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.
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.
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!
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.
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. 😬
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.
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.
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 Ethan to the very famous Cannon Beach. Something about a movie named Goonies being filmed there?
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.
Oregon Retreat
I'm probably going to be kvelling over these images of Maddie and Ethan 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
June 2024
Ruby found the good light at our morning trip to Micke Grove Zoo.
You know that friend that is just OBSESSED with something and wont shut up about it? Ya, that’s me and Threads. I love that place so much for the people I have met and the way I have grown as a person/photographer.
Out of Arizona is Jake Case Photo, who specializes in the desert landscapes and architecture. He’s also got a photo book that’s currently available for pre-order over here. Besides the beautiful photos he’s putting out on a daily basis with captions that educate or inspire, he’s also always out there just cheering everyone on.You can catch him reposting his favor work with wild abandon and noting “BANGER” when really excited.
The best way he’s inspired me and so many others is through his Month Photo Recap. I started it a little late this year, but it’s quickly become my favorite way to look back at the last month and see all the wins/losses. I love sharing the images, but each one has a story that is limited by characters of social media.
Which brings us here. To the blog where I have unlimited amount of space and time.
Freedom
Believe it or not this beach was just packed. There was a wedding arch behind, a guy fishing with his dog running around at his feet to the left, a group huddled around a bonfire…basically chaos.
Edgar Allen Dove
There is something so dark and sinister about these beautiful mourning doves. I was on my way to take photos of the new plants growing in my garden and noticed them hiding in the leaves. Lily, my dog noticed them after only a few snaps. I thought the images to be a waste until I converted them to black and white and they took on a whole victorian diorama feeling.
Bay Area Pride
Made by Mocha invited me to join her at Bay Area Pride’s first inaugural event at Great America in Santa Clara. They hired tons of local talent to come out and perform, capping off the afternoon with a special performace by Red Corvette a Prince tribute band. The colors in the image are all created in camera using a flag that was hanging on the stage!
Summer
From one of our many evening walks. As we came upon this house, the sprinklers came on and she abandoned her scooter to go refresh herself. Images like these, that capture the essence of childhood and summer bring me the most joy.
Enchanted Castle
Unusual to include two from the same day and the light on June 1st was just too pretty to ignore. Taken from Buena Vista (good view lol) Park in San Francisco, the layers make this church feel a bit like an enchanted castle from a story book.
The McCleans
Beyond grateful to get to capture the wedding for Bradley and Rebecca this month at the Peacock Gap Golf Course in San Rafael. After 8 years together, the wedding itself was just a formality. Technially that glow in her eyes is the catchlights from the sun….but I think it’s love. See more of their wedding on the last blog post!
The Swings
Couldn’t not include a Macro image this month. This one was inspired by Stephen Vanasco and his dandelions. The structure on them is so delicate and he managed to get them so crisp. Unfortunately the dandelions at my park were mowed over. The dill in my backyard (or Queen Anne’s Lace possibly- I’m bad at plants) was MUCH larger and easier to handle. Something about this image reminded me of swings at the fair.
RuRu
Checking out the birds in the enclosure at Micke Grove Zoo in Lodi. She’s a wild child and the image of her jumping with the sign that says “do not feed the animals” could have been the choice for this one. And there is something in the way she is pursing her lips and contemplating what is going on around her.
Lindy by the Lake
Stopped in Oakland yesterday for breakfast and needed a little walk after which is when I stumbled upon Lindy by the Lake. It happens every other weekend, put on entirely through donations. Saturday was their 6th anniversary and was packed with people doing their best swing!
Gizmo Times Two
Last but not least, Gizmo! The newest addition to the family! She stole our hearts with a few little yelps a week ago and I don’t think she’s planning on giving it back. She’s got free reign of the house now, distributing fleas to EVERYONE, along with just the most playful attitude. The cat distribution system can’t be argued with.
The McCleans - Peacock Gap Golf Course
Just past San Francisco, on the other side of the Bay is San Rafael and the Peacock Gap Golf Course where Rebecca and Bradley McClean united their families with a stunning dusty blue and lemon yellow French country theme. The gold candlesticks paired with the real lemons created a luxurious and fresh atmosphere.
The Details
Just past San Francisco, on the other side of the Bay is San Rafael and the Peacock Gap Golf Course where Rebecca and Bradley McClean united their families with a stunning dusty blue and lemon yellow French country theme. The gold candlesticks paired with the real lemons created a luxurious and fresh atmosphere.
Getting Ready
Rebecca and Bradley opted for a truly traditional wedding, choosing to not do a first look. This gave them plenty of time for to hang out with their friends and family prior to their ceremony.
Bradley and his TEN groomsmen grew up watching boxing matches huddled around a TV and stacked on couches and floors or apparently in each other's laps. I loved how affectionate and considerate they were to each other all while watching two men beat each other. Mom pulled me aside and told me that these were some of her favorite memories, watching them hang out and grow up together. She specifically requested an image of her watching the boys but the one of her smiling and surrounded by the men is what gives me a mini time machine.
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
After eight years together, Bradley said that this was really more a formality, joking they felt like an old married couple already. Every couple has their own special and unique way of curating how they do their wedding and my favorite trend of late is private vows. Besides keeping your ceremony short, they let you have the much more emotional moments privately.
While the couple snuck off, cocktail hour was in full swing. Guests were treated with instant ice packs to help cool them down while waiting for cocktails,
Reception
Grand entrances, toasts, garter and bouquet toss, cake cutting, first dances….so many moments so little time!
Portraits
It’s incredibly gross how many compliments I will give you when we do portraits. I apologize in advance, but the light will make your skin glow, your eyes shine and I will fall in love. Which is exactly what happened with Rebecca’s nose. I told her she has the most perfect nose. To my great surprise, instead of being totally weirded out, she laughed and said, “that’s what he always says!” Which of course led me to ask for some eskimo kisses.
Bay Area Pride at Great America
Bay Area Pride’s Inaugural Year - uniting the Bay’s colorful LGBTQIA+ communities, families, and allies for a celebration of diversity, inclusivity and joy.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, like you have to dim your light to survive in this world, you know how important it is to have a space where you can truly be free. Bay Area Pride might have been in it’s inaugural year- but the community feeling was so strong.
I had the honor of being invited by my good friend Sarah, the owner and creative behind Made by Mocha. She’s so friendly that within a few mins of arriving she knew all the other vendor names and becoming their best friend.
The day was capped with amazing performances by tons of Bay Area talent including Miss Queera Knightly and Red Corvette, a Prince Cover band. To give the feeling of all the color of Pride, I used all the decorations like balloons, streamers and flags to bring the rainbow to each performance!
“Bay Area Pride is more than just a single event – it’s a year-round commitment to celebrating, uplifting, and empowering our diverse LGBTQIA+ community, families, and allies. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, loved, and accepted for who they are.”
Connect with the Vendors!
Bay Area Pride - instagram.com/bayareapride2k/
Made by Mocha - instagram.com/madebymocha/
Preppy Parties - instagram.com/preppy_.parties/
Miss Queera Knightly - instagram.com/missqueeranightly/