He travelled from Minnnesota and she was from Nor Cal. Fate brought them together and the relationship took a turn where there was no looking back. They travelled to many places together. It was only a year ago when they decided to make it official during their vacation in Paris. I don’t have the words to describe the incredible story they have; it was like a dream, almost like a movie that I’d want to watch many times over. The ceremony was magical! The story of love their family and friends shared were truly remarkable. I felt warm tears rolling down my cheeks as Nicole and JP took their vows. I could only imagine the moment they promised their love to each other on one of their many long walks in the New York streets.

It was a celebration of love; the love Nicole and JP shared, the love their dear family and friends had in store for them. The Italian Celebrezione took place at the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. The Carriage House is absolutely gorgeous. This was a wedding I have been waiting to shoot since I heard all about it from Nicole. Details, details, details…there were a lot of thoughtful details in this wedding. Nicole looked absolutely stunning on her Selia Yang designer gown. Beautiful vibrant color of hot pink & magenta added an extra charm. They had a Italian style sit-down dinner at the lawn infront of the Carriage house. The course began with delicious Caprese salad with the sweet tomatoes that Nicole’s mom grew in her garden. I had a pleasure of capturing Chef in action while he plating the salad.

Nicole and JP had a very unique ceremony. Family and friends were seating in a circular setting, Nicole, JP and the reverand of the day, Adam, Nicole’s brother were in the middle. Como, their adorable Golden Retreiver, had a special pillow to relax on while the ceremony was in progress. There was a vintage Vespa parked in front of the Carriage House, Celebrezione sign hannging from the balcony. They had vintage maps of San Francisco as guest sighning sheet. Nicole and JP took the stage to their first dance with the beautiful melody of “At Last” by Etta James, performed by the incredible, Bay Area band ”Pride and Joy”. The night continued with the covers of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and many more.

I was honored, thrilled, overjoyed to be a part of Nicole and JP’s matrimonio. I fell in love with their family one more time (I first met them at the Bilardello+Hill wedding who also are incredibly wonderful)! I was touched by the love in every heart (I swear I’m in not making it up even a bit). And after knowing them so well and how they treated me, I felt like a part of their family. I just hope that I get to see them again in the near future.

Nicole and JP, I’m beyond excited for you! Have a fabulous time in Santorini!

Grazie, amore!

Love the vintage maps of San Francisco…

Circular ceremony …

The orange book and iPad…technology meets tradition…

The first kiss as mr and mrs …

Dinner tables…

Chef from Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa setting up the salad plates…

The first dance…

Last but not least, Nicole’ shoes! Gotta love those shoes! 

Location – Charles Krug Winery, Carriage House, St Helena, CA

Coordinator – Kellie Magna

Florist – Sarah Padilla

Awesome band – Pride and Joy

Caterer – http://www.travignerestaurant.com/

Photographer – Nudrat Owens

Tiffany looked breathtaking on her Casablanca gown. And Gustavo, on his traditional Salvadorian outfit, looked equally handsome. The bridal party was gorgeous on their mixed & matched peach-yellow-pink dresses and white Salvadorian shirt. I have to say, Tiffany picked the perfect flowers to go with her style. They were simple spider-mums, but I don’t think any other flowers could pull off that look they were going for. The wedding took place at the Lakeside beach, right before the sunset. The magic hour was perfect for their romantic ceremony. Beach front reception was beautiful at the Lakeside Beach and Grill. The bestman’s speech was one of the best, I have to say! And then the dancing…can’t write enough about the dancing skills of the bride and groom. I was especially blown away by Gustavo and his mom’s Latino dance…it was one of a kind!

The night ended on the beach with a sparkler exit of Tiffany & Gustavo. It was a spectacular night for all. I am so, so happy for the gorgeous couple. Once again I realized why I love weddings so much…the opportunity to meet such beautiful people who are also bautiful at hearts, and I get the honor of capturing their most special moments. Thank you, Tiffany & Gustavo, for having me their on your wedding day. I wish you the very best in life.

Now enjoy a few of my favorites from the day.

The first look moment was so tender -

Mehnaz and I were close friends in 3rd-4th grades. Not just classmates, we used to eat lunch together during out lunch breaks. She was a dancer; I used to get suoer excited whenever she was on TV. Then she moved away to United States and we lost touch. Fate (AKA Facebook) brought us back in touch. It’s not that I searched her name on a friend finder. She was a contact in my cousin’s friend list and I happened to see a comment she posted on my cousin’s page. BINGO…we are back in touch! Not only that, I’m shooting her wedding in Phoenix this Thanksgiving.   

I had the pleasure of meeting Manny, Mehnaz’s finace, last weekend for the first time. I was so happy to see them so in love. Mehnaz is a dear friend of mine, I’m so excited to have the opportunity to photograph their wedding.

Ann chose vibrant colors of red, yellow and orange roses for their wedding flower. I loved the petal decore on the aisl runner. And the crazy lighting at the reception was simply awesome. Here are some of my favorites from their big day.

The lighting is crazy or what?

We headed to Sacramento Capitol park for her session. I had a great time shooting, capturing the fun and fancy moments for her senior pictures. Here’s just a few from her session.

1. Icing on the Cupcake – My favorite cupcakes now-a-days! If you are local to the area (greater Sacramento area that is) you must try these! Heavenlyyyyyy!!! Their Red velvet cupcakes are my favorites so far, and I don’t even like red velvet cake. Go figure! I suggested a friend of mine to have these on his wife’s surprise birthday party. He went to the store and texted me immediately after trying out the samples. I was on my way back from work, but I had to take a detour and stop by the cup cake store to pick up a couple! Yummmmm!!!

2. The Presidio of San Francisco – I heart SF! One of my favorite cities in the world! There wasn’t a time when I did not enjoy my time there. A weekend ago J and I drove over to Baker beach for Nicole and JP’s engagement session. We drove around the presidio on our way back. Once we entered the park, we had to stop the car and take a picture of this beautiful site! Clouds were moving over, covering the tress! It was like a dream! I could sit there for hours (until I freeze probably) and watch the clouds moving.

3. California State Fair – we were the first timers to the Cal State Fair this year. That only happened because I ended up buying a poppy pack (4 entry tickets, 4 ride tickets, 1 parking pass) that were being sold at work for dimes. So we went to the fair this year with two other friends of us. The brick of potato chips, deep fried cheesecake and a crazy ride made me sick (well almost) but it was fun! I might consider going there again next year.

I’m excited about Ann & Josh’s wedding next weekend. And then I will be traveling to the south for work and photoshoots! It’s going to be a super-busy-next-few-weeks, but that’s a good thing right?