We met Lisa and Eller through our studio manager and niece, Belle.
They had a sweet ceremony at the fantabulous Wente vineyards in Livermore.
Their wedding at Wente was a perfect reflection of them, from the vibrant colors of their florals to the Jones soda pop and guitar picks on the tables. Gentle hints of what makes them, “them”. They were just so relaxed about everything, and it shows in their pictures. Their wedding was filled with gentle smiles, stolen kisses, and the occasional wrestle hold.
Me: I wish we were as cool as them.
Him: We’re cool.
Me: I think the fact that we’re having a conversation about being cool makes us un-cool.
Ceremony/Reception: Wente Vineyards
Florals: Hien Nguyen of Flower and Paper
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography
Wedding Ceremony: St. Patrick’s San Francisco
Wedding Reception: Hotel Intercontinental
A few weeks before her 18th birthday, Janelle had a portrait session. She arrived with her whole family. Upon first arrival, her dad (whom I affectionately call Sir Leo) stared at us, with a silent demeanor as if to say. I am here to ensure you don’t screw up. He scared me with his silence.
Then, five minutes into the shoot, Sir Leo walks to where I’m testing the light and says:
Can I test the light for you?
And strikes a series of poses that had me laughing hysterically. And from that moment on, we knew that this session would be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.
We’ve done so much work for Janelle and her extended family, that with every event, we feel more and more a part of their clan.
You guys rock.
Oh, and boy can Janelle rock a pose.
FAQ of the day
When should we schedule our engagement session?
Answers vary. It really depends on what you are using them for.
For SAVE THE DATES: Save the dates are actually a pre-invitation to your wedding. The fine details may not be in place yet, but you want your guests to block that day off. You wouldn’t want your favorite aunt to miss your wedding day because she had non-refundable tickets to the Rick Springfield cruise. Save the dates usually go out at least 4 months before the wedding. It takes us a couple of weeks to process/edit your images. Then, you may need a couple of weeks to produce the save the dates. So, for this purpose, you should schedule your session at least 5 months from your wedding day.
For Guest Books: For guest books, then you’ll want to schedule your engagement session at least a 5 weeks before your wedding. That way, you have 2 weeks for us to edit and another 3 weeks to order your guest book (if you’re ordering the guest book from us, we usually have it to you within 10 business days).
Just because: If you have your save the dates and guest book covered (or aren’t doing them at all), then you can schedule your engagement session whenever you are ready.
Remember, it’s never too early to schedule your engagement session. But, there is one pre-requisite we do have. You have to be ready. Mentally ready. Don’t be rushed to do an engagement session. We want you looking and feeling your best. I know a lot of people wait for specific weather (fall, summer, or spring)…or for things to settle down at work…or are maybe waiting to look their best (we’ve personally postponed our own holiday session 3x already because Alfred and I are trying to lose some weight…I just hope we get them done before Ella moves out for college). Whatever the case may be, whenever you are ready…we’ll be here. Cameras loaded and ready.
