Amy & Rick's Wedding. San Martin

Ceremony and reception at Clos La Chance Winery in San Martin. 

Amy and Rick knew exactly what they wanted. The first clue came in their inquiry where they requested the final product to be delivered almost entirely in black and white. I reread the email to be certain, that certainly was different. During our phone conversation Amy confirmed the preference for black and white images and that they wished to have editorial-type coverage presented in a press-printed coffee table album. They also hired International Strings out of Los Angeles to provide the music because they liked the demo reel better than local options. See? They know what they want. Awesome! 

Currently residing near Chicago, Rick was originally from the Bay Area so they decided to get away and host an intimate wedding party near family. This was also going to be a destination event for guests traveling from Illinois; Clos La Chance on the CordeValle property seemed like the perfect setting - an elegant location with top notch accommodations and close to relatives. 

That morning Rick took the boys to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve as Amy prepared her hair and makeup at a salon. We caught up with the guys at a villa in CordeValle. Rick had chosen a dark chalk-stripe suit and suspenders to play off Amy’s vision of a vintage 1920’s and 30’s style. Amy was in Clos La Chance’s bridal suite getting ready to put on her dress, a full-length sheath with a beaded belt and floret accents. She also wore deep purple hued shoes, a long veil, and carried a bouquet of purple Calla lilies. 

Amy peeked out the door as guests found their seats. Rick stood around the corner waiting for her entrance to walk down the aisle together. During the ceremony they both stood within a large circle formed by flowers that their guests had laid. In the late afternoon they exchanged vows against hills of Hayes Valley and the vineyard surrounding the winery. Later, after a little hiking and picture taking among the vines, everyone sat down together at a single long table. Per Amy’s request Bloomsters dressed the property with many candles and lanterns. It was a wonderfully relaxed evening with close friends and family. 

Floral Design: Bloomsters 

Cake: Dolce Cakes 

Music: International String Trio

 

Valerie & Justin's Wedding. Blackhawk

Ceremony at St. Victor's in San Jose and reception at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.

It's like six-degrees of Kevin Bacon. A previous client and Valerie when to high school together. Justin worked with the sister of a different KKP client. That client referred me. Valerie's and another client's family go to the same church. Valerie and I both have black hair. OK, that last one was a test to see if you were paying attention, but it is true!

Readers recall part of Valerie and Justin’s engagement session was photographed at the Niles Canyon Rail Yard in Sunol. You may have thought that they loved trains but truth-be-told, this couple is all about beer! We stopped briefly at Justin’s where the guys were assembling. Notably, each groomsman had a different set of cufflinks. The story behind Justin’s dated back to his brother’s wedding. He was in a spot and bought his at an antique store in Niles on the day of. They look pretty cool, I need to get myself a couple sets of vintage links! At the same time over at Valerie’s parent’s, Monina and team had hair and makeup running at multiple stations. We kept ourselves busy with details like the dress, bedazzled shoes, lockets, etc. Check out the dress form (aka mannequin) used to display Valerie’s gown, what a terrific idea!

I last photographed at St. Victors five years ago when Jennifer de la Cruz and Michael Padua were married. Valerie’s was a childhood parishioner of St. Victor’s and returned now for her wedding. After the ceremony, Valerie and Justin had a surprise for their guests, the Wow Silog Truck. Yes, a roach coach was in the parking lot serving up Filipino snacks! Yes, haha, guests of the wedding after ours was taking advantage of it too!

That afternoon we took advantage of Blackhawk Plaza and photographed the couple and wedding party around the property. A museum anchors one end of the plaza and houses a collection of classic cars. The reception was hosted amongst Ferrari’s, Bentley’s, Jaguar’s, Alfa’s, Benz’s, … and beer. A testament to Valerie and Justin’s persuasion, tables were outfitted with coasters donated by many of their favorite brewers. They even had a special bottling just for them! The beer references don’t stop there. Somehow The Delicate Daisy was able to get their hands on Hops, lot’s of Hops, Hops were everywhere.

Honeymoon? Hah! Oktoberfest of course; across Europe!

Thank you James and Sotheary for referring :D

Event Coordination: Events by Satra
Hair/Makeup: Moderne Beauty - Monina Wright
Floral Design: The Delicate Daisy House of Flowers - Roxane Rockwell
Cake: Edith Meyer
Music: Pierre Galang
Videography: MiCha Videography
Photo Booth: 247 Media