Friday, June 24, 2011

Grandest of Pianos {Napa photography}


A beautiful Friday in June I headed to Napa to do a different sort of photoshoot. It didn't involve babies or couples or families... but it still held so much meaning. Let me back up a little. I received a sweet email from Shanna and she described to me an idea she had for a gift for she wanted to give her mom, Susan.

You see, 18 years ago when her mom became engaged to her Step-dad, Dennis, he gave her a beautiful, white grand piano as an engagement present - and most guys just stop at the ring! ;) Tragically, Dennis passed away about 10 years ago. In his memory, the piano has been beautifully displayed in Susan's home. Presently, Susan is selling her house because of circumstances out of her control which sadly means the piano has to go to storage for an undetermined amount of time. Due to space limitations in the new place, there most likely will not be room to display the treasured piano.

And here is where Shanna's idea came in... Even though her mom may not be able to display the actual piano, why not capture a photo of it that her mom can always have with her no matter where life takes her. So that is exactly what we did! :) From the sunlight pouring in from the windows, to the amazing bird-of paradise (Susan's favorite flower) picked right from the garden, it was perfect! I hope the photos are able to bring to mind many wonderful memories whenever they are looked upon.


There is special significance in that little cowboy boot. Dennis & Susan won it during a square dance competition!
Love it :)




Shanna, thank you so much for contacting me, it was a pleasure to work with you! And I still think it's a good thing you are an only child because I think you definitely may have earned #1 daughter spot!

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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Mike & Jenn {Cherry Valley wedding}


There is something so refreshing being around two people so in love, and so in love with life. That describes Mike & Jenn to a "T"! Mike & Jenn's first dance was to Jack Johnson's "Better Together" & there was no denying they felt every word of that song. When you have the one you love by your side, life is just simply, better when you're together!

Mike & Jenn were married at a beautiful venue in Cherry Valley, CA ~ the Edward Dean Museum. When you think "museum" you might not immediately thing "wedding!" but when I saw the gorgeous grounds of this place I was so excited to shoot there!




Because of the distance between us - I in Northern CA and Jenn in AZ, we weren't able to meet until the day before the wedding. Sometimes that might be difficult, but not with Jenn - she was so fun & easy going. That same fun, easy going attitude surrounded Jenn the entire wedding day - zero Bridezilla here folks!



And what a beautiful bride she was, just look how stunning she is!



Before the wedding started we grab some shots of the guys. Mike was very calm, cool, and collected. And looking handsome as ever!



Jenn's dress was lovely, I wanted to keep it for myself! So flowy & romantic. (spell check says that flowy isn't a word but I must disagree)




And then it was time for the big event, all the months of planning where happening NOW. And let me tell you, they couldn't have picked a nicer to day to get married, not a chance!



Introducing... Husband & Wife!


One of the reason the day was so fun to capture was that I got to spend a fair amount of time with Mike & Jenn's bridal party. They were awesome. For example, this photo!


Now for one of my favorite parts of the day. The time I get to sneak off with bride & groom. Right as the sun was setting, no less! :)


LOVE this one. I think this photo deserves to be on the cover a fairy tale story book.



Everywhere we went on the grounds of the Edward Dean Musuem there were these perfect spots to take photos in.





The reception kicked off with a romantic first dance, ever so nicely choreographed. I even had some extra help documenting it ;)


Dinner was awesome. Not only was it delicious BBQ it was cooked on this rad wagon BBQ!


This cake was delicious! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!




Mike & Jenn had a fantastic photobooth at the reception! Seriously one of the best ideas ever. My second shooter Ty & I even jumped in and took a couple pictures. So fun!


Some of the bridal party decorated the getaway mustang! (aka Fergie!)


And I shall end with one of my very photos of the day. Congratulations Mike & Jenn! And a huge thanks to my AMAZING second shooter Ty LaMothe! You were wonderful!


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