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Weddings

Rachel and Mark (Wedding Photography) @ Mt. Madonna County Park, Watsonville, California

August 11, 2015

This was the first wedding I've shot at Mount Madonna County Park, and I have to say it's a pretty amazing venue and natural setting for a wedding. They have a large amphitheater with a redwood log-backed stage for the actual ceremony to take place. Rachel and Mark had a fantastic florist who created this enormous exotic bouquet to dress up the stage and harmonize with the surrounding forest environment.

After the ceremony, we explored the forest a little, escaping from the gusts of wind that almost blew us over in the prairie behind the ceremony. Rachel and Mark had scoped out some ruins in the forest from an old mill, so we focused the bridal portraits in this area. The sun backlit the trees, creating beautiful dramatic lighting for this series of portraits.

The reception was held at Mark's parents' place in Watsonville, which is beautifully landscaped and smartly laid out to throw the perfect party. The florist Mimi Snowden, who's also the caterer, created some amazing dishes for everyone to enjoy. Instead of cake, the couple cut into a homemade pie – love the unique touches at this wedding.

Below are some of my favorite photos – enjoy!

Mt. Madonna County Park Wedding Photos - Rachel and Mark - photos by Bay Area wedding photographer Chris Schmauch www.GoodEyePhotography.com

Lisa and Chris (Wedding Photography) @ Roaring Camp, Felton, California

August 11, 2015

What's more romantic than getting married in the center of a redwood grove, shaded by the massive trees and backlit by shaft of sunlight beaming through the branches? Um, not a whole lot! Lisa got the romantic ceremony spot, but self-confessed train nut Chris got the big trains and a weekend-long event for model train lovers. I'd say it was a win win for everyone :) The wedding venue of course is Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California. Tucked in the mountains, but 20 minutes from the ocean, Roaring Camp is a giant venue than can cater to medium to large weddings, and even take all your guests up the mountain to the ceremony spot in a real, steam-engine-driven train. So fun, and such a memorable experience for everyone.

Lisa and Chris are an adorable couple, easy to work with, and both look stunning in front of the camera. They're not models, but they looked the part on their big day. I had so much fun capturing the big and little moments throughout the day – when your job is this easy, it's hard to call it work.

Below are some of my favorite photos – enjoy!

Roaring Camp Felton Wedding Photos - Lisa and Chris - by Bay Area wedding photographer Chris Schmauch www.GoodEyePhotography.com

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Monica and Kevin (Wedding Photography) @ Mission Ranch, Carmel,California

June 30, 2015

This traditional Catholic celebration was such a joy to capture. Monica and Kevin tied the knot in their hometown church in Salinas – a place that is so special to them both. They didn't want to see each other beforehand, so we had to take special care when walking around the corridors of the church to keep the two separate! The full mass was intimate as more people would show up for the reception. After the ceremony and a few family portraits in the church, the couple and I headed over to Carmel River State Beach for some formal romantic portraits. It's a popular family destination, so they received plenty of congratulations as we made our way through the sand! You can tell from the photos these two simply adore each other – the look in their eyes says it all.

Mission Ranch is always a fun venue to work at – there's green fields spotted with puffy white sheep with the ocean beyond them. The reception hall is positioned above these (great panoramic view!), and was decorated with sparkly lights and clean, light decor. There was laughter and tears, and the overwhelming sense of joy that accompanies witnessing a new chapter in someone's lives. Thank you so much for choosing me to capture this day for you two!

Below are some of my favorite photos – enjoy!

Mission Ranch Wedding Photos - Kevin and Monica - photos by Bay Area wedding photographer Chris Schmauch www.GoodEyePhotography.com

Lillian and William (Wedding Photography) @ Shakespeare Garden / Dogpatch Wineworks, San Francisco,California

May 14, 2015

I absolutely adore these two – they're all smiles, fun to hang out with, and have a goofy sense of humor that makes everyone smile. After their killer Sutro Baths engagement shoot, I knew the wedding day for these two newly-minted doctors was gonna be a blast! The wedding ceremony was held in Shakespeare Garden, which is a secluded little garden area hidden behind the Academy of Sciences building in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco). It's got a romantic brick walkway that is lined by some kind of cherry blossom trees – they encapsulate the path to create a natural tunnel which is the perfect place for a first look, and of course the processional path for the wedding. We arrived a couple hours before the ceremony and did just that – I organized a first look, having Lillian sneak up on William, capturing the anticipation on both their faces. I *love* creating these private moments, it's just so special to witness and photograph. From there we roamed around the garden, exploring all its nooks and crannies – taking bridal portraits along the way. We had enough time to venture into the open space between the Academy of Sciences and DeYoung Museum – namely the Music Concourse / Spreckels Temple of Music. The "whomping willows" were in their blooming phase, and the Roman columns and active fountains were fully explored before we needed to get back for the ceremony.

After the ceremony, a couple San Francisco trolleys pulled up nearby to take all the guests to Dogpatch Wineworks, which is a really neat little spot in the Potrero Hill / Mission Bay area. It's in an industrial area, so the outside is rather unassuming, but once you enter the space, the modern decor, walls of wine barrels, and large open space give it a welcoming, trendy vibe. Hunt & Littlefield did an amazing job with the floral design, and the lighting created a cozy ambience (check all the vendors shoutouts below). Lill and Will didn't want a traditional reception, opting more for a fun party atmosphere than specific events. However, they did dazzle the crowd upon their official entrance with a swinging' choreographed dance – I was super impressed with the fluidity and confidence they brought out to the dance floor. The rest of the evening was filled with smiles and laughter, I really enjoyed spending the day with Lill, Will, their family and friends. Below are some of my favorite photos – enjoy!