  It is rare to find a couple who plans a wedding that truly reflects who they are and shows off their style, especially a young couple like Chris and Bre.  I am so excited to shoot their wedding this May at a ranch in Oakdale.  I think that if I could do my own wedding over again, it would be on a ranch.  And like I've mentioned before, I totally live vicariously through my brides and grooms.  This wedding will be no exception.

We decided on a rustic trail in the hills near Calipe Wildlife Preserve in Pleasanton for their engagement session.  We lucked out with weather (unlike so many of my clients whose sessions have been rescheduled due to rain lately).  The afternoon was sunny, but not the kind of sunny that you see once the heat arrives and turns the landscape grey and hazy.  It was crisp and the colors were vibrant.  Despite Chris and Bre being nervous to be in front of the camera, they were naturals.  I had fun stomping through the tall grass with them and they were such good sports, backing up my initial impression of them being so laid back. Chris and Bre, thanks for the wonderful session.  I look forward to the big day in May!!

Jamye and Daniel :: Livermore Engagement Session

Daniel took a Saturday off so that we could shoot their engagement session so rescheduling wasn't in the cards. I was in the midst of the worst case of the flu that I can remember but went out anyway. I really like Jamye and Daniel. They are such kind people and the love that they share is so innocent and sweet. So I sucked it up, loaded up on medicine and cough drops, and drove out to "Daffodil Hill" in Livermore. Despite feeling like my head might actually detach from my body and fly away, the session went really well. I didn't get within three feet of Jamye and Daniel for the entire hour. The last thing that I wanted was for one of them to get sick. But they took my direction and kicked butt! I am so happy for them and can't wait for their wedding in July...not only because I think they are an amazing couple and I can't wait to document their BIG day but also because I will finally get a chance to shoot them while feeling more like myself:-) Jamye and Daniel, thank you for your patience last week! I hope that you love your pictures!!!

Greg and Rachael :: Walnut Creek Newlywed Session

How cute are these guys? They've been married less than two months so they look at each other the way that newlyweds do. But something tells me that they will be looking that way at each other in forty years. I loved spending time with Greg and Rachael and wish them the best of luck in their brand new marriage!

Stephanie and Russell :: SF Engagement

I picked them up outside their place in San Francisco. It was a GORGEOUS, sunny day in the city and I was excited! Stephanie greeted me with her trademark mega-watt smile and I went to say "hi" to Russ. We hadn't met before and I could tell he was a little apprehensive (as many grooms are the first time in front of the camera). He warmed up a bit as we talked on the way to Chrissy Field and it didn't take long for him to relax (some Heineken packed away in his bag for the road helped too:-)). WE had so much fun that afternoon. Stephanie and Russell are deeply in love and super-excited for their wedding next month! I was already really looking forward to shooting the wedding after meeting Stephanie a while back. And now that I've had the pleasure of spending some time with both Stephanie and Russ, I am ecstatic! It will be like shooting the wedding of old friends. We finished the session at one of their favorite little bars where we chatted over a cold beer. It reminded me of the pubs I visited with my Grandmother when I spent a summer in England with her many years ago. It also provided the perfect backdrop for a final picture and was the perfect way to end the day. Enjoy!