Merlo Park, Stirling City Engagement photography: Chelyse+ Larry
"People are strange when you're a stranger..." Luckily for Jena and I, Chelyse and Larry didn't feel like strangers after the first 5 minutes of their engagement session. We met them at Merlo Park in Stirling City for this session which was perfect because it is a beautiful backdrop to showcase their love for one another. Chelyse has fond memories of feeding the fish there (even way back when there were Koi fish!) and she loved the waterfall while Larry was in awe of all of the different varieties of trees and flowers the park had on display; however, it all paled in comparison to how this couple lights one another up! They are so at ease in each other's company, making our job a dream! Everything about the time we spent with them just exuded genuine sweetness; from the way that they couldn't get enough of each other's kisses, to the dreamy grin on Chelyse's face when she talked about how Larry proposed with an adorable little teddy bear, to how Larry giggled and got the most mischievous twinkle in his eye when we asked him to blow a raspberry on Chelyse's cheek for a photo! They just made us swoon!
We chatted about their hobbies while walking around the ponds and through the trees and they spoke about how they love karaoke-- The Doors for Larry, specifically, "People Are Strange" (see what we did there 😉) while Chelyse loves singing to anything! They love their husky--not the fur so much-- and also work on building their garden and watching it grow. They are also so in love with their children; Chelyse has a grown son and Larry has FIVE daughters (bless that man!) You could tell by the way they spoke that they are excited to blend families and involve everyone in the wedding-- Jena and I CAN NOT WAIT to capture these moments for them! When families come together to grow by more than two, there is an extra special kind of magic involved; one that only has room for more and more love to bloom.
In just three and a half short months, “They are goin’ to the chapel and they're gonna get married!” Jena and I are both honored and excited to be the ones that get to document the day that they say "I do" and make it official for the rest of their lives.
Sedona Elopement Photographer: Zach and Samantha Rothschild
Check out this elopement, I’ve been posting sneak peeks for the last couple weeks but finally the Blog is here. Samantha found me on a Facebook post searching for vendors as they had to cancel their weeding due to covid. Making the decision to elope to Sedona may not have been their first choice however it was a beautiful one. Meeting up, I first met Samantha’s father, and Grandparents. I learned they had yet to see the bride so we set up a first look for them. The photos will not disappoint. Samantha’s Dad became overwhelmed at the sight of his daughter and moved me to tears. Grandma and Grandpa also looked at Samantha and joy and pride beamed from them. You could see just how loved our bride is. Once we set forth to the ceremony site I pulled Zach away to get him all set up for the first look of his very soon to be wife. While calm and collected Zach admitted to being a bit nervous but overall excited to be getting married to Samantha. He was a natural model, I’d make a suggestion he’d be set in pose before I could finish my request. (making my job soooooo easy) I had him wait on the path while I brought his bride to be back for their first look. Samantha’s beauty strikes again, taking the breath away from her groom and moving him to tears. Zach turns, his face was full of surprise and admiration, clutching his chest in disbelief he was shook. As Samantha walks toward her groom he starts to cry, they embrace and she dries his tears. Giving them a few moment to soak it in and appreciate the moment I just keep clicking away. Once they were ready, I took them to another little spot just bit away from their party to keep their moment uninterrupted. These two were so easy to pose and work with like previously mentioned I’d make a suggestion and before I could finished they were posed into exactly what I was looking for. Soon the Minister arrived and we began the ceremony, The Sedona Mountains surrounded them making their ceremony a magical spot. Immediate family watched while the couple said their vows and were married. Simple sweet and to the point.
Samantha and Zach,
It was a great honor to capture your wedding day, I hope you love the images as much as I do! May you have a long successful and happy marriage! Cheers!
Chico Engagement Photographer: Madison and Logan
This couple! OH MY GOODNESS! There's some people you meet in life and a bond is instantly formed. For Madison this could not have been more true, we met at the Chico Bridal show and instantly hit it off. Madison was enjoying the show with her mom and swung by the booth and filled out my questionnaire. She got stuck on the "What's you favorite movie/show?" her mom responded "Grease duh!" We got to chatting and instantly we just clicked. Jena and I left with her being one of the last brides we talked to and we were stoked "If she's the only bride we book today it's a win in my book." A few weeks later BOOM! I had a message from her in my inbox! YESSSSS! We set up a meeting to meet with Logan and talk about packages and pricing. Some times meeting with the groom for the first time he may be a little quiet will let the bride talk mostly, but Logan was equally interested in getting to know us and like Madison created an instant bond. It is no question as to why Madison and Logan have chosen forever together, they are absolutely perfect! Logan is super laid back and fun and the way he looks at Madison its as if the world stands still for a moment. Madison and Logan have faced many obstacles in their relationship and have grown so much closer from them it is very clear they are best friends as well as in love.
Jena and I are both so incredibly excited to capture your wedding day!
I hope you love these images and weren't too terribly covered in mosquito bites!
Nevada City Ca, Wedding Photographer Miner's Foundry Cultural Center: Mr. and Mrs. Coady
Jack and Sarah brought so many new and exciting aspects to their wedding experience! For one thing, while they loved my overall photography style, they also asked for some highly romantic and dramatic style to be added. I was so excited to have a new challenge! The fact that they chose to have their wedding at the stunningly beautiful Miner’s Foundry Cultural Center in charming Nevada City made the challenge almost effortless.
While the venue was gorgeous, it was the way that Jack and Sarah looked at each other that truly stands out to Jena and I. The love that shines through as they gaze at one another is what made their photos remarkable; and the way Jack looked at her as she walked down the aisle was pure bliss!
We also had a lovely surprise when, as we were taking photos of the wedding party after the ceremony, we were approached by a nearby business owner who offered to us the use of his nearby courtyard! The hospitality and generosity of Mountain Pastimes were a wonderful and much appreciated surprise to the bride and groom. The climbing ivy and vintage lamppost were the ideal setting to capture the drama and romance that our couple was looking for!
To top it all off, we were awarded a beautiful sunset to complete their photos as we walked back to the Foundry.
From there, they enjoyed the rest of the evening surrounded by delicious traditional Irish food, heartfelt toasts given by loved ones, dancing, and scrumptious cupcakes made by the sister of the groom!
We hope you love seeing the memories of Jack and Sarah’s wedding as much as we loved capturing them!
