There’s something oh so special about Palm Springs.  Every time I visit, I seem to fall a little bit more in love with this quaint desert town.  From the cascading mountains to the cacti and desert shrubs, there’s so much to love.  And photograph.  Whenever I visit, I never want to put my camera down.

I had been looking forward to this wedding for months and months.  From my very first emails with Jamie, (and following along with all of her ideas on pinterest), I knew this wedding was going to be a beauty.  And boy was it ever.

Jamie and Mike’s wedding was held at the stunning Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs.  From the minute we arrived, this venue stole my heart.  It was truly the perfect backdrop to celebrate Mike and Jamie’s love and wedding day.  Family and friends came from all over to celebrate this special couple.  I loved so many of the details that Jamie and Mike chose like the mix of oranges and succulents.  Not to mention their amazing ceremony aisle runner which was one of my favorite wedding details that I’ve ever seen.

Jamie and Mike, words can’t quite express how thankful I am to have been a part of your wedding day.  You guys are so sweet and a complete joy to work with.  Thank you so much for the honor of documenting this special time in your lives.  I can’t think of a more perfect wedding to finish out our 2012 season.  A heartfelt congratulations and I’m so excited to see what the future holds for you both.  xoxo

A big thank you to my talented friend AnnaLisa Banuelos for second shooting.
Wedding Venue: Smoke Tree Ranch // Wedding Planner: Laurie Lund, The Events Department

Oh, the sweet sweet city of Monterey has such a special place in my heart.  It holds so many wonderful memories from my own wedding and seems to attract nothing but the best couples for us now as photographers.  Di and Blair are one such couple.

From the first time I met these two, I felt like they were old friends.  There was just an instant level of ease and comfort.  But it even goes beyond that. They invited us into their love story.  A love filled with some much joy and happiness that it puts a smile on your face and makes a lasting impression on your heart.

One of my favorite things to witness was how Di would create special moments with each person throughout the wedding.  It was truly heartwarming how she would invite every person into parts of the day and create a sweet and touching memory with them.  The love present on their wedding day – with each other, their families and their friends – was beautiful.  Between the toasts, the tears, the laughs and the hugs, it couldn’t have been a more perfect wedding day.

Di and Blair, we’re so thankful to have met you two and for the honor of documenting one of the happiest days in your lives.  It’s been nothing but fun getting to know you guys and your beautiful hearts.  We’re so excited to see all that the future has in store for a couple as wonderful as you two!  The biggest of congratulations!  xoxo

A special thank you to my talented friend Meg Tsang for second shooting.
Hair + Makeup:  Kim Larson Bridal  //  Wedding Venue: Old Whaling Station Adobe

It’s rare that I meet a couple for the first time on their wedding day.  But such was the case with Heather and Logan as they are from Texas.  They had their hearts set on a beautiful destination wedding in Half Moon Bay and that is exactly what they had.  Family and friends traveled from all over to share in the joy of their big day.

As we drove into the coastal town of Half Moon Bay on the morning of their wedding, the sun was shining and I was excited to meet this sweet couple. We arrived at the bridal suite and makeup and hair were underway with the talented Christina of Makeup By Quis.  The ceremony and reception were held at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links that sit right next to the Ritz Carlton overlooking the ocean.  And boy, was this venue stunning.  Even as the fog rolled in right before their ceremony.  It was a beautiful wedding filled with pretty details, happiness and lots of love.

Heather and Logan, thank you so much for the honor of documenting such an important and special day in your lives.  It has been a true pleasure working with you both and being a part of your big day.  I hope your California wedding was everything you dreamed it would be.  Wishing you both a lifetime of love!  xoxo

Hey there, pup.

 The sun disappeared and the fog rolled in fast before their ceremony.  Still, it was perfect.

A big thank you to my talented friend AnnaLisa Banuelos for second shooting.

There’s something about small, intimate weddings that I absolutely adore.  Pair that with a couple as wonderful as Courtney and Aaron and add a backdrop as beautiful as Monterey and you know it’s going to be one amazing wedding.

And it was.  Truth be told, I felt like a guest at this wedding even from behind the camera.  Which is a true testament to how warm and sweet Courtney and Aaron are.

We were welcomed to Monterey with some picture perfect weather.  The morning of their wedding was spent at both the Merritt House and the Portola Plaza Hotel where everyone was getting ready for the big day.  Their wedding itself was held at the lovely Old Whaling Station Adobe.  Courtney and Aaron chose to do a first look and all morning you could tell how excited they were to see one another.  When that moment arrived, it was beautiful. Both had smiles so big that seemed to never fade.  Their love for one another shined brightly all throughout their wedding day.  It was a true joy to be a part of and photograph.

Courtney and Aaron, you guys are a complete blessing.  I’m so thankful that you found us and for the opportunity to be a part of your wedding day. You both are two of the kindest people with hearts of gold that deserve nothing but the best!  xoxo

So many pretty and personal touches.  I loved all the beautiful details of this wedding.

Wedding pies with the cutest handmade toppers that I’ve ever seen.

There are some weddings that just speak to your heart.  Beauty that transcends all of the details, the colors or the venue.  It’s made up of the kind of love that you read about in fairy tales.  Only it’s beautifully real and a complete blessing to be a witness to.

Words can’t quite describe how much I loved being a part of Nettie and Clifton’s wedding.  It was a day so full of joy and happiness.  Surrounded by some of the nicest family and friends, these two said their I do’s in the adorable town of Portola Valley at a location that has quickly become one of my favorite places to photograph.  Their first look brought tears to my eyes and their ceremony inside a redwood grove was touching and beautiful.  From beginning to end, their wedding day was truly perfect.

Nettie and Clifton, you guys are amazing.  Such a beautiful couple, both inside and out.  I am so thankful for the honor of documenting your wedding day.  I’m so excited for you guys and for all the blessings that God has in store for you both. A big congratulations!  xoxo

Nettie’s gorgeous wedding dress is hands down one of my favorites I’ve seen.  Not to mention her beautiful long veil.  So much prettiness.

Oh first looks, how I love thee.

 Such great style.  Their bridal party definitely wins the award for best dressed.

A special thank you to Jana Long for assisting and second shooting.