Dara & Darin - Puerto Vallarta Mexico

I love it when people do things a bit out of the ordinary. I'm sure it's hard to do something different when it's a major event like a wedding. Weddings have been around for a long time and are chalk full of tradition. Traditions that never seem to vary really. But this couple, who both come from traditional Jewish families, decided to get married in Puerto Vallarta Mexico in February. It was three days of fun and sun with close family and friends. If you want to do something a little different with your wedding you should think about a destination wedding which may even be cheaper than having a large traditional wedding here in the states. This wedding was at the amazing and very private Casa Macumba and was flawlessly coordinated by Pricilla Arminio of prisavarllarta events. I heard twice that the bride thought the day went exactly as she envisioned it.

The view from my balcony...

Casa Macumba...












Something really out of the ordinary for a wedding, fire dancers!

Vicki & Craig - Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ca.

This post is a little late since it was the last wedding of last season and now I'm getting ready for the 2009 season. But like I said my one and only resolution this year is to be more grateful so I need to say a few words about this amazing wedding that I was fortunate to be a part of.
I just can't believe I've had the good fortune to be a part of three weddings in beautiful Carmel/Monterey area. Carmel-by-the-Sea is not your typical California beach town, can't you tell by the name? Not just Carmel, but Carmel-by-the-Sea please. The landscape is rocky and dramatic and is often foggy in the summer, but nonetheless a really beautiful charming town. In fact Craig and Vicki decided to get married there instead of where they live, the Bahamas!
This wedding was probably the most intimate of the year, only about 20 guests. We were able to spend a lot of time with this couple so we drove around looking for locations to shoot. We took pictures beforehand at the state beach and then again the next day at the uber secluded and modern Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. They even got in the cliff side jacuzzi at the Inn fully dressed without much persuasion. Now that's taking advantage of their locations to the fullest. What a way to end the season. Here are some of the highlights.

Why Not...

The second edition of Why Not involves wedding dress fabric alternatives.

We all know of the typical wedding dress fabrics, duchess satin, chiffon, lace, organza, etc. Beautiful as they may be some women just don't want to wear a dress of the traditional feel. Either their weddings are of a more casual affair or they just want something unique and non-traditional. May I introduce the idea of Jersey? I know, I know, upon hearing Jersey I instinctively think of a few unflattering images myself..the Jersey Turnpike, Jersey Girl the movie, and my ex-boyfriend from Jersey...but give it a try. This fabric actually drapes nicely and is very comfortable. Having a garden or beach wedding this summer? Any one of the dresses below would be perfect and can you believe they are all under $300? Simple, chic and affordable.

Shelley & John - San Ramon, Ca

Oh how sweet and down to earth Shelley and John were! I new the minute I met them that I wanted to be their wedding photographer.
This couple was helping set up decorations minutes before they walked down the isle while greeting guests and family members. Never have I seen such a calm, cool, and collected couple on their wedding day. It was a great night and I feel that their happy and stress-free attitude had such a major part in it

Erin & Bob - Half Moon Bay Ca.

So lately I've been thinking about how lucky I have been with all my weddings I've shot this year. In particular all of the couples have been so sweet and wonderful to work with. Erin and Bob are an especially sweet and lovely couple that got married in Half Moon Bay at the San Benito House in their beautiful garden area. Erin wore her mother's wedding dress that she made back in the 70's and it fit her perfectly! Not many brides would do that these days, but I could tell that it meant a lot to Erin and as well to her mother by the proud look she had every time she looked at her daughter.
Oh and her makeup was flawlessly done by the talented Jira at wow pretty. Ladies, I cannot stress the importance of make up applied professionally for your wedding. Erin is a natural beauty yes, but even those with natural beauty need help with make up if you are going to have your picture taken because digital images can be unforgiving especially with harsh flash. We have all seen those pictures of the stars caught without makeup. Pick someone who has experience with make up application for film and not just everyday wear. Just consider it. I promise they are harmless and will not make you look unnatural. They will just enhance your beauty for perfect pictures.