Southern California Wedding: Brad + Marin

     Like most brides before an outdoor summer wedding, Marin knew that she was at the will of nature to some degree.  However, unlike most brides, a major fire in the weeks leading up to her big day threatened not only her carefully planned backyard wedding, but also her hometown of Idyllwild and nearby communities.  After a mandatory evacuation, she and her fiance, Brad, sent out a notice that the wedding might have to be moved.  Then they just had to wait, praying for those fighting the fire and for the safety of their neighbors and homes.

     With just days to go, they finally got clearance to return to her parents' home and were thrilled to find there was no damage to the property and no lingering smoke in the air.  They had lost weeks in which to prepare and finalize last minute details, but their friends and families rallied around them, pitching in to ensure that the wedding Marin had dreamed of - a rustic-chic wedding with touches of red, white, and blue - would come together in a place steeped in meaning for her and her family.  And at last, on their big day, Marin walked down the aisle with her parents and met Brad under the outdoor canopy of oak trees, surrounded by friends and family who traveled across the country and even oceans to see them marry, and everything was exactly as it should have been.

     Enjoy,

We've Moved! ... And a North Virginia Wedding!

I apologize for the radio silence as of late!  Things have been so crazy with moving halfway across the country and trying to get settled in, that this blog has been sorely neglected the last few months.  Yes, that's right, a few months ago we relocated to New York City!  It is by far one of the most hectic and exciting places to live and we are looking forward to all the adventures this new city will bring.

Of course, leaving Chicago was also very sad.  We'd really carved out a lovely spot for ourselves there and met so many nice people along the way.  To clarify, I am no longer accepting photography assignments in Chicago as a local photographer. Travel fees will now apply.  I will continue to offer reduced travel fees in Southern California as we are still partially based there.

I have absolutely tons of fun things to share with you, but first, I want to post just a few images from a lovely May wedding I photographed in Northern Virginia with the incredibly talented Nick of Nicholas Donner Photography.  Nick is based in Virginia and I am hoping for many more opportunities to shoot with him now that we are both on the East Coast!  Isn't the bride so classically beautiful? Please visit his website for many more images from this gorgeous wedding.


Enjoy!

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Ventura Wedding: Wes & Alicia

I was so unbelievably honored when Wes and Alicia asked me to be their wedding photographer. When I first started dating my husband, he told me that Alicia and her family were like a second family to him.  So when I first spent time with them, I knew they were really important to him and I was totally blown away by how they welcomed me as another sister/daughter/friend.

Naturally, we're both protective of our "little sisters" but as soon as I met Wes I could tell he was someone special.  He treats Alicia so well and she in turn lovingly supports him as they both embark on their careers and milestones such as buying a home together. You can tell that they are the real deal!

I am so thrilled to share some of the photos from their beautiful November wedding in Oak View!  A big thank you to the ever fabulous Shanna of Shanna Rene Photography for shooting alongside me and helping me capture a more complete picture of their special day.

Congratulations to the happy newlyweds!


Enjoy!

While I was taking photos of Alicia and her bridesmaids getting ready, Shanna snapped these great shot of the groom and his buddies.








The site, a private residence in Oak View, was simply a breathtaking backdrop for the ceremony beneath this old Oak tree.


















Alicia's amazing parents, Kate and Michael, did double duty and also performed the heartfelt and sweet ceremony.  Of course, they also snuck in some dance time together!












I can't remember what exactly I was saying here, but it was something like, "Seriously?!" Could she be a more beautiful, radiant bride?



Oh yes, I'm also hilarious too.



It was truly all ages out on the dance floor and everyone, I mean, everyone hit the dance floor at least once. I *may* have been out there for every 80's song that the fantastic DJ Myron played!









Another great photo by Shanna!




Thank you to the fantastic vendors who helped the day come together!
Catering: DJs Catering
Music: DJ Myron
Cake: A Gift of Taste