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!

Hastings House Wedding and Backyard Celebration

What a simple but elegant wedding.  These two chose simple ingredients and really designed a wedding that was intimate and unique to them.  It started at the Seal Cove Inn which was the perfect backdrop for the first look and the family portraits at the nearby majestical forest at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. We then moved on to the Hastings House, which is this beautiful seaside garden in the scenic town of Miramar.  This place is near and dear to my heart because I too chose to say my vows, 18 years ago, in this magical garden.  But if those two ingredients weren’t enough of simple and meaningful locations… we then moved onto a private residence that belonged to the groom’s father in Redwood City. They transformed this simple backyard into a celebration surrounded with their closest friends and family.  It was truly a special day.

Countryside Family Portraits // Family Portrait Photographer // San Francisco Bay Area // Half Moon Bay, CA

Living in Northern California, Half Moon Bay to be exact, we are fortunate enough to live where the mountains meet the sea. With that said, some might think it's obvious to capture your family portraits by the ocean, as it truly is magical… and I won’t disagree, if that is what describes your family. However, the country offers a natural setting that can really amplify the spirit of your loved ones…. if you are still torn, we can even find locations where the mountains meet the sea, such as the bluff tops of Montara… or just play in the tall grasses of the country, or find locations like Cowell State Beach that have country like roads that look like they go on for miles.

If you are a more rustic person, and/or just want something different, let me capture your next family portrait utilizing some of our amazing mountain sides.

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Photography and Portraits in Northern California by Shanti DuPrez

Half Moon Bay, CA

Montara, CA

Cowell State Beach, CA

Mavericks Bluffs

Portola Valley Town Center

Children Photography// Children's Portraits// Kid Photography// Baby Portraits // Half Moon Bay, California

Its very rare (so rare, I can’t even think of an actual time) that I have walked away from a photo shoot and not feel satisfied after capturing children and their innocence. For me, in some ways they are easier than adults because they have nothing to hide if approached right. The trick is finding that sweet spot, that spot that will open up to a giggle, or a tender moment that can only be seen usually for a split second.

I remember photographing my own kids before they “loved” the camera… that was a bit tricky, especially for my oldest, who getting to smile was like pulling teeth… and after each shoot I would be left sweating as if I just ran a marathon, but I walked away with my reward… the reward of capturing that golden stage before the next growth occurs. Don’t miss out on this time, its too precious!Portraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon BayPortraits by Shanti DuPrez / Children Portraits / Photographing Children / Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, Ca

Roosevelt Beach, CA

Dunes Beach, CA

Pillar Point Harbor, CA