Linda Newman 12/4/25 Linda Newman 12/4/25

Emily & Dylan - Half Moon Bay

I was incredibly grateful to Alex for inviting me to second shoot Emily and Dylan’s Taylor Swift–inspired garden-party wedding in Half Moon Bay, California.

A couple kisses tenderly in black and white. The groom wears a suit, while the bride in a lace dress embraces him, capturing a romantic, timeless moment.

I was incredibly grateful to Alex for inviting me to second shoot Emily and Dylan’s Taylor Swift–inspired garden-party wedding in Half Moon Bay, California.

After a quick wave to Emily and check-in at Mavericks House, where their ceremony and reception were held, I headed over to The Oceano Inn to spend some time with Dylan while he got ready. Dylan would like to pass along one piece of groom-to-groom advice: practice your bow tie beforehand. He used to tie them all the time while working as a server, but a few years’ break meant we needed to call Dad in for backup.

And speaking of advice, Emily wants future brides to know that smaller bouquets are your best friend. You don’t realize how heavy they get until you’ve held them through portraits—so if we can save you that shoulder workout, let this be your sign.

Emily and Dylan absolutely nailed their colorful, ethereal, boho aesthetic. Emily’s crocheted gown paired perfectly with her wild blonde curls, matching her free-spirited energy. And the bridesmaids? A full rainbow of shades that popped beautifully against the deep navy of the groomsmen’s suits. The whole day felt like a dreamy, sun-kissed palette come to life.

Man adjusting a bow tie in a calm, elegant room with blue walls and framed seashell art. A small inset shows the Oceano Inn sign outside.

A collage of four images: a watch in a leather case, a smiling groom with a coffee cup, hands adjusting a bow tie, and a dog in a tuxedo. Mood: joyful, celebratory.

Two men in a living room watch a college football game on a wall-mounted TV. The scene feels focused and engaged, with muted decor tones.

A man in a blue suit and bowtie is being helped into a jacket by another person. He looks focused. The setting is a room with neutral colors.

A young man in a suit watches a tutorial on a laptop, adjusting his tie. An older man in a white shirt helps straighten it, conveying concentration and care.

A man in a navy blue tuxedo with a bow tie smiles while leaning against a light blue wall on a balcony. The mood is joyful and formal, with soft natural light.

A group of men in suits stand together in a room with a chandelier, holding drinks and smiling, conveying a celebratory and jovial atmosphere.

A group of men in suits are gathered indoors, smiling as one holds a champagne bottle. The scene conveys celebration and camaraderie.

A man in a suit and bow tie pours champagne into a glass held by another person, surrounded by smiling men in suits, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

Bride laughing while holding champagne and leaning out a window in candid black-and-white wedding photo.

A woman with long, curly blonde hair and a floral lace top smiles while standing by a sunlit window, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

Two women happily posing indoors. One woman, in a lace dress, holds a champagne glass, while the other playfully sticks out her tongue, holding a can.

A woman with long curly blonde hair adorned with small flowers looks down, smiling softly, wearing a lace dress in a bright, cozy room with soft lighting.

A woman in a lace dress with floral headpiece smiles joyfully. She twirls, descends a staircase, and glances back in a softly lit room.

Close-up of a woman in a lace wedding dress with intricate circular patterns and wavy blond hair. She holds a colorful bouquet, conveying a romantic atmosphere.

Smiling woman with curly blonde hair in a lace dress in a brightly lit room with elegantly set tables, conveying a joyful and celebratory mood.

A groom in a tuxedo stands confidently outdoors, slightly smiling. Behind him, a blurred bride holds her bouquet. The mood is joyful and celebratory.

Wooden wedding arch adorned with greenery, overlooking a calm blue sea. White chairs with floral accents line both sides under a clear sky.

Elegant wedding table setting with vibrant floral centerpiece, gold candle holders, and a table card labeled "Table 4." Name card for bride on right.

Elegant wedding table setting includes a floral centerpiece with colorful flowers, table number card, and white chairs in a bright, airy venue.

A serene waterfront venue with rows of white chairs on green grass, a wooden deck by a white building, and a calm bay under clear blue skies.

Outdoor wedding setup by the sea with white chairs facing an arbor under tall trees, and a bar menu on a table adorned with colorful flowers.

All images photographed by me under Alex Denison (@thatbeachyphotographer), and shared with permission.

Hotel

The Oceano Inn, Half Moon Bay

Venue

Mavericks House, Half Moon Bay

Linda Newman 11/29/25 Linda Newman 11/29/25

Favian & Araceli

Araceli and Favian were married in their backyard in Tracy, and honestly… it was perfect. No pretense, no huge venue, no rushing around. Just the people they love, a warm breeze, and a yard glowing with sunset.

The first thing I noticed was the color. Her bridesmaids stood in every shade of soft pastels and bright garden tones, like a living bouquet around her. Her veil was edged in traditional Mexican lace, delicate and meaningful, and his boutonnière held a photo of his mother — a quiet way of keeping her close. Their wedding felt like this beautiful blend of cultures: a little French softness in the florals and pastels, a little Mexican warmth in the lace and details. It all just worked.

We only had two hours, which sounds impossible on paper. But somehow it all fell into place. Getting ready moments, ceremony, family photos, full bridal party portraits, a whole table-by-table sweep of the reception and nearly forty minutes of couples’ portraits — all of it happened naturally. Their yard had this gorgeous, soft light that made every corner photogenic in its own way, so we didn’t waste a second hunting for “the perfect spot.” It was all perfect.

Their portraits are some of my favorites I’ve made this year — classic ones for their families, soft romantic ones for them, and a few of those modern candid-feeling ones that everyone loves. They slipped easily between laughter and tenderness, and the glow of the sun did the rest.

It was intimate, relaxed, heartfelt — the kind of wedding that reminds you that meaningful doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes the most beautiful days happen right at home, surrounded by the people who’ve been there all along.

A bride gazes upwards, surrounded by bridesmaids adjusting her lace veil. The brick wall backdrop and lighting add a serene, intimate ambiance.

A groom in a blue suit wipes a tear beside a floral cross, attended by groomsmen in matching suits. The scene is emotional and heartfelt.

Bride in a delicate lace-edged veil smiles softly, holding a bouquet. Sunlight filters through trees, creating a warm, serene backdrop.

Bride holding a lush bouquet of pale pink and white roses with green foliage. She wears an elegant lace gown, conveying a romantic, serene mood.

Outdoor wedding ceremony under a large tree with sunlight filtering through. The bride and groom stand by a flowered cross, surrounded by guests and attendants.

A bride in a white gown and veil holds hands with the groom in a blue suit during an outdoor ceremony. Bridesmaids in pastel dresses hold bouquets. A woman officiates under a tree, conveying a serene and joyful atmosphere.

A group of bridesmaids in pastel dresses, holding bouquets, watch a ceremony attentively outdoors. Backlit, with soft sunlight and a wooden fence backdrop.

A bride and groom kiss passionately in a sunlit outdoor wedding aisle, surrounded by joyful, clapping guests. The mood is celebratory and romantic.

A wedding party stands on grass, with a tree behind them. The bride in a white gown and groom in a blue suit are centered, surrounded by bridesmaids in pastel dresses and groomsmen in blue suits. The mood is joyful and celebratory.

Two young flower girls in white dresses stand smiling in front of a wedding party. Bridesmaids in pastel dresses and groomsmen in blue suits are in the background. The setting is outdoors with greenery, creating a joyful and elegant atmosphere.

A joyful couple on their wedding day stands outdoors. The bride, in a lace gown, holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers. The groom in a blue suit smiles warmly. A wooden fence and greenery form the backdrop, conveying a serene, happy atmosphere.

A close-up in black and white showing a bride's hands with an ornate ring resting on a groom's shoulder, creating an intimate and loving atmosphere.

A bride in a lace gown and veil stands with a groom in a blue suit, holding a bouquet of pink roses. They express joy and closeness on their wedding day.

A black-and-white photo of a couple embracing under a veil. The woman's lace-sleeved arm rests on the man's shoulder. Sunlight creates a warm, intimate glow.

A couple shares tender moments on their wedding day. The bride, in a lacy white gown, and the groom, in a blue suit, embrace lovingly, exuding joy and intimacy.

A couple stands together outdoors in soft lighting. The woman wears a lacy dress, and the man wears a blue suit with a boutonniere. They appear serene and content.

A couple shares an intimate moment, gazing into each other's eyes. The man, in a blue suit, holds her face; she wears a white rose corsage. Romantic and serene.

Elegant collage of wedding decor: gift table with wrapped presents, floral centerpiece with pink roses, ornate cake server, and seating card with blue bow.

Linda Newman 9/19/25 Linda Newman 9/19/25

Cami and Rami - THE CASTLE

Rami and Cami really just wanted a quiet, private elegant evening with their closest family and friends. You know, after the Zaffe featuring a loud drum dance party all around the outside of the house. They were just such an expressive and fun bunch to be around that all you could feel was pure joy in their presence.

Bride in lace gown and veil gazes lovingly at the groom in a black tuxedo. They stand outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery, exuding joy and romance.

I have been teasing “The Castle Wedding” for months now. I even gave a little sneak in my blog last week because this venue is just the fraction of the cost of many other local venues. It comes with its own share of challenges (the driveway was 5 mins long and the shuttle couldn’t make it so guests had to go in small car loads up) but for private elegance with all your closest family and friends, it’s the dream.

Plus, I can absolutely see why Rami loves Camilla or Cami to her friends. The woman graduated from STANFORD LAW the day before the weddings. DAY BEFORE. Can i say it any louder? Seriously just so impressed with her. Look, technically it was a castle-shaped mansion but I just mentioned Cami had just graduated from Stanford Law the day before right? There was no way I was going to argue with her about it. She’d win. Plus this location technically used to be a winery before shutting down to become a private AirBnB available for event rentals. It boasted two wings and stunning views and the perfect courtyard for wowing guests with the luxury of it all.

A man in a tuxedo stands confidently. The left image shows him smiling against a wooden door. The right is black and white, with him looking down thoughtfully.

Man wearing a tailored black tuxedo, adjusting his cuff with a silver watch visible. The image conveys elegance and sophistication. Black and white tone.

Large three-story stone mansion with ivy-covered walls, tall arched windows, and a spacious balcony. Lush garden with colorful flowers in front.

Man in a black suit standing in a sunlit stone archway, looking over his shoulder with a smile. The scene conveys elegance and confidence.

View from a balcony with a wrought iron railing, capturing a lush vineyard under a clear sky. A stone building with windows is partially visible.

A man in a suit stands at the end of a narrow stone staircase, gazing out through an arched window. The scene is serene and contemplative.

A groom in a tuxedo smiles joyfully, standing under a vine-covered pergola. A bride in a long dress and veil stands facing away, creating a romantic, serene mood.

A bride in a white lace dress smiles warmly, standing near lush greenery. Behind her, a groom in a black suit faces away, creating a joyful, romantic scene.

A bride in a white gown with lace sleeves stands smiling in a cozy library. Shelves filled with books are in the background, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

A bride in a white wedding dress with lace sleeves stands outdoors. Her hands, adorned with a ring, are clasped in front, conveying a serene emotion. Lush greenery is in the background.

A bride in a white lace dress smiles with anticipation as she stands on a vine-covered terrace. A man in a suit stands in the background, facing away.

Groom in a black tuxedo smiles warmly at a bride in a lace dress and veil. They hold hands surrounded by lush green foliage. Romantic and joyful atmosphere.

A bride in a lace dress and veil smiles softly, holding white flowers. She's surrounded by lush green foliage, creating a serene and joyful atmosphere.

Black and white image of a bride in a lace dress, smiling joyfully at a man, possibly her groom, amidst a backdrop of foliage. Captures a moment of happiness.

A bride stands in front of tall, arched windows, her long veil and gown flowing behind her. The scene is elegant and serene in black and white.

Black and white photo of a bride and groom in a grand, sunlit staircase. Bride in a long veil ascends stairs adorned with floral garlands. Romantic and elegant.

Bride and groom stand on a balcony, gazing at each other lovingly. She holds a bouquet of white flowers. A scenic landscape lies in the background.

Bride and groom smiling at each other indoors. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, wearing a lace dress and veil; the groom is in a black tuxedo.

Bride and groom on a staircase, captured through banisters. The bride wears a lace gown, and the groom is in a tuxedo, both smiling warmly. Romantic setting.

A man in a black tuxedo with a bow tie stands confidently by a door. The elegant interior features a curved staircase and warm lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

A woman in a white lace dress holds a lush bouquet of white peonies, green leaves, and small flowers, conveying elegance and joy.

A bride in a lace dress and groom in a suit share a tender moment, holding hands and leaning close, conveying love and joy in a soft-lit room.

Bride in a white lace dress smiling softly, holding a bouquet of white flowers and greenery. Sunlight streams through a nearby window, adding warmth.

A bride and groom share an intimate moment in a softly lit room. The groom kisses the bride's forehead tenderly as she holds a bouquet of flowers, evoking a sense of love and serenity.

Close-up of a person in a black suit, their hand in a pocket, wearing a silver watch. Green leaves are visible, adding a touch of nature. Elegant and poised.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a stone balcony with scenic hills in the background. The bride holds a bouquet, both smiling warmly and joyfully.

Close-up of a bride's white wedding dress in soft light, showcasing delicate lace, fabric buttons, and a veil, conveying elegance and romance.

Elegant outdoor table setting with green tablecloth, wooden chairs, and floral centerpiece. Stone villa in background under clear blue sky.

Close-up of a white peony arrangement in a glass vase next to a serene room with round tables draped in green cloths, lit by a wrought-iron chandelier.

A serene outdoor wedding setup: Left shows an altar adorned with white flowers and greenery, center features lanterns on stone, and right, a table set elegantly with a small gift box.

A group of six men in black outfits stand on a path, each holding musical instruments. They're near a building with greenery, under a clear blue sky in preparation for a traditional Palestinian Zaffe.

A bride in a lace dress smiles and holds a bouquet, walking with a companion. They pass by an ornate wooden door, conveying joy and elegance.

Man in a tuxedo holding a young girl in a white dress with a large bow, standing in a garden setting. Both appear calm, evoking a serene atmosphere.

Man joyfully playing a large drum at an outdoor celebration, surrounded by cheering people and a smiling bride in a white gown. Festive atmosphere.

A joyful wedding celebration in black and white; a drummer kneels with raised hands, while a couple and guests cheer, capturing a festive mood.

Black and white image of a wedding procession in a vineyard. Bride, groom, and guests dance joyfully to bagpipers. Scenic landscape in the background.

Wedding celebration outdoors under a blue sky with a bride in a white gown and groom in a suit dancing. Guests cheer and clap, creating a joyful atmosphere.

A joyful bride in a lace dress and veil claps amidst dancing guests at an outdoor wedding, with the sun shining brightly, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

A group of musicians wearing coordinated outfits play traditional instruments outdoors at sunset, with green hills and a clear sky in the background.

Bride and groom joyfully dance at an outdoor wedding, surrounded by cheering guests and a scenic stone pavilion, conveying happiness and celebration.

A lively band plays in an elegant foyer with arched windows. People watch joyfully from a staircase adorned with green and white floral garlands.

A group of people in formal attire gather joyfully, capturing a moment with phones and cameras by a large open doorway. The mood is celebratory.

Bride and groom dance joyfully in front of ornate, flower-adorned staircase. Bride in white gown and veil; groom in black tuxedo. Festive, elegant setting.

A three-panel image shows a cigar in an ashtray on a wooden table, pretzels on monogrammed napkins, and round pastries on similar napkins on a tray.

A smiling bride in a white dress is surrounded by five joyful bridesmaids in colorful dresses, with a lush, green landscape in the background.

A joyful couple in formal attire feeds each other cake at an outdoor wedding, surrounded by floral arrangements and hills in the background.

A joyful bride in a flowing gown kneels, interacting with a little girl in a sparkly dress. They are surrounded by smiling adults at an evening event.

Linda Newman 9/5/25 Linda Newman 9/5/25

Location, Location, Location!

More than a saying in real estate, the location (or your venue) really sets the tone for your wedding. And with the cost of an average wedding in Northern California around $50,000, your venue can eat up a huge part of your budget.

When I was planning my wedding, I bought all the books and magazines (Pinterest wasn't a thing yet) and still thought I found every possible option for venue locations. Since becoming a wedding photographer, I've discovered a whole new world of venue options I'd never considered before. All of which offer the character, charm and beauty of some of the more “traditional” locations.

Community Centers and Halls

Maybe it’s different outside California, but here with the population growing, many communities have come together to build the most gorgeous centers which are a fraction of the cost of some of the larger venues without losing any of the beauty. The Piedmont Community Hall boasts TWO patio locations with gorgeous diffused light in the ceremony space and a traditional tea house!

Museums and Libraries

One of the coolest parts of Museums and Libraries is that there is already art and architecture built in so you can spend less on filling the space to make it beautiful. From modern to classic, there’s a library and museum to fit every style.

The Patio of The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History

AirBnB and PeerSpace

I saved the best for last. It honestly didn’t even occur to me until I recently shot a wedding in a CASTLE (ok mansion shaped like a castle) the couple was able to find on AirBnB! At a fraction of the cost of renting an entire winery for the day AND the benefit of being allowed whatever vendors they wanted, it was really a brilliant move. However, AirBnB is commonly homes so for more unique options, consider PeerSpace where you can sort options by guest count and venue options. Plus the best part, prices are right there so no hunting and emailing and tracking down info packets.

Linda Newman 8/7/25 Linda Newman 8/7/25

Anisa and Fasih - FREMONT, CA

Have you been to the Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum in Fremont, CA? It's tucked away on a side street and is FREE to wander the grounds and take photos. And it's just too freaking gorgeous to be a secret. These are all from January earlier this year and it looks like Spring!

Linda Newman 7/31/25 Linda Newman 7/31/25

Skyler Bleu - San Francisco

I met Skyler at the West Coast Creatives meetup recently. I'd been lurking on the discord server for a while, seeing the monthly meetups but being busy with wedding season and just big life stuff....I hadn't participated. It was time to take a leap and meet some new people.

Linda Newman 3/20/25 Linda Newman 3/20/25

ANISA & FASIH - LOS GATOS, CA

Can I introduce you to Anisa and Fasih, who welcomed me into their lives for an entire weekend in January? This is just part one because it's already excessively long. I might take too many photos. 😬

Linda Newman 3/13/25 Linda Newman 3/13/25

TAY AND KUSH - MONTEREY, CA

Is there anything better than when an old friend shows back up in your life? Kusha reached out to me after proposing to his fiancé Taylor at one of their favorite beaches in Monterey. He's known me longer than anyone, even my best friend- his mom was my babysitter when I first moved to California at four years old! We literally grew up together as I spent 12+ hours a day at his house 5 days a week all the way up through the end of elementary school. He's basically another brother to me.

Linda Newman 1/23/25 Linda Newman 1/23/25

Adil and Ramsha - Shannon Community Center

Can you believe this is a community center!?! Adil and Ramsha chose the most gorgeous Shannon Community Center in Dublin, California for their Walima earlier this month. As it was my first Walima, I learned that it's a time for the grooms family to throw a big party and show the bride's family how excited they are to welcome her into their family.

Linda Newman 1/9/25 Linda Newman 1/9/25

Cannon Beach - Oregon

I'm gonna be really sad when I finish with all the images from the Oregon Retreat with Brandi Potter last month. For this part of the trip, we took the models, Maddie and E than to the very famous Cannon Beach. Something about a movie named Goonies being filmed there?

Linda Newman 1/3/25 Linda Newman 1/3/25

Lawrence Hall of Science

Have you visited the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley? Growing up in the East Bay Area I remember making at least a couple different trips with my schools. Just on the other side of the Caldecott, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area, it's got to be the best museum on the planet.

Linda Newman 12/20/24 Linda Newman 12/20/24

Oregon Retreat

I'm probably going to be kvelling over these images of Maddie and E than from Brandi Potter 's Oregon Retreat for years to come. As a real couple, they were truly in love and it just reads in the images. Plus it was a delight listening to them talk about their life and future plans - like where they wanted to live and things to do with their tattoo business . They are both talented artists themselves.

Linda Newman 12/12/24 Linda Newman 12/12/24

The Portfolio

Until recently I'd never actually put together a portfolio. In an age of social media where the feed feels like an easy way to show your work, an old fashioned portfolio seems...well old fashioned. And in the end I really loved being forced to pick the best of the best, the work that only I could create, MY vision.

Linda Newman 11/21/24 Linda Newman 11/21/24

Carolyn and Brandon - The Pearl

Carolyn and Brandon wanted a truly San Francisco themed wedding starting with getting ready at the San Francisco Proper, doing their first look and portraits at Blue Heron Boathouse, and finishing with their ceremony and reception at The Pearl in the Dogpatch. They decorated their tables with some of their favorite locations around the city.

Linda Newman 10/29/24 Linda Newman 10/29/24

SIRIUS

This is going to be hard to write without crying again myself. Sirius is...was...such a wonderful puppers. Just content to chill and be in your presence. Though I did meet him in his more advanced years.

Brook and Mandy however adopted him over 13 years ago from a local Northern California rescue. He was there through the birth of their children. He is all their kids have ever known and processing such a loss at such a young age is so hard.

Linda Newman 10/22/24 Linda Newman 10/22/24

Martinez Family

Kirstin and I met during our CPR/First Aid pregnancy class through when she was pregnant with her first son CJ. She and I hit it off immediately, annoying the instructor by getting to know each other when we were supposed to be learning.

Linda Newman 9/27/24 Linda Newman 9/27/24

Kelly and Ryan

Fall is here and I am revisiting one of my favorite weddings that showcase the color! Kelly and Ryan tied the knot at Napa Valley Country Club in Napa Valley though the day began at their friends private estate complete with its own WINERY! Seriously, how lucky to have such blessed friends because the views of the Napa Valley for first look were just stunning.

Linda Newman 8/29/24 Linda Newman 8/29/24

Ahmad and Ohona

The Gaye Holud celebration for Ahmad and Ohona was held at the San Ramon Community Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. The venue was decorated beautifully, with special details like hand-painted vases by Ohona's Aunt.

Linda Newman 8/1/24 Linda Newman 8/1/24

Casey and Connor

A bespoke elopement in Santa Rosa with a rainbow of color and flowers. Casey and Connor made their commitment to each other under the morning sun and surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Linda Newman 7/18/24 Linda Newman 7/18/24

Heidi and Don - Nestledown

Heidi and Don’s magical fall wedding at Nestledown in Los Gatos, California. Highlighted with reds and greens, this love story was one meant for the books!