Natalie + William. Engaged.

Natalie decided she didn't want a long distance relationship, so she broke up with Billy. She really needed her boyfriend by her side, accessible. She wanted someone that she didn't have to travel all the way to San Lorenzo from San Francisco to see. It may only be a thirty minute drive, but to a fourteen year old without a car much less a driver's license, the distance is more like an eternity. 

Twenty-seven years later, Billy found his way back to her. And this time he wasn't about to let go. She pushed, she shoved, she revealed her deepest fears and most personal stories. He didn't budge, he just reciprocated the gesture of intimacy and kept it real. It seemed they each had to go through hell before they would reconnect and recognize that they were soul mates destined to be together. 

Over seven years ago, Natalie was given six years to live. Over ten years ago, Billy reclaimed his life. She battled cancer, he a horrible drug addiction, and they're both winning the fight. Only, when your down, it seems like life kicks you in the gut a few more times just for good measure, so she may be in full remission, but now she's also face to face with multiple sclerosis and he's managing a couple health issues of his own. Again, despite the pain and confusion mentally, physically, and spiritually - they have both put their faith in something bigger than themselves. 

They walked through their fears individually, found a place of peace and actually, utter happiness. And just when Natalie was ready to accept that she wouldn't ever marry and have to relish in the company of her animal-house, friends and family, Billy reappeared and reminded her, the way she had reminded herself many times already, that the only limits in life are the ones we place on ourselves.

And isn't it ironic that she lives in Ecuador and he's still in San Lorenzo?! That life lesson can be reapplied in so many ways… and if you ask Natalie, she'll tell you, she's so glad she has changed her point of view.

It was such a pleasure to photograph these two. I can't wait for their weddings. Yes, that's right, when you've been through this much and waited this long, you do it twice - just for good measure. Biggest hugs to these two. I have such a big place in my heart for this couple and thank them for being powers of example in my life. XXXXX

Ram's Gate. Sonoma Winery.

If you're heading to Sonoma anytime soon, you're in for quite a treat. There is an amazing new winery that just opened to the public last week. It's Ram's Gate and is located down the road from Infineon Raceway at 28700 Arnold Drive. It offers everything one could possible want while enjoying an afternoon in the wine country or taking in a day at the track - open air seating, wine pairings with elaborate farm-to-table small plates, an expansive view, private dining rooms including an underground cellar, onsite barrel room, culinary garden, and chef demonstrations. The winery is able to host up to 100 private events each calendar year, so book way in advance. This place is sure to become one of the bay areas hottest spots.

Lucky for Alessandro and I, we were able to hop along for a private tour of the winery since one of our favorite people on this planet is the master mind who designed this project, Luca Pignata, of the renowned Backen Gillam Kroeger Architects. We're continually amazed by Luca (and his girlfriend, Brenda, by the way.) We admire them for a million reasons, and were glad to steal some time out of our busy schedules to be together this past Sunday. 

These are a few pix from the day - a slow, relaxing, delicious day which I didn't want to end. If I could, I would pack up all my belongings and just move right in. And just to show you the type of fantasy world I live in, while we were sitting there - for a split moment - I felt like we were on our own private vacation estate. A girl can dream, can't she?

Celeste + Jon. San Francisco Wedding. The Marine's Memorial Club.

A few pix from Celeste + Jon's wedding in San Francisco. Another First Comes Love 2nd shooting experience. All sorts of lovin' on Celeste's hair…

Happy Wednesday!

Mansi + Jason. A Wedding at the SF Zoo.

(photographed as a 2nd shooter for Alison Bank of First Comes Love.)

A couple weeks ago, I posted a sneak peek of Mansi + Jason's Indian themed wedding at the San Francisco Zoo. Here are a few more from the day… the day that made me happy to do what I do…. the day I remembered fondly one of my most favorite films of all time, Slumdog Millionaire (as they played the soundtrack throughout the day.)

My favorite moment (of many) from the film is the smile on Jamal when he realizes he doesn't know the answer to the last million dollar question and Latika is smiling on the other side of the phone line with the same thoughts. The irony of the moment is also their "ah-ha" moment as they realize, every moment has led them to this exact time and place and what's meant to be has been and will be, always, because "it is written." My interpretation of that is that everything we do in the present creates a map leading us to where we're going - our destiny. In my personal belief, we are destined for goodness when we live in God's light and love and have the courage and faith to continue walking even when it gets very very dark.

Wishing everyone love and light. Happy Tuesday.

Shelly + Aaron. Wilson Winery. Clarksburg, CA.

Another darling wedding second shooting for Alison Bank of First Comes Love. The venue, the details, the earthy and rustic charm…. it all made for a beautiful wedding day for this amazing couple. Enjoy!