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Photography

Katherine and Trevor (Wedding Photography) @ The Chateau, Los Altos, California

August 11, 2015

It's been a few years since I shot a wedding at the exclusive Chateau in Los Altos – it's a gorgeous private estate built to satisfy the most discriminating bride. And the catering.... is delicious. They run an open kitchen in the guest house, so the intoxicating smells make tummies grumble if you get too close. After having a really fun Hidden Villa engagement shoot, I was super excited about Katherine and Trevor's big wedding at The Chateau.

Even though the girls were pretty chill during the getting-ready phase at Katherine's parents' place – it was great to hang out, get some lovely detail shots as well as a few candids. Trevor and his brother are absolutely hilarious together, so hanging out with the guys at The Chateau was pure comedy gold. Getting all of them together made everything more lively and exciting.

Katherine and Trevor put their full trust in my creative juices, so I used what time I had to do my magic. The whole afternoon and evening was intimate and special – and did I mention the awesome food? I wish these two lovebirds nothing but the very best, and can't wait to work with them again.

Below are some of my favorite photos from Katherine and Trevor's wedding at The Chateau in Los Altos – enjoy!

The Chateau Los Altos wedding photos – Katherine and Trevor – photos by Bay Area wedding photographer Chris Schmauch www.GoodEyePhotography.com

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!