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Happy New Year!

The new year is here! While I understand it’s simply another Wednesday and nothing has truly changed since yesterday, it feels like a very transformative time; even more so that years past because of the changing of the decade. It’s time to transcend to the next version of ourselves. Today marks the pinnacle of a time of renewal. A time to affirm goals and envision our brightest future.

For me, that future includes growing my client base as well as my family. (I’ll settle for a small dog or a small human, they will be equally loved.)

It includes improving my work, challenging myself, and thinking outside the box more often. (I plan on doing lots of personal creative work this year!)

It includes finding my ideal client and giving them exactly what they want as an artist. (POWER TO THE PEOPLE!)

It also includes solidifying my personal relationships as well as professional ones and carving out paths that lead in positive directions I haven’t even figured out yet. (2020 includes a LOT of love and adventure!)

As cheesy as it sounds, today is the first day of the rest of our lives! I strive to remember that this year and treated every waking moment with the respect and focus it deserves. Cheers to a ridiculous growth spurt in 2020!

Rafael: The Real Life Superman

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The Palacios family came into my life for a Give Back Session in the early Fall of 2018 and I am so incredibly grateful to have met them and captured a small part of their journey.When Jackie first reach out, we spoke candidly about the fact that her strong, hard working, smart, loving husband had just been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She explained that all the members of their family were scrambling to wrap their minds around it, but that one thing was certain: they wanted to take photos with the entire family right now to commemorate their tight knit bond before treatment started, “just in case”. When someone says “just in case” in a conversation like this, you don’t even have to think. You hold back the tears stinging your own eyes and say, “absolutely I can fit you in, are you free Saturday morning?”.

When we met that morning I was blown away by the smiling and laughing faces before me. There was no moping and no sadness, just endless love and appreciation for their patriarch and everything he’s done for their family. Jackie and Raphael have 4 amazing kids and a whole gaggle of adorable grand kids. He was very recently blessed with an additional granddaughter that he was able to meet and enjoy. I relished the experience of seeing Raphael interact and draw strength from all the joy he was surrounded by. He was definitely a fighter, and his whole family would be the team he needed to get him through this. They constantly assured me they’d be right there with him every step of the way. It came as no surprise to me that Rafael is affectionately nicknamed “Superman” by many of his friends and family. Even before his diagnosis he was working out, giving back to his community, and overall living life to the fullest. It is with a heavy heart and tremendous sadness to have learned of his passing over the past weekend. He was in hospice at home, surrounded by his beautiful family, and I know he felt loved and treasured in his last moments with them.In hindsight, the nickname Superman seems to have come with a purpose; to be a reminder of his strength in all of life’s challenges. Rafael was Superman and Superdad and no one will ever forget that. If you’re wondering what you can do to celebrate Rafael’s life, take some time to give to The American Cancer Society and/or attend their fundraiser, Relay for Life, this coming Saturday. Please also send all of our thoughts and love to the Palacios family during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in Peace Superman.

George & Elisa’s Rainy Day Wedding in Livermore California

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Imagine this; it’s three days before your wedding and the skies are pitch black. Rain is pouring down and there’s no sign of it stopping. Your venue, an exclusively outdoor historical site, has just informed you that you need a special permit to put up tents for your event. The permit will take weeks to acquire. Imagine switching venues for your entire event that same afternoon and imagine handling it with such grace and charm and humor that guests wouldn’t even know it it all happened just a few days before your wedding, save for the call informing you of the new location.

Elisa and George were THAT couple. Along with their planner, Kelsey at Avida Bridal, they were able to find a solution within hours and move everything around. Their acceptance of the situation and roll of their eyes at the twist of fate before them was right in line with their incredible character. They are kind and lighthearted and full of love for each another, which in no way was dampened by the stormy weather. They were lucky enough to still be able to get ready at and do their first look at the Ravenswood Historical Site in Livermore, where they had originally intended to do their entire wedding. The covered wraparound deck was the perfect spot for an intimate and tearful; first look. It’s always beautiful to watch the raw emotions unfold between a couple so in love. After braving the rain for a couple of fun group portraits we headed over to their new ceremony site, The Barn in Livermore.

Their beautiful lavender laden arch looked perfect against the rustic aluminum siding of this rustic indoor venue. Their purple table linens and pops of color in the flowers throughout brought a cheery disposition to an otherwise gloomy day. There was a very sweet walk down memory lane in the form childhood photos interspersed with sweet treats to snack on while viewing. Of course, the rain let up directly after their ceremony for just enough time for us to head outside and get some beautiful couples photos. Even mother nature wanted to give these two a break on their special day.

One of the most exciting parts of their day was when they did a long held German tradition called a log cutting ceremony. The couple uses a traditional two-person saw to cut through a large log. The tradition aims to symbolize the first challenge the couple will face as husband and wife. George and Elisa may have had a slow start, but they got their rhythm and ripped through their log in a little less than four minutes. With a solid high-five to seal the deal, this couple had officially passed the first test of married life!

Along with being fantastically fun people all around, Elisa is also an incredibly talented musician. She showed off her skills and intertwined a violin performance with her deep love of George. The couple then shared a sweet first dance with a couple of twirls and a lot of smiles. The epic party came to a close with a ribbon wand exit as these two headed out into their future together. I’m so happy I was the one who got to capture their day, it was such an honor to be there!

Congratulations George and Elisa! ❤

Meghan and Kyle’s Blooming Spring Wedding at The Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek California

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As wedding season gets into full swing, I often find myself grinning at memories of past events and daydreaming about what wonderful memories I’ll get to capture in the upcoming year. I met Meghan and Kyle last year when we booked their engagement session and we were instant buddies. We chatted wedding plans over countless glasses of wine, shared belly busting laughter over memes and videos, and even snuck in a family photo session for Meghan in the Fall. All the way up to their day, they were nothing short of gleeful and great to be around. I was super pumped once their wedding finally rolled around in March!

Meghan got ready at her sister’s house with her BFF’s while watching a rotation of wedding themed movies (i.e. – Bridesmaids, 27 dresses, etc.) Kyle was busy attempting to stay as sober as possible while his guys enjoyed some beers at the local pub. (He did a darn good job around those crazy dudes, if I might add!) Their wedding took place at the ever stunning Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek, California. Nestled in next to a man-made pond and a natural lake, the garden and fields all around the venue always have something blooming. The ceremony took place under a beautiful vine covered pergola with purple flowers all around. Kyle was nothing but smiles as he watched his beautiful bride walk through the garden and down the aisle to him.

After ending the ceremony with a big smooch and an excited hurrah, we wandered into the Garden to find a private spot for Kyle and Meghan to read each other their personal vows. Although we couldn’t hear them, we could feel the strong impact their words had on one another. It was a truly beautiful moment. After vows we squeezed in some sweet couple photos right at the golden hour before heading inside to their awesome reception.

Megan is the baby in her family, so the wedding was a big deal for everyone on her side. Her dad gave a hilarious toast involving stories of her as a child, including an heirloom stuffed bear that spent the rest of the night next to the wine glasses on their sweetheart table. Where you usually expect the brother of the groom to embarrass his older brother to no end, Kyle’s brother’s toast was incredibly thoughtful and tearful. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house after his kind words. Of course, it was all balanced out by the best man and his antics afterward. 😉

Once toasts were made, dances were had, cake was cut, and the bouquet was thrown, it was time for one of the crazier dance parties I’ve ever been apart of. Highlights include the best man splitting his pants wide open during the very first song, Meghan spinning around on the dance floor like a princess who just discovered pop music, and myself getting commandeered mid-photo and twirled around the dance floor, cameras in hand by an enthusiastic guest. All in all, their entire day was one I won’t forget any time soon.

Working with couples like Meghan and Kyle makes me take stock of my life and remember how impactful and fulfilling my job is. Not only do I get to be a part of so many big days, but I get to be the one to help people relive them for years to come. It’s an unbelievable joy to do what I do and I feel just so insanely lucky to do it.

Cheers to the Degoey’s, the radest couple around. 🙂

Photos: Katherine Elyse Photography // @LoveKEPhoto

Wedding Planner: An Everlasting Moment // @AnEverlastingMoment

Venue: The Gardens at Heather Farm // @GardensHF

Hair and Makeup: Madame Me Makeup & Hair // @MadameMeBeauty

Floral: The Bloom Bar // @TheBloomBarCo

Entertainment: Eric Marquez (DJ Eric M)

Catering: Havana // @HavanaCatering

Eryka and Neil’s Chic Loft Wedding in Downtown Los Angeles

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Usually I’m an outdoor wedding kind of gal. I love me some tall grass and golden sunsets. But when Eryka said the words “LA loft wedding” I couldn’t say “I’ll DO IT!” fast enough. Eryka and Neil have been together forever. I remember them being deeply in love all the way back when we knew one another in college at Chico State. They’ve since traveled the world together and lived abroad, raised perfect baby frenchies, and made all of it look effortless and exciting.

I was thrilled when they asked me down to LA to shoot their incredibly sheik loft wedding. The Hotel Indigo was the perfect compliment to their urban loft space, with tall open windows and modern accoutrement throughout. Of course, Eryka couldn’t get ready without her dog of honor. That little one totally stole the show! After a sweet first look in the lobby, it was off the the gorgeous loft for group photos and meeting up with the rest of the bridal party. Their ceremony was filled with gut busting laughter and sentimental tears, making it all the more obvious these two sweethearts are totally meant to be. The night continued in a joyous fashion with hilarious toasts, a romantic first dance, and a truly one-of-a-kind (almost) cake fail. The couple laughed and danced all the way into their happily ever after, which is exactly the way it should be.

I’m super stoked for these two and I wish them all the best in their marriage. May it bring love, laughter, and (hopefully) more furry friends. 🙂

Lauren and Clayton: A Vintage Inspired Wedding at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza

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I met Lauren and Clayton at a bridal fair in 2018. We hit it off after Clayton and I discovered we both had a deep love of true crime. We talked shows, movies, and podcasts before finally moving on to chat about their wedding. Lauren described her style as vintage with a heavy dose of rock and roll and said they were more interested in candid shots of them enjoying their day with their friends and family than formal photos. I felt like we instantly got each other’s vibe and I was thrilled when their wedding day finally came.

The Hotel Shattuck Plaza was the perfect venue for this quirky couple. The decor screams unique vintage, with colorful wall paper and monochrome tiles throughout. Lauren fit right in with her fit and flare wedding dress and Marilyn red lips. Clayton was channeling some serious Mad Men vibes as he sipped whiskey and got into his dapper 3-piece suit. These two are a match made in old school heaven!

Everything from their ceremony to their wild reception went off without a hitch. Some favorite moments of my time with them include: a massive bridal party photo straight off the pages of Vogue magazine, their grand entrance to “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins (drum solo acted out perfectly), a hysterical reading of Clayton’s old OK Cupid dating profile by Lauren during toasts, a serious mosh pit in the middle of the reception, the most ridiculous rendition of the shoe game I’ve ever witnessed, and everyone dancing to “The Time Warp”. I am so stoked I was able to be a part of their day and I’m happy to say that I’ve made yet another set of lifelong friends in this couple.

CHEERS TO THE TRAYLOR’S!

Lauren sprinkled bits of tiki vibes throughout her day, bringing a pop of rich jungle colors to each event.

No one was more excited for Lauren than her gaggle of gorgeous bridesmaids. She looked like an absolute vintage vision!

Clayton was throwing off some serious Don Draper vibes while getting ready. Of course, not every moment can be a serious one when you’re surrounded by 8 of your best friends drinking whiskey.

The ceremony took place inside Hotel Shattuck’s newly updated bar/ceremony space. The full white draping gave it a dreamy and intimate feel.

Everyone deserves a high five when “I give you this wing… RING” is uttered by BOTH the bride and groom during their vows!

What do you do when you have a bridal party of 16 plus the bride and groom? You out on your best impression of a Vogue cover shoot and hope for the best!

These two were just so in love… wandering around the hotel for couples photos was an absolute delight.

Lauren loves everything rose gold and shiny, so their reception decor was tricked out in pink sequins. Their bar was tiki inspired, with signature cocktails to match the theme. Their dessert table was something out of every sweet lover’s dream and their awesome guestbook was a mish-mosh of polaroids and signed records.

If you’re not acting out a drum solo during your grand entrance, you’re doing it wrong!

The toasts were hilarious through and through. We found ourselves laughing along with them throughout!

There’s nothing like first dances. Lauren mixed things up by dancing with her mom as well as her dad. These two ladies really turned on the waterworks.

The shoe game is a fun was to interact with your guests and friends during the reception. Both a bride and groom hold one of each persons shoe. Questions are asked about their relationship (i.e. – who is the better cook or who talks more?) and the couple raises the shoe of the person they think fits the questions best. Sometimes they’re in agreement, but sometimes they hilariously disagree and everyone involved has a good laugh. Lucky for these two love birds, there was very little disagreement.

There’s nothing like cake in your face to get the party started!

Rowdy doesn’t even begin to describe this incredible dance party!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Traylor! ❤

Lisa and Sean: Swedenborgian Church Wedding + Hotel Kabuki Reception

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Lisa and Sean are a quirky and fun couple who put on all the stops for their amazing San Francisco wedding in September. Lovers of both culture and architecture, their ceremony was held at the stunning Swedenborgian Church in San Francisco and their reception was held at Japan Town in SF at The Hotel Kabuki. The church is over 120 years old and provides a rustic and enchanting backdrop for weddings of around 80 people. The Hotel Kabuki is in juxtaposition to the old world church, with plenty of modern pop art and colorful decor. The combination provided the best of both worlds and made for a stunning day from beginning to end.

Some of my favorite moments of Lisa and Sean’s day include her adoring aunt doing a live stream on behalf of her family who couldn’t attend for nearly the entire day, their adorable dog sprinting down the aisle in the church, a rad wall of records at the entrance of the hotel reception where they popped a bottle of champagne, and all the swaggy ridiculous dance moves them and their guests busted out all evening long. Their day was full of goofiness, laughter, joy, and LOTS of dancing; I feel so incredibly lucky to have been a part of it! For your convenience, a vendor list can be found at the end of this blog post.

CONGRATULATIONS LISA AND SEAN!