Diana and Hector (Wedding Photography) @ Five Wounds Church, San Jose / Morgan Hill Community Center

August 11, 2015

If you've never been to Five Wounds church in San Jose, it's an architectural marvel that can hold the largest of weddings – and where Diana and Hector decided to tie the knot on their wedding day. I'll be honest, the vast majority of this wedding was Spanish-only, so if I didn't already have a few hundred weddings under my belt I would've had a tough time anticipating all the moments that needed to be captured. But I was also raised a Catholic, so this full mass was pretty familiar to me. And because the church is so large, there's plenty of room for me to navigate around for different angles without obstructing anyone's views.

Because the itinerary was running late, and another wedding was happening immediately after ours, the post-ceremony family formals was a mad-rush (I was super impressed by the self-organization of the families!) – but quickly executed. Afterwards, the bridal party headed over to the Japanese Friendship Garden, where only a dozen or so other shoots were happening – surprise surprise for this busy summer Saturday in July! We carved out our niche and after getting some great group portraits I was able to focus on Diana and Hector themselves. Hector was looking ship-shape in his Marine kit, casually shunning the sweltering heat with military discipline. Diana was looking stunning in her bridal gown, and I had a lot of fun getting some creative and romantic photos throughout the garden property.

The reception at Morgan Hill Community Center was filled with Folklorico dancing, mariachi music, and a live banda to keep things lively and entertaining. I had a wonderful time with these two and wish them the very best in their future together.

Below are some of my favorite photos – enjoy!

Five Wounds Church & Morgan Hill Community Center Wedding Photos - Diana and Hector - photos by Bay Area wedding photographer Chris Schmauch www.GoodEyePhotography.com

Laurel and Brian (Wedding Photography) @ Nicklaus Club, Monterey, California

August 11, 2015

Holy smokes, this is one hot couple! I met Brian through some commercial photography I've done with his golf club, so he was familiar with how I am to work with, and the level of fit and finish he can expect from the photos I produce. I was honored when he asked me to shoot his wedding at Nicklaus Club in Monterey, so of course I accepted! These two are so madly in love, and they've got that natural chemistry I love to work with, so shooting with them was a photographer's dream. They put complete trust in my creative instincts, knowing the results would be killer – thankfully they were right! The whole day was a whirlwind of amazing moments surrounded by incredible decor, smiles and laughs, tears of joy. I can't say any more, just look.

Below are some of my favorite photos – enjoy!

Niklaus Golf Club Wedding Photography - Laurel and Brian - by Bay Area wedding photographer Chris Schmauch www.GoodEyePhotography.com

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!