Triple S Ranch Styled Shoot | Today's Bride | San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photographer

The Triple S Ranch, a new wedding venue in Calistoga, created the perfect backdrop for this colorful modern meets rustic styled shoot designed by the talented Anna Marie Events. We had a lovely overnight stay in the on-sight cabins, enjoyed the brisk outdoors, and fawned over how beautiful Venita looked in the Rosa Clara gown. To top it off, all the fun we had can now be seen on news stands in the most recent issue of Today's Bride. A special thanks goes out to this talented team for your warm hearted companionship, unwavering professionalism and die hard work ethic. You're the best! 

Venue: Triple S Ranch // Design: Anna Marie Events // Photography: Sandra Fazzino // Dress and Accessories: Nouvelle Vogue // Floral Design: Soulflower // Stationary: Paper Monkey Press // Illustration on Stationary: Lisa Solomon // Models: Venita Collier and Justin Rutter with Exalt Agency // Hair and Make up: Elizabeth Chang of Skyla Arts Makeup & Hair // Desserts: Crisp Bakeshop // Rentals: Wine Country Party // Rentals: Blueprint Studios // Linens: La Tavola Linens // Jewelry: Ben Shemano

Published | Wine & Wedding Guide Destination Weddings Italy

Each year, my husband and I return to the northeast of Italy to spend time with his parents and extended family, but we're also sure to travel and explore new places. We take this opportunity to be in each other's company, enjoy good food, and rekindle our love for each other and a culture that lives deep within our hearts. Just last summer on a train from Sorrento to Naples, a native asked us if we were newlyweds. Blushing, I confessed we've been married for more than seven years. She pushed every romantic button in my soul when she responded that we still seem very much in love. She noted how kind and respectful we are to one another and how she can see that twinkle in our eyes. This incident alone is testimony to the affect Italy has on us. 

That is why it is so wonderful to contribute to the Wine & Wedding yearly guidebook and contemplate on all the beautiful destination weddings that will take place there this spring through fall. Planning a destination wedding in Italy from the other side of the ocean can be daunting, but these lovely women have you covered. Whether gathering information from the guidebook or taking advantage of their personalized services, you'll find everything you need to begin planning your perfect affair. If you know someone planning a destination wedding in Italy or you're planning one yourself, I think you'll find this guide very helpful. 

xo

Blessings

"What is now proved was once only imagined." William Blake

Feeling grateful for a growing business and the wonderful people I'm meeting along the way. xo

Bring It, 2015!!

Wow! Can life get messy?! 2014 was such a challenging year. It's hard for me to admit defeat, but I'm pretty sure I was held down for the count somewhere in the days and hours that we transversed this last orbit around the sun. BUT! There was also a surplus of goodness that filled my days this year, too. Here's a little recap. But before we dive in, here's my favorite photo from 2014. xo

Teresa looks so coy and feminine in this photo. I love the curves of her shoulders and the delicate smile on her face. 

Let's start with some of the tough stuff, shall we?

- My dad passed away in April. We hadn't spoken for three years. Although, I did write to him often, I fear I'll never fully be at peace with my decision to keep the distance between us.
- My brother pulled some major schemes that had me ripping my hair out. (I'm his legal guardian and he's 15.)
- We experienced the worst move ever. Like, really, ever. ever. ever. Mind numbingly horrible.
- A family circumstance has left me on my knees. I thought the worse thing that could happen would be what I listed in No. 1, but God has other ideas.

At one point, due to all of this, I was curled up in the fetal position on my bedroom floor sobbing. Haven't had a moment like that in decades. This year was about feeling broken and raw and getting it all done despite the pain, confusion, and absolute mess that I was in. A lot of prayers were said, and I have to say, by Grace alone, this year turned out to be abundant in more ways than one. 

Now, for some of the good stuff:
- My dad passed away a week before Easter, and we held his services just after Easter Sunday. My brother, his son, came to live with me 2.5 years prior. The sacrifice my father made in accepting that my brother was here with us is beyond my comprehension, and I don't even have children of my own. He knew that Shane needed safety, security, and peace, and he selflessly let him go despite how crazy in love he was with my brother. The point is, saying good-bye to him during the Easter holiday reminds me of God's immense love for us in sacrificing his son. That was so comforting and timely.
- Those schemes that my brother was up to - and had been up to the whole time he's been with us - they've melted away. He's maturing, making amazing friendships, enjoying extra curricular activities like cross country, track, and being an explorer cadet for the MPPD. His schedule is far busier than mine, and he's risen above his heartache like no one I've ever known. So very proud of him.
- One small aspect that made our move tough was downsizing. Little did I realize, it would mean more quality time with family. We can't really escape each other any more. Ironically, it's bringing us all closer. I like it.
- The upside to number 4 above is that I'm relying more and more on my Higher Power.
- My work was published in Today's Bride and on Magnolia Rouge.
- I worked with some top notch wedding planners.
- I shot a wedding in Sorrento, Italy!
- I vacationed along the Amalfi Coast.
- I collaborated with some terrific vendors on styled shoots.
- More work is slated to be published this year. Stay tuned!
- I hosted a birthday party for my 97 year old grandmother. The whole family was there, and we had a great time catching up. (Headed back to celebrate her 98th in two weeks!)
- Elisa Bunell came into my life! She's my amazingly fabulous new hairdresser. I swear, a good hair cut and color can make a girl feel so much better! She uses the balayage technique. Will never go back to foil highlights again.
- Through it all, I've fallen more in love with my incredible husband. He is such a gift and a treasure. I adore him with all of my heart. He was patient with me when I was a wreck, supportive of me when I needed a push, and made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. God, I love him. 

Here is to another year of ups and downs and all the goodness, love and support that will fill our lives along the way! xo