I don't even know where to start!  This wedding was so fun and unique on so many levels.  Lori and Matt got married in Watsonville at the Pemo Oso Ling Tibetan Retreat, its this beautiful venue located in the thick of the redwoods.  I have now been at this venue several times, and it just doesn't get old!  

What I love about Lori is that although her life has lead her to the mainlands, her heart is still attached to Hawaii... and for those of you who know me, know I share a similar story.  Lori was born and raised on Oahu and it wasn't until she moved over here to attend Stanford University did her life take her on a journey that would lead her to the love of her life, Matt.

Lori and Matt brought a little bit of Hawaii to their wedding through all their beautiful flowers:  plumeria bouquets, orchid boutineers, and tuba rose lei's.  She had me there:)  Nothing like the smell of a tuba rose to bring back all your childhood memories of the islands.  After their beautiful ceremony the bride and groom entered into their reception with grand force, from one side of the party comes running out tuba players, drummers, saxophones, etc.  and on the other side the bride and groom merge themselves into the festivities of the STANFORD MARCHING BAND... or at least those that were in the band during their college years.  They played three songs where Lori and Matt shared in the instrument playing to band leader... My mouth was dropped wide open and my finger was stuck on the trigger.... it was AMAZING!

It was a wonderful reception that included heartfelt toasts, a live band, and two very personalized performances by Matt and Lori. The first was a jam session with Matt and his old band mates and the second was a hula dance performed by Lori and then later joined in by Matt.  Beautiful!   All in all, I have to say this one goes down in the books as another favorite of mine!  Loved it!

Nights like this truly make believe that I am meant to do what I do.  I mean who gets such a breathtaking night on the coast in July, combined with two beautiful people, and all the love and emotion all wrapped up into an amazing moment.  But really, what puts it into perspective for me is that they chose me again to capture this special moment for them.  A second in their lives of special moments, as I also had the extreme honor of capturing their wedding day last May.

Although Lauren was extremely sick on her wedding day, the love between these two was so apparent that I could only feel blessed to be the one to capture it.  And again, I was honored to have that feeling all over again.  Nothing brings more happiness to my heart than to know that there is going to be another soul brought into this world surrounded by love and positive energy.

What makes a wedding fun to capture for me?  Well this wedding pretty much sums it up.  Culture, elegance, love, and carefree.... yet chaos free!  

I first began talking to the bride Agustina's mom about two months ago... amazing lady. Within two months, Mercedes pulled off an elegant event for her daughter that would have take most people a year to create!  Good job Mercedes!  Agustina, from Argentina, is 4 months pregnant and is just glowing... was it the baby or was it the love or maybe a little bit of both!   Whatever it was, Chris and Agustina were just beaming all night with the love that pored in from literally all over the world, as most of their guests, on very short notice, flew in from as far away as Argentina and Amsterdam.  Amazing! 

The wedding was at one of my favorite churches, St. Mary's Chapelin Moraga.  It’s a beautiful campus and just a breathtaking church... but the reception, a place I had never photographed at, is simply put, nothing but elegance.  Diablo Country Club is a throw back in time to what a country club used to be.  Its old school charm and its elite sophistication made you feel as if you just stepped into a place for the rich and famous.  

Had the mother of the bride left it at that I would have been sold... but she continued the fun and festivities with an amazing live band, a photo booth, cigars for the guys (although there were a few girls out there), and a rose petal send off at the end of the night.  

I left there with a big smile on my face at the end of the night, sure I worked my tale off, but it was just so nice to see all the love that pored into this couple and a wedding and party that really came together without a glitch in sight.  And ok even though I worked.. I had so much fun too!

Yes, I said it!  But not to anyone new... I think my husband and I could rock the Long Branch Saloon.  Talk about a venue that covers it all.  Kevin Palmer, the owner of Long Branch Saloon, has taken his passion to a new level.  It is a picturesque, straight out of the movies, old western town feel nestled into the country side of the Half Moon Bay Coastline.  He has done such a tasteful and artistic job of really bringing you back to the old days in a sweet and vintage sort of way.  What I loved about the Long Branch Saloon is that you have a wedding that can be kept intimate but not confined... allowing for everyone to really enjoy the day.  From bow in arrows, to miniature golf... to the old style gambling saloon complete with poker tables and roulette... if you are not a dancer, there is sure to be something for the young at heart to enjoy.... and if nothing else, kick back and enjoy the creation Mr. Palmer has pulled together... it truly is magnificent!

The couple, Vanessa and Jordan, also put their special touches on the day.  From vintage wear to custom cocktails and games, this wedding was definitely a fun one!