Jennifer and Chris :: Santana Row Wedding

I knew the first time I met them that Jennifer and Chris would plan a wedding to remember. They are the kind of people that live each day to the fullest and I could tell from the details they divulged that their wedding day would be a grand affair...the wedding of her dreams. At a hip boutique hotel, surrounded by their closest friends (including the "green shoe girls", a group of Jennifer's best girlfriends who all wore shoes died to match her own green shoes) and treasured family members, they tied the knot and partied like rock stars!

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Wishing flowers...

As we walked home from the park, we passed a grassy field brimming with dandelions (or if you're my Lucie, "wishing flowers").  The kids ran through it, grabbing at all the little weeds, all the while planning what they would wish for when they blew the seeds into the gentle wind.  Lucie wished to fly and for an ipad, among other things.  John wouldn't say for fear that his wishes may not come true.  As I looked around at my happy little kids, Lucies crazy hair peeking from her helmet, John's pudgy cheeks (which get less pudgy and more "adult"every day), the warm air on my shoulders, all I wished for was more days like that one. 

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!!!