Nathan and Rose - Jack London Square Wedding

Tonight I photographed the wedding of Nathan and Rose Marie. We had a ton of fun working with the harbor area around Jack London Square in downtown Oakland, and enjoyed some of the first clear weather in days (with some dramatic stormy skies as well).

I started the day off with Rose getting ready in American City. Here are a few detail shots, with the beautiful dress and shoes shown off in a fun way. Every wedding I try and do something a little different with these details. Couple's spend a lot of time getting these wardrobes together- so it's important to capture them on camera. But it's pretty easy to take a plain picture of a wedding dress. I challenge myself to take a regular room, and make something especially artistic out of these moments.




I also realize that I've been neglectful in posting more candid moments on this blog. While artistic shots with great light are great to put up online- these candid moments are what really tell the story of the day. I like to hang back a bit and let things happen on their own- and these types of shots are actually my favorite. Quick glances, a shared moment, a heroic struggle to get into that perfect dress ;). These are moments well worth remembering. Here are a few of Rose and her bridesmaids getting ready.




Nathan and Rose-Marie got married in the Scott's Seafood Restaurant pavilion, a tented area with some great golden light and a view out over the harbor.




We took advantage of a great sunset to take a little walk and capture some more great images. What a beautiful couple!







The evening ended with dancing



And of course the bouquet and garter toss. Here's a funny moment that I captured too. What good is all the love, and other emotions on the wedding day without a little humor?





Congratulations to a fantastic couple! I wish you the very best.

Well, I'm back from Baja, and am braving the rainy weather here in California. The trip was fantastic! I've seen more cactuses in a week than I thought possible, and was in awe of the immensity of the desert area that surrounds Baja. Flying back to California, the desert just went on and on- not a drop of water in sight. It's amazing that whole cities can survive this these areas.

The trip gave me a much needed break, and prepared me for the next set of work and adventures I'll be having back in the Bay Area.

Baja

Here I am! What a wonderful place. Hiking, swimming, and venturing out into the rural desert has made for a wonderful week thus far.

Baja

I'm traveling again! Give me a little free time, and it's hard to stay still! Before starting back up with weddings at the end of January, I've decided to take a 12 day foray down to Baja. I'll be meeting up with a friend in La Paz to enjoy the sunshine, kayaking, and working on my Spanish.

I'll be away from Jan 10th- Jan 22nd. While I'm hoping to have access to the internet, I might be a little harder to reach than usual, and print orders during this time will be fulfilled when I get back on the 22nd.

I'll do my best to take some great pictures while I'm gone!

Yosemite

Just got back from a fantastic trip to Yosemite. The winter weather blew in a ton of snow and made for some amazing winter landscapes. After traveling all over the world, Yosemite still has to be one of my favorite places, and one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Here is a great scene of Half Dome overlooking the Merced River down in the valley.

Masy and Chris Wedding Album Design

Here's another design for Masy and Chris. They've gone with the great matted album that I offer, produced by a company called Queensberry out of Australia. It's a simple, clean look that's classic, and absolutely gorgeous. Certainly one of the most beautiful albums in the world once it all comes together. I'll be sure to post some images once I get the final product back. Here are a few of the layouts I put together for them.

Mike and Lorrel Album Design

As the New Year starts off, I have a new album design to share. December and January is often the time where I get to meet new clients, catch up on other work, and take a little bit of time for myself (we all need it ;). Mike and Lorrel's wedding was more than a year ago- and I was happy to create a wonderful album for them, just in time for the new baby they are expecting! Here are a few spreads from their 40 page magazine style album.