Two Cultures One Love. Half Moon Bay, CA

One of my favorite things about what I do is to be a part of cultures that are different than my own. This particular day puts the icing on the cake though.  This wonderful dat blended two very distinct cultures, Hindu and Judaism, with all the amazing attributes each bring into their traditions.

This day was all embraced in the magical and coastal Bach Dynamite and Society venue.   Rustic and intimate with views of the ocean was the perfect location to embody this day. Alena Jean of Alena Jean Flowers hit it out of the park with her combination of a mandapa and chuppah. The ceremony itself started with the Jewish elements of signing the ketubah to the breaking of the glass all facilitated by the family rabbi.  The hindu ceremony then took place after in which included the 7 blessings and circling of the fire all orchestrated by the family of the groom.   A lot of these cultures such as the blessings have similarities which always leaves me awe struck how two very different cultures and countries are still bound together by a universal belief… just written and presented slightly different.

To Harsh and Emily, Mazel Tov!  Bandhai!

 

Winters Park Magic

My first wedding back in full swing since February of 2020.  After 26 years of capturing weddings, I have to admit the pause was exactly what I needed. And to come back to my first wedding after the pandemic to this magical day was exactly what I needed for a breath of fresh air.  The Inn at Park Winters in Winters, CA is a magical venue complete with vista views, a vintage mansion and an old farm house.  Pair that background with a beautiful bride and handsome groom and about 150 people from my hometown of Half Moon Bay, and it was such a perfect day in every way!

 

Beautiful Kings Mountain Wedding

If you have never traveled the redwood tree lined road of Skyline you are truly missing out.  There are a few magical spots within this majestic forest to say your vows and I think I stumbled upon a new one this summer.  Henrik Ibsen Park in off of Skyline in Kings Mountain (also mapped out nestled into the hills of Redwood City).  Although, I think this may be a rare treat as I’m pretty sure you have to have an in into this majestic Norwegian property…  But on this one summer day, I had my in… and I was so glad I was able to capture this!

Ciara and Will created a fun and magical day .  There day started with a “fake” first look as the best man dressed up in a bridal gown and gave Will a lasting impression.  This really set the flavor and the fun for the rest of the day.  Although, a fun DIY wedding, the venue was elegant and glowing decorated with twinkly lights, and the gorgeous flower arrangements from Flora and Fauna!   The sun was shining, the vows were touching and everyone was happy to be apart of such a magical day with a loving couple!

DIY Ranch style wedding in Half Moon Bay

Oh this DIY wedding was off the hook!  I remember meeting with Emilie and Will a month before their wedding.  The wedding took place on there ranch South of Half Moon Bay.  When I met with them on this beautiful day in May, I have to admit, I was a little worried as their barn that was to house the celebration of about 200 guest was still very much under construction!

Although, knowing this family, and the village they have around them… my concern was only mildly there… and completely left on the day of when I showed up to capture this breathtaking day! So, yes, everything you see at this wedding was creative, do it yourself, and done with a whole lot of love for this couple.  This post is a year over due, but definitely did not want to forget about the highlights of this day!