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 -

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?

The wedding took place at D&D ranch in Madera, CA, just 15 mins north of Fresno. I have to be honest, it was my kind of ranch – very eclectic, classy and refreshingly beautiful. I loved the open fields where you could see the blue sky and the tip of the mountains of the Yosemite valley. The ranch had a western themed area; we totally took advantage of it for photos. The couple took the dance floor to their first dance inside the red barn when the best man played their favorite song in guitar. Oh, and not to forget the burger bar!!! Who says you can’t have burgers at a wedding? I couldnt finish counting the topings for burgers!

Shooting Bri and Lee’s wedding was a unique experience for me. The bond each people in both the families share is beyond description. God is in their heart. They show the true meaning of love and relationship. It is a blessing to have such support from friends and families. I’m very excited for Briana and Lee and their fresh new chapter of life. Here are some images from their big day …

I met Katie and Sean early last year for their wedding in May of this year. It seemed like a really long time at that time. But sitting here right now, I don’t know how all these months have passed and they are now married! It has really been an incredible experience for me to shoot Katie and Sean’s big day at the Morgan Creek Country and Golf Club last Saturday! First of all, Katie is an incredible person! I know her even better now after her wedding, and I have to say that Sean is a lucky man And, so is Katie Sean is into sports. I saw the passion in his eyes when I went to shoot with the guys before the ceremony. When I was walking over to the bridge for his protraits, he asked me about Katie. The emotion on his face was priceless! He was so in love! He is a firefighter for the city of Sacramento which already tells a lot about his passion for life and the community.

I had an awesome time shooting with the girls. These girls knew how to work it, they were soooo much fun! It was super cold on Saturday (low 40′s) and very windy. But they kept the spirit up and I enjoyed shooting every moment with them. The night was still young when I left. The dancers were rocking the dance floor! The DJ played awesome dance mixes! And the cake was amazingly tasty!!! What can I say, it was a memorable night!

I’m incredibly happy for you, Katie and Sean! I don’t have appropriate words to express my feelings! Have a great time at the French Polynesia White sandy beaches and the wild orchids await you!

Every man loves a nice pair of basketball shoes!

LOVE it!

Love those shoes!