Stephanie and Darren lucked out with beautiful weather for their early August wedding on a private estate in the hills of Sebastopol, California. I was so happy for them, as I know how hot and miserable it could have been for an all-outdoor wedding like this. The setting was simply perfect, lots of room for the many kids to roam around on and a really intimate reception setting next to the apple orchard. Darren's got friends in an amazing band, who kept everyone entertained and dancing their hearts away into the evening. Such a lovely couple, I was honored to play such an important role in capturing their wedding day. Here's a few of my favorite photos I feel capture the feel of the event:
Usually at the end of the year I get a few months off from weddings before the season starts up again – but 2016 kicked off the wedding season super early – January 3rd, in fact! Luckily I got to work with a really nice couple, making the day feel less like work and more like a fun party. Even though the temperatures dropped in the late afternoon, the weather was nice enough to support an outdoor ceremony on the wedding bluff overlooking the golf course.
For a couple as adventurous as Pete and Erin, tying the knot in one of the most outdoor-sy, gorgeous landscap-y, beautimous locations in the world was kind of a given (and forgive my propensity for made-up words). Yes, Yosemite Valley was the ideal location for this destination wedding – and more specifically the historic Ahwahnee Hotel nestled in the heart of the valley.
Well, where do I start? First off, this was kind of a family reunion for me – mostly consisting of Schmauchs that I've never met before, including the bride! This wedding was chock full of 3rd cousins (common great-great grandpa) and uncles/aunts, it was so great to see some familiar faces and meet new ones. Needless to say I felt right at home. Alan and Anna chose Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles, and I have to say it's a gem of a venue hidden among the hills off 46. It was warm, but not scorching like the week before – so we all survived without any ambulance visits.
Small weddings in an intimate setting are such a joy to capture; you don't have the crazy stress of a million things happening at once, and crowds of people to corral from one place to another. The bride and groom can actually sit and talk to all their guests, enjoying the moment throughout the day. Mary and John chose Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center in Palo Alto for their intimate celebration, and I have to admit this place is a hidden gem (and remarkably affordable, I'm told). If you can deal with no amplified music/voices (enter three string quartet), shutting down by 10pm, and inviting no more than 50 guests, this venue can be had for a steal. There are so many places to explore: the historical house, a myriad of gardens, gazebo, fountains, towering oaks – it's so fun for us photographers and provides variety for the couples. I was excited to work again with Judi, owner of Taste-Full Events – one of the finest foodie-certified caterers in the Bay Area. When I found out she was handling things, I knew the food was gonna be out of this world! To top off the culinary treats, dessert was presented by a Bay Area startup on pace to be the top artisan ice cream maker in town.
