Here are a few more shots that I think are worth seeing.  Again the details just say so much about you and your day and set a vibe that guests remember.  So have fun and be creative!  A big budget is not necessary for this.  The card holders made of the tree slices were cut by the groom himself.  The brides bouquet had rosemary, heather and other various “weed” type plants to fit the surroundings of Big Sur.  Plants and vegetables make great additions to bouquets.  The cakes with the fine detailing are by Patisserie Angelica.  Something so simple in an outdoor, wine country wedding are perfect.  Let nature speak for itself!  Splashes of color can have huge impact in a natural setting.

If your wedding is in a hotel or more urban setting usually lines are better when clean and work with the architecture.   A large room needs large centerpieces but be sure your guests can see and speak to each other!  Nothing worse then leaning into your neighbor to converse with the person across from you.

But most importantly just have fun with your plans and be creative.  Let your professionals help you to create something that is unique to you.

The details of a wedding really set the day.   The littlest of elements are indicative of you as a couple and set a tone of the day.  This wedding was in Big Sur and the elements blended like nature themselves!  It was elegant but casual and comfortable.  Enjoy and think of what “says” you!  The place card holders were cut by the groom himself.  The bouquet consisted of many natural plants like heather and rosemary and blended perfectly into the Big Sur settings.  The cowboy boots worn by the bride were THE perfect choice!!!

I just adore Dawn and Brent.  They are so remarkable together and just caring, loving, fun and well loved too!  Their wedding at Arista Winery was just beautiful.  This time of year the light is just beautiful and some of my favorite images of the year!  I especially love the series of Brent when he waits then sees Dawn coming.  The groom at this moment is one of my favorite things to shoot at a wedding.  I always have  my lens pointed at him at this moment.  Those few seconds just say so much.  I wish you both the best in your future together!

I met Angel and his family back in February to do family portraits.  Mom had him dressed just like a little man!  He’s the sweetest little boy and takes everything in stride quite well considering most of his time is spent in hospital.  This session was set up by Moment by Moment and I’m happy to be a part of the group.  Mom asked me back recently and it was great to see how much he’d grown.  Once again he was looking quite dapper!  All the best to little Angel and his family.

Last night I got to listen to Joe Buissink speak for a local group of photographers and once again he inspired me.   I met Joe many years ago at a class he was teaching. I’m sure you know how sometimes you can meet a stranger and there is just an instant bond?  That is how I felt with Joe.  He just puts you at ease and when he smiles it’s the kind that comes from deep in his soul.  I only get to see him once in a while but when I do he always picks me up.  I shoot a lot like Joe and when I first met him and he said he was shooting film and the same films I shot with I was thrilled!  Everyone even back then was saying why would you when digital is so much better?  Well, it has its ups and also its downs but this is not a conversation about that.  This is about doing what you are passionate about, giving back to the world and being true to yourself.

Photography is how I make a living to be sure but when I photograph a couple at a wedding, a newborn baby, a huge family reunion or your dog it’s about connecting with these people (or pets) and making a memory for them that I love most.  Making someone happy and sharing what I do with a captured smile, the simple essence of a child’s laugh or the look of admiration and adoration is really what my photography is all about.  I can go through my stacks of albums and remember my grandma’s touch and smile, my mom’s soft glance and smell and the story around the belly laugh of a good friend.  This is what photography brings to the world and what it should feel like in your soul.

Love you Joe!

This years event at Colgin was of course catered by Thomas Keller of French Laundry as usual and again an amazing menu! It’s always fun to watch him and the crew in the kitchen.  The entertainment started with the bartenders!  Don’t believe me, well take a look at them!  From Cirque USA, they really had people entertained including Ryan Seacrest.

It sure doesn’t hurt to go to work when this is your ahem, “office” for the day.

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Sherry and Adam had a fantastic affair at Terra.  The place was gorgeous, the food fantastic and the friends and family of this couple were just wonderful.  I’ve worked Terra before and love the space.   The coordinator was Thanh Cao and I can’t say enough about her.   Then amazing floral design and an incredible water pond for the food by Waterlilly Pond. Then there was DJ Jeremy who had people definitely moving.  This event for me had a ton of details that were unique and beautiful.  So I’ve put them up and hope you enjoy!

All the best in your future together!