Amy + Eric - The Formals

I have know Amy and her family for many years, actually decades (!).  One of her dear friends, and bridesmaids, is my cousin.  Growing up our paths would often cross in the neighborhood.  As we grew older we all attended the same high school, in fact, her sister was in my class.  And, as we grew even older my husband and her father have crossed paths on numerous occasions due to their careers in the engineering field.  

It still amazes me how small of an area Sonoma County is.

I was beyond excited to see Amy all grown up and as a blushing bride.  She certainly filled every definition of a beautiful bride.

When you add a handsome groom to the blushing bride the combination makes for some fabulous portraits in the vineyards.

For some reason, probably because my own five year wedding anniversary was two weeks after the wedding, I was thinking back to my own wedding during my time spent with Amy and Eric.  My mind kept reverting back to when my husband and I were young, in love, and as happy as can be.  I remember reviewing our wedding images while on our honeymoon in Belize at a questionable internet cage.  And I remember loving seeing our union captured, especially the way that he looks at me.  It is a lovely thing to capture for eternity - the way that a groom looks at his bride with pure innocent and undeniable love.

Having fun during your formal portraits never hurts...

As stated before, the bridal party was up for anything and they all truly enjoyed their time during the formal portraits.  I know that this time can be taxing...everyone just wants to go and celebrate (and I don't blame them!)  My goal is to always be efficient while having fun.  And, I think that we definitely achieved that.

The glasses make me smile...

Major props to Eric on this one...as we were headed out to take sunset portraits he asked for some images by the wagons on the property.  And, of course, these are probably my favorite set of images from the day.  Gotta love involved clients who feel comfortable expressing their own ideas on their wedding day.

Love seeing Amy's red shoes peek underneath her dress here...

A final image from a memorable wedding...

Amy + Eric - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to capture your wedding day.  It was a great day and I absolutely loved being a part of it.  Your families and friends were so welcoming to me and every single person was impacted by your love.

I look forward to seeing all that the future holds for the two of you.  It is quite clear that it will be bright and filled with endless laughter and love.  May these memories of 07.09.11 resonate deep within you for years to come.  Never stop laughing and loving...together.   xoxo

** Edited to Add **

There were a lot of vendors that helped to make Amy and Eric's wedding day spectacular...here are the details for other brides and grooms :)

DJ: Perfect Day Music

Wedding Coordinator: Lorin Rose at Lorin Rose Weddings 

Make Up: Jacqueline at The Makeup Art Academy

Hair: Tamara at The Leading Edge Salon

Florist: Sue Buhagiar

Cupcakes: Sift Cupcakery

Amy + Eric - The Details

I wrote a long blog post last night and then my internet went out and I lost all of my commentary.  Boohoo.  Sometimes technology and I have a love/hate relationship.  I could never live without it and once it slows up my productivity I may curse a little at my computer screen.  So, I decided that it was a sign that I needed to go to bed, which is exactly what I did.

The little details in life is what makes our memories unique.  I hold onto the details because they are symbolizes of a larger memory.

When behind my camera I love spending time focusing on the details.  Once the bride and groom have booked their vendors the majority of wedding planning is spent on the details of the day.  What jewelry the bride is wearing, the colors and types of flowers, the wording on the program and the menu cards for dinner.  All of these details make the wedding day a reflection of the bride and groom.  

Below are the small portions that tell the story of Amy and Eric's wedding.

The bride wore a beautiful sentimental necklace that belonged to her aunt who passed away six years ago.  What a statement and testament.

I love all things cupcake related and this cake table delivered in all of its sugary glory.

The brides parents put their love and time into the guest favors by brewing homemade 'I do' brew and crafting homemade jam.  What a labor of love for their daughter...

The brides parents on their wedding day was included on their table full of family photos.  I always enjoy when couples display photos of their family throughout the wedding venue, it really increases the personal touches throughout the day.

Since the couple met during college in Notre Dame it was only fitting to include colors, slogan, songs and even garters from their alma mater.  

The wedding party and entire guest list was a fun group of people who definitely lived up to 'playing like a champion today.' From the bridal parties dancing introduction to the conga line that organically started during dancing, this group was one to celebrate all of the details of Amy and Eric's wedding.  Large and small.

Amy + Eric - The Wedding

Yesterday was 07.09.11 and it was the perfect day for a wedding.  

Personally, I am a fan of fun number sequences.  Truth be told I love all quirky facts and tidbits.  My friends and family laugh kindly at my odd yet accurate memory for the license plate of their vehicles or the clothes they were wearing and what song was playing on the radio during a particular memorable (or unmemorable) moment.  Part of my love and memory for details is what drives my passion for photography.  When I look at a picture from my past I am instantly transported to that moment and all the facts and tidbits that made it a memory.

So, when this particular bride contacted me last year at the very beginning of her wedding planning I knew I was in for a treat when she was just as excited as I was about the sequentially odd date of her wedding.

There are many stories to share about this special couple.  As usual, I will spread out my blog posts to cover the event throughout the next week.  Today I am posting my favorite images as a sneak preview for the eye candy that is to come this week :)