Marni & Andrew's Los Altos History Museum Wedding

This was my 3rd wedding this year at the lovely Los Altos History Museum. At the time that Marni and Andrew booked me, this was going to be my very first Jewish wedding. I talked a lot with Marni's mom about the details of the day and she lovingly explained the traditions. What struck me the most about Marni, Andrew, their traditions, and their wedding was that family is truly the most important part of a marriage ceremony. Each tradition focuses on the couple and those closest to them, having their parents, siblings, extended family, and honored friends surround them for the Tisch, Badekin, and Hamotzi. While some weddings feel a bit tense and chalked with nerves, this wedding day was jovial, happy, and full of love. A Jewish wedding is a true celebration and I hope that I get to photograph a lot more of them. Thank you Marni and Andrew for allowing me to witness such a beautiful day through the lens of my camera. Your wedding holds a special place in my heart.

For the Love of Weddings | My book on Amazon!

During my past slow season I decided to sit down, open a Word document, and start writing everything I know about getting started as a wedding photographer. The words and chapters flowed out of me with such ease that before I knew it my document was dozens of pages long and over 16,000 words. I wondered what to do with what I had created and was encouraged to self publish. The process was not always easy but I knew that I had to see it through to fruition. I'm a big fan of hiring experts for most things so self publishing was a challenge. After several proofs and revisions, my book was finally as done as it was ever going to be and I hit "submit". Seeing the first copies in print were an out of body experience. I made this? I actually wrote a book? I've never hated writing but it's not my passion either. Weddings are my passion, and I suppose that's what made it easy. I'm in my 5th year of shooting weddings which I know is not all that long in the grand scheme of things. I have a bit of self doubt wondering if more experienced wedding photographers think I'm a hack for writing a book on something that they've been doing a lot longer than me. I'm reminded of this quote:

I'm nervous. I'm excited. I hope people like it. I'm proud.

Go and check it out :)

For the Love of Weddings: A Photographer's Guide to Starting a Wedding Photography Business

Mitch & Christine's Forest House Lodge Wedding | Foresthill, CA

Can I shout it from the rooftops? I GOT TO BE A GUEST AT A WEDDING! Okay, not the whole wedding, but the reception :) Mitch is one of my husband's best friends and when he and Christine got engaged I offered to shoot the prep, ceremony, and portraits for them. My hubby was one of the groomsmen and the entire wedding was filled with some of our favorite people. For the reception I suggested that they hire the very talented Anita Martin Photography - Anita captured so many great moments while I got to sit down with a drink in my hand and enjoy the wedding sans camera. It was a blast! So, a bit about Mitch and Christine. How many wives truly love their husband's friends? I do. I am so lucky that Will and I have had Mitch in our lives since the day we met. We have so many great memories shooting the breeze on our patio, BBQing, camping, and other fun life events. When we heard that the ever-single Mitch (sorry Mitch! haha) was dating someone, Will and I were so excited to meet her because we knew that she must be awesome. From the day we met Christine we knew that she was "the one" for our friend Mitch. She is one of the most laid back, funny, and kind people that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She understands Mitch's sarcasm and dry sense of humor and knows how to dish it back. I've always felt like one of the guys in our circle of friends and Christine is the same way. Hanging out with Mitch and Christine is one of my favorite things to do and one of the things I miss most about living in Sacramento.

Words cannot describe how happy I am that they found one another. They are two peas in a pod, best friends, and I know that their marriage will last a lifetime. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and a part of your wedding day!