Angela + Brett Orinda, CA

Good morning blog world!  We had a really fun shooting weekend - a San Francisco engagement and gorgeous wedding in Carmel, and hope you all had a super Labor Day weekend too!  To ease back into the work week, we're sharing Angela and Brett's "fairytale casual" wedding!

What is fairytale casual you may wonder?  Well, it's what Angela and Brett instructed their guests to wear, and while it's open to interpretation, one thing that's for certain is that it leads to a whole lot of fun.  Angela and Brett know how to have a good time, and when you bring together some wizards, Aladdin, Jasmin, steampunk inspired  Burning Man costumes, and grown men with butterfly wings running around it's guaranteed to be a crazy party.

These two were married atop the hill in Brett's parents' backyard in Orinda.  Surrounded by tall pines and food and drink carts scattered throughout the property, guests dined on fresh oysters, paella, home brew and creme brûlée.  Of all the weddings that Adm and I have photographed together, this one has to be the most enchanting.  Thank you, Angela and Brett, for marching to the beat of your own drum.

Photo below by Adm:

Next four photos below by Adm:

Photo below by Adm:

Next two photos by Adm:

Vandeep + Ashminder in El Sobrante, CA

What would you say if your photographer took her shoes off while photographing your wedding ceremony?  If you follow my blog, you already know I love learning about cultures I haven't experienced before.  When the opportunity arose for me to second shoot a Sikh wedding, I jumped at the chance.  I have to thank Duke for bringing me along to help him photograph Vandeep and Ashminder's wedding at Gurdwara Sahib in El Sobrante.  It was an amazing experience and a total color explosion!  Because of the gorgeous fabrics and colors the women and men are wearing, I kept all of the photos in color.  And yes, I photographed the ceremony without shoes because everyone took their shoes off before entering the Sikh center.  You can check out Duke's amazing portfolio here.

Beth + Daniel in Santa Maria, CA

Let's be honest, we gush about our brides and grooms. We are very lucky to have great couples who we really click with on so many levels.  Beth and Dan, being among our closest friends, in our eyes are the most amazing people ever.

The day before their big day our friends had a small Catholic ceremony in Santa Maria, and we were lucky enough to photograph their intimate family gathering.  We only photographed their ceremony and a handful of portraits, but we were so happy that we were able to help contribute to their wedding.

Their big wedding that they've been planning for a year followed the next day at the Dana Powers House, and for that, we put down our cameras and partied away.  Seriously, they had one of the most fun wedding weekends ever, and we could not be more happy for two people so deserving of all the best life has to offer.  Beth and Dan, we love you guys!

Beth's Bridal Shower

Here are a few images from my dear friend Beth's 1920s vintage tea bridal shower!  It was hosted by another bridesmaid (also named Beth), whose gorgeous home was the perfect setting.  Beth's mother and aunt decorated the place with tons of antique china, doilies and linens, many that belong to Beth's grandmother.  All of us bridesmaids pitched in with the food, and Beth found adorable vintage white gloves on eBay to hand out as party favors.  I thought I'd share the shower since is was completely DIY.

Beth flanked by her mama and sister!

Look mom, I made the scones and cookies!  Aren't you proud?!

Beth's fiancee Dan did a surprise pop-in with a bouquet of red roses!